Sharing & Caring

Sharing and Caring is an ecumenical, cooperative
Christian Ministry and United Way community partner
which provides services to meet the needs of the poor,
the hungry, the abused, and the oppressed in Habersham
County. The organization is staffed by volunteers who
operate two thrift stores, one in Cornelia and one in
Clarkesville, which help generate funds to help those
in our community. 
In 1982, concerned with the need in the area,
three Clarkesville ministers had a vision to create a
place where the efforts of many individuals and
churches could combine to reach out and follow our
Lord’s command to provide “food for the hungry, drink
for the thirsty, and clothing for the naked.” After
many meetings, careful planning and much prayer, the
Habersham County Churches in Cooperative Ministry was
born. On February 1, 1983 the ministry would establish
a center that would operate entirely by volunteers and
would be called “The Sharing and Caring Place” in
Clarkesville. The following year, seeing the need for
another branch of the ministry in the southern part of
the county, the Cornelia Place was opened. From these
small beginnings, Sharing and Caring has become an
“institution” in Habersham County which has grown each
year, and has provided an effective, ecumenical, and
cooperative Christian ministry, serving many thousands
of residents in the area. Faith Lutheran Church began
with providing donations and dedicated volunteers to
Sharing and Caring in 1996 which carries on to this
day. Mary (Sharing and Caring Manager) and Jim Goebel,
Pam Finke, Arlene McWhinney, Gerry Robinson, and Gary
and Lynn Latz continue to faithfully support this
valuable organization over the years.

Today, Sharing and Caring continues to provide
utilities, food, clothing, medical needs, or other
emergency relief to individuals who need assistance. By
shopping at the thrift stores, donating your gently
used clothing and household items, donating money, or
volunteering, you can help be sure people of our
community have food, power, and other assistance.