Frequently Asked Questions
What programs and services does DCM offer?
Who is on the Board of Directors of DCM?
Are recipients required to participate in religious activities?
How can someone contact DCM for assistance?
Who do I contact to find out about volunteering with DCM?
How do I make a contribution to DCM?
What is the mission of DCM?
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Decatur Cooperative Ministry serves our neighbors in need. Together, we strive to end homelessness, empower our community through education, and celebrate our faith-based diversity.
A 501(C)3 nonprofit organization, Decatur Cooperative Ministry was founded in 1969 in response to community concerns for children who had no after-school care and supervision. Initially, the collaborative effort was a partnership of City of Decatur Schools - especially Clairemont Elementary School and its principal, Mrs. Beulah Bullard - and three churches: the Lutheran Church of the Messiah, Decatur First Baptist Church, and First Christian Church of Decatur (Disciples of Christ). DCM now partners with schools, government agencies, civic groups, and local businesses throughout Decatur and DeKalb in order to serve those in need, especially the homeless. It is supported by over 35 congregations representing 12 different denominations.
What programs and services does DCM offer?
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- Family Transitional Housing Program – Six to 24 months of housing for homeless families with children. Includes case management, counseling, financial management education, a savings program, other supportive services, and a women’s support group. In 2007, 15 families made up of 17 parents and 37 children benefited from the program.
- Hagar’s House – An emergency night shelter for homeless mothers and their children. Includes counseling, case management, and other supportive services. In 2007, 53 families made up of 53 mothers and/or grandmothers and 134 children made Hagar’s House their temporary home.
- Project Take Charge – Geared to preventing eviction and homelessness. Temporary emergency assistance to aid families with mortgage, rent, utilities, and food. Financial management classes are a mandatory component. In 2007, 1,593 individuals living in 605 households benefited from the program.
- Expanding Horizons Technology Center – A tech center offering monitored computer lab time, internet access and resources, and educational software for children and adults in Hagar’s House or other DCM programs.
- Educational and Worship Opportunities – Including an ecumenical Thanksgiving service for the community and learning opportunities for students at Candler School of Theology and Agnes Scott College.
The budget for 2008 is $514,000. DCM anticipates meeting its budget through contributions from member congregations (19%); individuals (12%); government grants (37%); private foundations (15%); United Way and community campaigns (8%); civic groups, schools and businesses (4%); and fundraising events (5%).
DCM is governed by a Board of Directors, which has ultimate responsibility for governing the organization. 70% of board members must be from sponsoring congregations. The staff, under the leadership of the Executive Director, carries out the policies and direction set by the board.
Who is on the Board of Directors of DCM?
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Valerie Alexander
Candidate for Ordination, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Suzanne Ault
Community Volunteer, Decatur Presbyterian Church
Michael Brown
Distribution Support Manager, Georgia Power Company
Harold Buckley
Attorney, Alston & Bird, LLP
Thomas Hagood
Pastor, Columbia Presbyterian Church
George Hickman
Retired, Director of Special Education for City Schools of Decatur
Jay Huffines
Internal Controls, Allstate Insurance Company
Jennie Kurth
Counselor, Parkaire Consultants
Jim Lambing
Branch Manager-Decatur, SunTrust Bank
B. J. Morris
Community Volunteer and Activist
Chip Reaves
CEO/Owner, Computer Troubleshooters
Amy Redd
Psychologist, Powers Ferry Psychological Associates
Yolanda Ross
Attorney, Securities and Exchange Commission
Nancy Saltmarsh
Writer/Editor, Centers for Disease Control
Jason Schoeneberg
Engineer, Motorola
Carla Stanford
Teacher, Decatur First United Methodist Church Preschool
Matt Vines
Information Technology Business Analyst, Emory University
*Member Congregations
(see the list)
Who is on the staff of DCM?
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Loretta Aqeel Office Administrator Sybil Corbin Hagar's House Program Manager Christy Oraelosi Family Transitional Housing Program Manager Bonita Pruitt Hagar's House Night Host Cliff Richards Project Take Charge Program Manager Rachel Small Volunteer and In-Kind Donations Coordinator Beth Vann Executive Director
Are recipients required to participate in religious activities?
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No. DCM has a policy of non-discrimination that does not tolerate or practice any form of discrimination either in employment or in services based on religion, race, physical ability, gender, or age. It does not make inquiries into or requirements pertaining to a person’s religious beliefs or practices in determining their eligibility for services.
How can someone contact DCM for assistance?
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Call the DCM administrative offices at 404.377.5365. Based on the type of assistance needed, a staff person can refer each person to the appropriate DCM program as well as provide information on other community resources. DCM is required to collect information about its clients (view the policy here.)
Who do I contact to find out about volunteering with DCM?
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Contact Rachel Small, Volunteer Coordinator, at 404.377.5365 to find out about the wide variety of volunteer opportunities that DCM offers. A brief listing of volunteer opportunities and application forms can be downloaded here.
How do I make a contribution to DCM?
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Donations are always needed and appreciated! Financial contributions can be mailed to
P.O. Box 457
Decatur, GA 30031.
To contribute online, click the image:
DCM also accepts in-kind donations,however due to very limited storage space, they should always be arranged in advance through DCM’s Volunteer Coordinator, Rachel Small. To arrange to make a donation, please contact Rachel at 404.377.5365.
