by Connie Culler

In 2003, God called the area churches to unite to help the least, the last and the lost.

God has called us to do more. With the financial support of churches, grants, the United Way of Greater High Point, civic clubs and individuals, COAT has expanded from a simple food pantry to a ministry which serves multiple community needs. We thank you for your support.

COAT helps clients through a referral system, clothes closet, medical equipment loan and JobLink. We team with other agencies, such as Family Crisis Center, Communities In Schools, Christians United Outreach Center and Randolph Community College.

COAT has expanded its back pack program to include six elementary schools, supplying 210 children with weekend food. We began the program with grants from United Way of Greater High Point, but we need to find new funding sources for the 2009-2010 school year. COAT must raise about $20,000 to continue the program. We pray that with God’s guidance and generous contributions from the community and churches, we will continue this worthy program.

This year we come to you with what some may call an impossible dream, but we know this is the path God has sat before us. COAT had to leave its site on Archdale Road. As we began a search for a new site, First Baptist of Archdale was listed for sale. We are now settled in the church, cohabitating with a congregation who believes in COAT’s mission.

Later this year, COAT will begin a campaign to purchase the site, which is sufficient to provide homeless families with temporary housing, increase the size of our food pantry and operate a thrift store. We will continue to have a church on site and a domestic violence social worker through Family Crisis Center. Through a grant from High Point Community Foundation, we will hire an employment specialist.

I feel privileged to serve on the COAT’s board and we are blessed with visionary and committed people and churches that have enabled us to continue and enhance our services. We would not be able to continue our services without your prayers and support.
We thank you for your faith in COAT.