SECOND HARVEST
PARTNERSHIP
As a tier 1 distribution site for Second Harvest Food Bank, we are able to purchase food at a discounted price. We are also able to receive TEFAP (USDA) food free of charge to supplement our ability to provide nutritious food to low-income, elderly, disabled, and infant residents across Nodaway County.
THE MINISTRY CENTER FUNDING
The Ministry Center is funded by the giving and faithful support of churches, individuals, businesses, and various organizations throughout the community. The Center is a non-profit 501 (c) 3, tax-exempt organization.
OUR MISSION
As an expression of our love for God and concern for others, the Ministry Center seeks to provide for the spiritual health and physical well being of the residents of Nodaway County and Northwest Missouri.
BOARD ORGANIZATION
HOW WE OPERATE
The Ministry Center is governed by a Board of Directors elected annually. The Board represents the area churches and the Ministerial Fellowship. The operation of distributing food and clothing is dependent upon the exceptional willingness of individuals who give their time to assist others in need. Area churches sign up annually to send volunteers throughout the year.
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rev. Laura Rand - President
Rev. Jeremy Cobb
Rev. Dale Baker
Norma Eckerson - Vice President
Connie McGinness - Treasurer
Jocelyn Skidmore - Assistant Treasurer
Rachel Golightly - Clothing Room Coordinator
Rick Smail
Fran Harbin
Gary Weese
Teresa Blackford
Carla Spire - Secretary
Tim Dean - Food Pantry Coordinator (Independent Contractor - Nonboard member)
OUR HISTORY
While the center may have opened its doors in early 1999, the roots of our organization go back more than 30 years. The Clothing Room and The Food Pantry began in separate locations, organized by local churches.The Women's Missionary Society of the First Baptist Church in Maryville operated a clothing distribution service that began as a single clothing rack in the church building. Meanwhile, First United Methodist Church was operating a food pantry. Families could call the church and receive a 3 day's supply of food which would be ready for them to pick up.
Local religious leaders began to see that a consolidated location for both ministries might serve the residents of the county more effectively. Rev. Mark Albee of the First Baptist Church spearheaded the project by organizing a 5-member committee to investigate this possibility.
The current location of the Ministry Center, 971 S. Main St., was chosen as a suitable facility. It was owned by the Snyder family who rented the building at a low rate. Local businesses and individuals volunteered to remodel the building so it could support the services the center would provide. Several years later, the building was purchased by the Ministry Center through donations from local churches, local organizations and individuals. Since then, an addition was built to the back of the building to accommodate the community's growing need for the center's services.
Today, we are running several programs in addition to the Food Pantry and the Clothing Room. Our Backpack Buddies and Brown Bags provide nutritious meals for children. Our Senior Boxes allow us to bring food directly to those over age 60 who are not able to pick up food at the center.