On Friday, April 26, Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (GHCCM) hosted an event to formally name the GHCCM Medical Clinic. It is now recognized as the Dr. John Earl Medical Ministry Clinic. Over 80 family and friends were in attendance to honor the memory of Dr. Earl including his devoted wife, Jane Earl. The unveiling and the naming service recognized the passion, service, and dedication that Dr. Earl provided to his patients throughout his career in Hickory, NC.
On Friday, April 26, Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (GHCCM) hosted an event to formally name the GHCCM Medical Clinic. It is now recognized as the Dr. John Earl Medical Ministry Clinic. Over 80 family and friends were in attendance to honor the memory of Dr. Earl including his devoted wife, Jane Earl. The unveiling and the naming service recognized the passion, service, and dedication that Dr. Earl provided to his patients throughout his career in Hickory, NC.
Molly Sain, GHCCM Executive Director honored Dr. Earl by reflecting on his volunteerism at the ministry, “Dr. Earl leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and true dedication to serving those who are in greatest need. He set an example of how we should all be showing God’s love to others and how sometimes, all it takes to save someone’s life is by being a friend.”
Dr. Earl was a partner of Hickory Family Practice for over 40 years. He was a beloved physician and cared for his patients and staff with extraordinary kindness. Dr. Earl helped to establish the Hickory Soup Kitchen’s Walk-in Clinic in 1992 which later became the Medical Clinic of Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry. His strength, wisdom, humility, gentle spirit, humor, and compassion for those living in the margins of life were unparalleled. From the inception of the Medical Clinic, Dr. Earl served faithfully as a volunteer sharing his medical skills. Patients and staff were blessed to have known him.
The GHCCM medical Clinic provides a wide range of services to patients who are uninsured in Catawba and Alexander County. Offerings include primary care, specialty care, dental and vision care. In 2023 the medical clinic served 634 patients representing 5,743 appointments.
The mission of GHCCM encompasses the care and compassion for the whole person by offering financial assistance to help clients stay in their home; showers, washer and dryer and mail service for the homeless; medical care and a full-service pharmacy for the uninsured in Catawba and Alexander counties. The educational classes at the Whole Life Center provides transformational opportunities. Some of the offerings include finding financial wellbeing, spiritual growth, having a healthier lifestyle and computer skills building.
GHCCM is a non-profit organization that offers Hope, Health, and Healing to those experiencing homelessness or living in poverty. As stated by Executive Director, Molly Sain, “the word health in our mission statement encompasses physical, emotional, spiritual, mental and financial wellbeing.”
The ministry is dependent on funding from foundations, grants, churches, businesses, and individuals. The budget for 2024 is $1,580,980. The public is invited to make a donation to ensure the longevity of GHCCM and its mission to serve the most vulnerable in our community.
For more information or to donate, visit www.ccmhickory.org or call the ministry at 828-323-0979.