Lake Christian Ministries Departments & Services
LCM provides food, clothing, household items and emergency financial aid for families in need. We support those in the lake area in Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania Counties.
Food Pantry
Food Pantry
Based on family size, we try to provide food for five day’s meals, which may include meat, butter, eggs, bread, vegetables, cereal and fresh fruit. Some of the food is provided by USDA through Feeding America. Local churches and other civic organizations donate canned goods. Local grocery stores assist by providing food that has approached the expiration date. Additional food and other necessities are purchased locally with cash donations to LCM.
Clothing
Clothing is generously donated by area residents, then sorted and displayed by volunteers at LCM to make it easy for clients to find what they need by size, age and gender. Twice a year, seasonal clothing is “swapped,” a major undertaking orchestrated with the help of local church youth groups.
Managers of the Ministry -- M.O.M.s
Clothing is generously donated by area residents, then sorted and displayed by volunteers at LCM to make it easy for clients to find what they need by size, age and gender. Twice a year, seasonal clothing is “swapped,” a major undertaking orchestrated with the help of local church youth groups.
Managers of the Ministry -- M.O.M.s
These volunteers greet clients and process their requests for the food, clothing, household items or financial assistance. They determine eligibility for assistance and give direction as to where they might seek additional assistance.
Warehouse/Household Goods
Basic household goods are available upon request. These donated items often include bed and bath linens, dishes, pots and pans, blankets, small appliances, etc. Major appliances and household furniture such as refrigerators, bed, desks are frequently requested but not always available. Volunteers help deliver or pick up major appliances and household furniture. Contact LCM at 540-297-3214 or ( e-mail address) if you have items to donate.
Emergency Financial Aid
Emergency financial assistance is given by providing direct payments to provide for fuel, housing, electrical, medical, and transportation needs. Assistance is also provided and coordinated with other organizations for emergencies such as repair of leaky roof, firewood distribution, emergency transportation and lodging, etc. In order to be good stewards of our limited funding and resources, we require documentation such as pay stubs, electrical cut-off notices, eviction notices, etc., so that we may provide assistance to those who are most needy.
Mobile Food Pantry
A specially-equipped truck was purchased in 2008 by the Rotary Club of Smith Mountain Lake and an anonymous friend, enabling LCM to provide a mobile food pantry for clients in the far-reaching corners of their service area. Located and supported by Three Oaks Fellowship United Methodist Church in Hardy (closing Jan 25, 2014), Hales Ford Baptist Church near Westlake (opening Feb 22, 2014), Penhook United Methodist Church in Penhook, and the Moneta Nutrition Center, the “Movable Feast” truck is available at these locations once a month.
New Tomorrows Coaches and Counselors
The New Tomorrows program counselors and coaches provide assistance to individuals and their families with help beyond the usual means of food, clothing, household goods, and limited financial assistance. They help clients clarify financial and family issues, as well as determine employment, financial, and educational goals and action strategies. They assist with employment counseling and job procurement in addition to helping with a variety of issues impacting personal and family finances and instability. Application to enter this program can be made through a Financial Aid Counselor or Intake Counselor. Click here for further information.
The New Tomorrows program counselors and coaches provide assistance to individuals and their families with help beyond the usual means of food, clothing, household goods, and limited financial assistance. They help clients clarify financial and family issues, as well as determine employment, financial, and educational goals and action strategies. They assist with employment counseling and job procurement in addition to helping with a variety of issues impacting personal and family finances and instability. Application to enter this program can be made through a Financial Aid Counselor or Intake Counselor. Click here for further information.
