Copper Basin facility under new leaders
Stewart and Jan Strickland have taken over at the Copper Basin Crisis Center.
Their reign began in October 2019 following the retirement of Al and Margaret Patterson.
The Pattersons oversaw operations for over 30 years, and the Stricklands have a lot to be thankful for, they said.
“We’re not wanting glory, we want the glory to be to God because He’s the one that made it all possible,” Jan said. “But He did use them, and now He’s using us, and we want to honor Him in what we do.”
As directors, Stewart works full-time and Jan is there part-time. They are paid by the Copper Basin Baptist Association, which Stewart is director of admissions of.
Stewart said he saw the position was available on “the Tennessee Baptist newspaper.”
He called about it, came in for an interview and felt led by God to pursue the spot, he said.
The ministry itself provides a variety of services to folks in the counties of Polk, Fannin, Cherokee, North Carolina, Gilmer, Georgia, and Monroe, Tennessee.
People are able to come, once a month, on a Monday or Tuesday to pick up groceries.
Groceries and other goods are provided by the Chattanooga Area Food Bank as well as from various donors.
“We’re trying to work with everybody in the area working together for the same cause,” Jan said.
Stewart said the ministry budgets about $500 a month to spend on food from the food bank, but they provide the goods for free.
Eligibility for food depends on income and household size, they agreed.
“We try not to turn anybody away,” Stewart said.
Due to COVID-19, a drive-thru food distribution is held each Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is typically the fourth Monday of each month.
On Monday’s, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., First Fruits of The Ridge comes and to distribute warm meals to those there.
The center has a room filled with clothing, toys, bedding and hygiene and cleaning products available to the public.
People are able to “shop” in the clothing room once a week, and individuals are limited to one bag per week; however, due to COVID-19 the area is off limits. Those in need may obtain items by calling ahead and picking them up.
Anyone in need is also able to obtain household furniture at the ministry as various items are available.
In addition, the Stricklands say they try to help with utilities when asked, but may not always be able to take care of it all.
As a result, they work closely with Saint Catherine’s Catholic Church and Ducktown United Methodist Church to get folks some relief.
In the summertime, a vacation bible school is held for school-aged children, but has been canceled this year as a result of the pandemic.
“Al and Margaret did a great job in setting this up and keeping it going all these years,” Jan said. “And also having so many great contacts and support people, the volunteers here are wonderful.
“We’re very appreciative of the foundation they laid here for us to come in and to build on.”
The ministry serves anywhere from 450 to 500 families a month, Stewart said.
This quarter, they distributed hot meals and food bags to around 2,900 families.
The center is not restricted to helping individual families, however, as they have donated loads of new stuffed animals to the Court Appointed Special Advocates to give to foster children and also gave some to firefighters and policemen.
They have also provided a plethora of children’s books to Fannin County School System’s Literacy Night.
“We’ve been able to share more supplies that were just sitting here,” Jan said.
In the future, the couple hopes to offer classes such as on nutrition, budgeting, child care and Bible studies.
They also would like to hold a job fair and introduce a transportation system to those without, Jan said.
Those needing additional services at this time may contact the crisis center at 423-496-7977. They are located off Highway 64 in Copperhill.