NCM growing to meet changing, increasing needs in Gwinnett

NORCROSS - Norcross Cooperative Ministry (NCM) is a faith -based, non-profit ecumenical ministry dedicated to providing emergency assistance to families in parts of Gwinnett County and is another of the Georgia non-profits participating in Saturday's "With A Servant's Heart," an initiative of Governor-elect Nathan Deal, calling attention to volunteerism in the state.

NCM is supported by 23 churches in the Norcross area as well as individuals; business, civic and social organizations; and, foundations.

Co-president Jack Lane says "we serve about 1,050 clients and a client to us is...anywhere from one person to a family of ten. We enable them to come and get food and clothing and get support. We primarily serve the five zip codes that are directly around (Norcross)."

NCM was found in 1988 when several churches joined together with a mission to provide services to low income and homeless families in the Norcross area. During the first several weeks, food was provided to two-to-five families a day. As the needs have changed and increased, so has NCM which now serves 50-70 families per day and its services have expanded to include food, clothing, financial assistance, English classes for speakers of other languages (ESOL), a job ministry, small support groups and referrals.

It has also expanded to other areas of Gwinnett County.

"There's a co-op in Duluth and there's also one in Lawrenceville," Lane said.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the second in a series of reports this week profiling some of the non-profit agencies tapped to participate in "With A Servant's Heart." Some of the material contained in this article was taken from the NCM Website.)

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/1/235005