LifeMinistries
LifeMinistries is partially modeled after the parish nursing ministries concept, designed to help provide care and support for those living in rural communities beyond Givens Estates.
Working with churches in our region, LifeMinistries
- helps identify a congregation’s health needs
- designs ministries to meet those needs
- helps people access local health resources, and
- provides health and wellness education for congregations and communities.
The program assists churches of all denominations by providing training for staff and volunteers in working with appropriate resources to help their congregations and communities live abundant lives, remain independent, access services and maintain healthy lifestyles.
Through LifeMinistries, several programs have been established:
- MY Meds Medication and Health Ministry helps people in Mitchell, Yancey and Avery counties receive needed medications, along with other health-related assistance and education.
- Baby Equipment and Resource Closets serve families struggling to acquire necessary equipment and clothing for their newborns and young children. The Closets are located at Snow Hill UMC in Candler and Abernethy UMC in Asheville.
- Medical Equipment Loan Closets in surrounding counties offer access to medical equipment at no cost.
- The Welcome Tables at Swannanoa UMC and Francis Asbury UMC serve a free weekly meal to the Swannanoa Valley and Hominy Valley communities. Professionals also provide health screenings, legal counsel, and a medical equipment loan closet.
The LifeMinistries outreach effort has served more than 6,000 people over the past several years and has provided over $7.5 million in free medications. For more information on LifeMinistries contact Cheryl Wallen at 828.230.1071 or cwallen@givensestates.org.