Over 200 congregations annually affirm this mandate with their financial support. The religious community of Columbia founded the Cooperative Ministry in 1982. The Ministry allows for an organized, unified response to the many needs of the community. A centralized effort prevents duplication of services and provides for easier record keeping. The Cooperative Ministry provides assistance with food, personal identification documents, rent, medicine, transportation and utilities.
Help is given after interviews, counseling and appropriate assessment.
This program provides special support for meeting practical needs. The program also helps mothers find doctors to care for their babies so they have the best chance to grow up happy and healthy. The Cooperative Ministry provides assistance with rent, utilities, medication, medical services, dental services, health insurance, vision care, drug and alcohol treatment and transportation expenses for persons with AIDS as well as makes appropriate referrals. The Cooperative Ministry accepts donations of cars and other types of vehicles while matching them with individuals who need transportation to keep their jobs. The Cooperative Ministry was founded in 1982 by the religious community of Columbia to respond to needs of people in crisis.