Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (GHCCM) announces that The Leon Levine Foundation awarded a grant of $100,000 in a two-year award to support the ministry. “We are grateful for such a generous award and proud that The Leon Levine Foundation has chosen to invest in the work of GHCCM”, said Molly Sain, GHCCM Executive Director.
Established in 1980 by Leon Levine (Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Family Dollar Stores, Inc.), The Leon Levine Foundation supports programs and organizations that improve the human condition through investments in education, healthcare, human services and Jewish values. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the Foundation invests in nonprofits across North Carolina and South Carolina with strong leadership, a track record of success, and a plan for financial sustainability. Through its investments, the Foundation intends to create pathways to self-sufficiency, champion strategies for permanent change, and facilitate opportunities for growth.
Following his retirement from Family Dollar in 2003, Leon Levine began his second career: building The Leon Levine Foundation into one of the region’s largest and most impactful philanthropic organizations. As the foundation strives to improve the human condition by creating permanent, measurable, and life-changing impact throughout the Carolinas, it also has the honor of curating Leon and Sandra Levine’s legacy. We do this by preserving foundation history, highlighting the success of our partners, and sharing the stories of those who benefit from the Levines’ generosity.
GHCCM is dependent on funding from foundations, grants, churches, businesses, and individuals. The award from The Leon Levine Foundation is designated to assist with operating expenses to run the ministry and to have staff who dedicate their time helping our most vulnerable population. Katherine Truitt, GHCCM Research and Grant Specialist, expresses, “Many foundations choose to fund program expenses, which is certainly important, but funding for day-to-day operations is also vital to the longevity of the ministry. We sincerely appreciate The Leon Levine Foundation for their investment and support of GHCCM.”
Founded in 1969 by a group of like-minded ministers in Catawba County, Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (GHCCM) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the mission to offer hope, health, and healing to those in need. GHCCM offers crisis financial assistance to prevent eviction or utility disconnections, nutrition programs for those who are food insecure and battling a chronic illness, a Crisis Closet, hygiene packets, shower, laundry, and mail services for those experiencing homelessness, a free or low-cost pharmacy, and the area’s only free clinic offering primary and specialty care, behavioral health, dental, and vision care for the uninsured. The education classes at the Whole Life Center provide transformational opportunities. Some of the offerings include finding financial wellbeing, spiritual growth, having a healthier lifestyle and computer skills building.
The public is invited to donate to 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 828-327-0979.