Celebrating two decades of service to those in need

WALLACE — Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries celebrated its 20th anniversary on Sunday at its headquarters on South Norwood Street in Wallace.

Over two decades ago, two Wallace-area pastors, James Page of Adoram Baptist Church and Phillip Gladden of Wallace Presbyterian Church, met for a lunch of burgers and fries at what was then known as Andy’s, now Hwy 55. They were both concerned about the growing number of people reaching out to local churches for help. They were asking for assistance ranging from food to light bills, as well as help paying the rent. Using a napkin, they began to outline the concept of a centralized crisis center to serve people in need in Duplin County.

After months of work from volunteers on a planning team, Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries was born. The nonprofit organization officially opened on July 5, 2005.

In an interview with Duplin Journal, Gladden said the need for the ministry has continued to grow.

“We have six food pantries that are under our umbrella,” Gladden said. “The need there has increased substantially. We’re anticipating that the needs are going to continue to increase with changes that are being made to government programs.”

Some funding for Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries comes from churches, individuals, organizations and businesses. Also, the ministry operates a thrift store located on Main Street in downtown Wallace, which provides additional support.

“Fifteen years ago, we started Blessings in Store,” Gladden said. “That was our dream to do that. The money that is generated from that ministry supports the crisis ministry.”

Gladden added the store provides needed items at a reasonable cost to families while also supporting Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries.

During a program at the anniversary celebration, Gladden thanked and recognized the many volunteers who have worked with all aspects of the ministry. He also thanked local dentist, Dr. Warren Sholar, who has provided the building that houses the ministry rent-free since the creation of the nonprofit.

Gladden presented a plaque to the ministry co-founder, Page, granting him the honorary title of “Board Member Emeritus.”

The original executive director of Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries, Jeralene Merritt, who served in the role for 18 years, retired at the end of April. In May, Tomme Maier was named the new executive director.

Maier, a native of Duplin County, refers to herself as a “farm girl” raised between Beulaville and Pink Hill.

A graduate of UNC-Wilmington, Maier worked in the banking industry until her middle daughter was born two months premature. She decided to leave work to be at home with her daughter. That began a journey that took her into social service work. Because of her daughter’s disability, she was exposed to Easter Seals and other organizations. That inspired her to accept a position she was sought out for as a part-time case manager for disabled adults.

“I just love helping people,” Maier told the Duplin Journal. “It’s such a blessing.”

Maier said running a ministry like this one was easier in this area because of the people.

“We are truly blessed in Duplin County with people who have compassion,” she said. “Most of the time, you don’t even have to ask for help.”

The ministry is reaching out for more help, both financially and from volunteers, because the need is growing rapidly.

“The need is great, but it’s going to be greater yet,” Maier said. “We’ve had several people that are homeless coming to us the past couple of months. Domestic violence is causing struggles in homes that add to the pressure of making ends meet financially. Kids are caught in the middle. Resources are scarce right now.”

The need for more help at the ministry was echoed by Gladden during the anniversary program.

“We need your continued financial support from churches, foundations and individuals,” Gladden said. “We also need volunteers at the ministry and at the Blessings store.”