Coach Mark Richt to Headline Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries Celebration

An evening of celebration, inspiration, and community building is coming up on Tuesday, October 5th at Atlanta Tech Park in Peachtree Corners. Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries is hosting the “Putting the Pieces Back Together” event to raise awareness and support for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Beloved former University of Georgia football coach Mark Richt will headline the event, sharing a message of hope, as the organization answers their charge to help those in need get back on their feet.

2020 brought dire need to the community, with the number of individuals served by the Co-Op increasing by almost 50%. Over $1 million was provided in direct aid to clients, an almost 70% increase from the previous year. Food distribution exploded with an increase of an astounding 104%. “Our organization is needed now more than ever,” explains Shirley Cabe, NCM Executive Director. “Coach Richt’s message couldn’t come at a better time as an increasing
number of our families are struggling in the aftermath of the pandemic. 2020 was both the best and worst of years for us. The worst in terms of community need, but the best in terms of supportive generosity. We are grateful to our donors who make it possible for us to provide community assistance and we celebrate what has been accomplished. Our future vision includes lofty goals to continue ministry and making a difference in our neighbor’s lives.”

As the Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries completes their capital campaign, the organization has a unique opportunity to exponentially accelerate their assistance capability. Through challenge grants, 2 Atlanta foundations will provide a 275% match to NCM for Beyond the Building campaign designated donations that are received by mid November. This would allow the Co-Op to be able to turn $200,000 into $750,000. Better service to clients through a one-stop ministry experience is the vision of the organization. Funds raised will be used to accomplish evolving the organization into a center with multiple non-profit providers co-located in their 45k square foot building.

Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries (NCM) is a faith-based, non-profit, ecumenical ministry dedicated to providing emergency assistance to families in Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Doraville and Tucker, Georgia in Gwinnett County. NCM is supported by 24 local churches and numerous businesses, civic and social organizations, foundations, and individuals. NCM was started over 30 years ago to provide services to low income and homeless families. Initially NCM’s focus was on providing food, financial assistance, gas vouchers and funds for prescriptions. Many new ministries have been added focusing on personal sustainability including job readiness classes, on-site hiring events, money management courses, health fairs, as well as children’s programs, case management, and spiritual programs. NCM also partners with many outside agencies to help meet client needs and develop better ways to serve the community.

The evening of Q & A with Mark Richt will also include a silent auction with a variety of baskets, trips, and event tickets. For more information about the upcoming fundraiser event and a comprehensive look at the mission and scope of Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, visit ourncm.org.