About WE CARE

Mission Statement: Offering the Hope of Christ Beyond the Help of the Crisis

What is we care

The Mission

WE CARE Ministries is an
ecumenical Christ-centered
ministry that exists to share the
love of Christ beyond the
physical help of the moment.
Our purpose is to draw people
closer to Christ by helping to
meet their basic financial needs
in times of crisis or transition
according to biblical directives.
WE CARE becomes a link to join
those who desire to use their
resources to help others with
those who are in need of
assistance.

Our History

WE CARE Ministries began in 1973 when the First United Methodist Church of Martin received a donation for $3,600, which was designated to be used for people and not for bricks and mortar. This donation provided the seed money for WE CARE to begin a ministry with transportation and emergency assistance. The Thrift Store followed a year later.

1990 - Ecumenical

In 1990, WE CARE expanded into an ecumenically
supported ministry, followed by additional growth in 2002,
offering eight programs of assistance. Seven denominations
participate actively in the ministry. By combining the
resources of the churches within the community, WE CARE
could better serve the community by assisting more people
the same rather than the same people more.

Today

Today, WE CARE Ministries has expanded with our partners to
establish a strong ministry with thirteen programs to provide help for immediate and special needs. WE CARE programs fall
into six categories: public support, family support, seasonal
needs, hunger relief, educational, and spiritual growth.

WE CARE Ministries is not government-funded. 100% of all
financial donations are used to directly assist those who
come to our doors for assistance.

Location History

1973 – September, the beginnings of WE CARE Ministries at the First Methodist Church.
1990 – WE CARE Ministries became an ecumenical ministry.
1993 – Moved to Old Sears Building on 310 North Lindell Street.
2003 – Moved to Old Fred’s Building on 530 North Lindell Street. Purchased in May 2003,
moved into the building on September 14th, 2003, and paid the building off in January 2004.

WE CARE Ministries Directors

1. 1973 -1977: H.B. Smith – transportation and emergency assistance direct aid, thrift store added in 1974, and food pantry
2. 1977 – 1982: Bob Hayes
3. 1983-1988: Ann McKenzie – Mother’s Day Out and assistance with Meals on Wheels, Disaster assistance, Christmas Program
4. 1989 – 1994: Laura Wells – Prison Ministry Program, Self-Help Program, coordination of volunteers for the Meals on Wheels Program, reached out for the ministry to move to ecumenical ministry
5. 1994 – 1994: Angie Horn
6. 1995 – 1996: Danny Zickafoose
7. 1996- 2002: Sondra Todd – Back to School, Missions
8. 2003- 2023: Betty Baker – WE CARE Kids, Encouragement Devotional Service, Budget Counselling, Rise Above, Business and Industry Partners Assistance, Dental, Vision, Education and Literacy, Baby Shower for new babies, Paid Meals on Wheels Meals for seniors on the waiting list
9. 2023- Current: Angie Schott

Our Executive board

President – Jacky Gullett
Vice President – Dorothy Gillon
Secretary – James Yarbro
Treasurer – William Ofenheusle
Greg Moore
Lois Freeman
Delores Mansfield
Wanda Seratt
Kylan Mann – Pastor, Central Baptist Church
Amanda Crice – Pastor, Martin First United Methodist Church
Dave Reinhard – Pastor, Martin First Assembly of God
George Pasley – Pastor, Trinity Presbyterian Church
Mike Sams – Pastor, First Baptist Church Martin

Our Volunteers

It is only possible for this ministry to thrive with our wonderful volunteers! They are the real drive of our ministry and the only way that we are able to do anything that we do. We love and appreciate every one of our volunteers. Thank you to our community for all of your support.

How You can volunteer

To volunteer, please get in touch with our Director, Angie Schott, at (731) 587-6257, or visit her in our office Monday - Thursday between 9:00 - 4:00.

Volunteer Now

Our Leadership Team

Executive Director – Angie Schott

Assistant Director – Cory Sandefer

Store Manager – John Holmes

Food Bank Manager – Terra Taylor

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