Our Story

THE BEGINNING 

Ashure Ministry, formerly known as Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry (ECCCM), was founded in 1969 with a vision to unite churches and maximize support for those in need. The idea originated with Rev. Banks Shepherd, who realized that collaboration among churches could provide more efficient and effective aid to the community.

A meeting on March 25, 1969, at Grace Reformed United Church of Christ, brought together pastors and lay leaders to form ECCCM. The ministry was officially incorporated in 1970, with its first church partner, St. James Lutheran Church in Newton, launching a tutoring program for children. Early projects also included Love-N-Care, a daycare assistance initiative for working parents.

OUR FOUNDING CHURCHES 

In October 1969, 15 churches committed to supporting this cooperative effort. These churches, representing various denominations, laid the foundation for a ministry dedicated to serving the community. Those churches are:

  1. St. James Lutheran Church (the first church to declare intent)

  2. Abernethy United Methodist Church

  3. Bethany United Church of Christ

  4. Beth Eden Lutheran Church

  5. Smyrna United Church of Christ (now independent)

  6. First Presbyterian Church

  7. First United Methodist Church – Conover

  8. First United Methodist Church – Newton

  9. Friendship United Methodist Church

  10. Grace United Church of Christ

  11. Trinity United Church of Christ

  12. McQueens Chapel United Methodist Church

  13. Mays Chapel United Methodist Church

  14. Mt. View United Methodist Church

  15. Thomas Chapel AME Zion Church

ESTABLISHING A STRONG FOUNDATION

ECCCM’s first headquarters was set up in the former nurses’ residence on East O Street, where operations remained for 30 years. By the 1970s, the ministry had expanded to include a clothing closet, emergency food distribution, rental and utility assistance, counseling services, and the beginning of the county’s Head Start program. In 1975, the ministry hired its first paid staff member, Mrs. Doris Fish, who became the first executive director and served until her retirement in 1998. Her leadership helped establish many programs that continue today.

GROWTH AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

Over the years, ECCCM expanded both in reach and services. By 1978, the ministry had absorbed the Maiden Cooperative Christian Association. The 1980s introduced new initiatives such as adult basic education, Meals-on-Wheels, and the countywide Christmas Bureau.

By 1994, ECCCM had grown to include 52 member churches and 500 individual donors. Recognizing the need for a larger facility, the ministry launched a capital campaign in 2001, raising over $1 million. A new 9,400-square-foot building opened in 2005, significantly increasing the ministry’s capacity to serve families in crisis.

EXPANDING SERVICES & STRENGTHENING OUR MISSION

Under Rev. Robert Silber’s leadership, ECCCM expanded its impact through new hunger relief programs, enhanced case management services, and a transition to digital recordkeeping for greater efficiency. In 2017, ECCCM became the sole contractor for the Department of Social Services’ Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) and Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), streamlining access to critical resources for the community.

In 2019, ECCCM celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of service and community support. Following Rev. Silber’s retirement in May 2021, Kristal Manning was named the ministry’s fourth Executive Director. In 2023, she led the development of a new Strategic Plan that expanded services countywide and guided a significant organizational name change to reflect ECCCM’s broader mission.

A NEW NAME, A CONTINUED COMMITMENT

In February 2024, the Board of Directors unanimously voted to rename ECCCM to Ashure Ministry. This decision followed a strategic planning process that identified the need for a name reflecting the ministry’s expanded service area and mission.

The name Ashure is inspired by Noah’s pudding, a biblical symbol of sharing, community, and hope. Just as Noah’s family emerged from crisis with gratitude and generosity, Ashure Ministry seeks to provide assistance, celebrate resilience, and foster a strong, supportive community.

OUR FUTURE

Today, Ashure Ministry continues to hold true to the verses in Matthew 25:35-40. These verses emphasize the call to serve others, as Jesus teaches that when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the sick, we are doing these acts of kindness for Him. This scripture is the foundation of our mission, inspiring us to extend compassion and assistance to those in need in our community. With the support of churches, businesses, individuals and countless volunteers, we remain committed to making a lasting impact—because together, we can accomplish what no single organization could do alone.

"Working together, we are able to accomplish that which we could not do individually."