Food
Food Distribution Program provides emergency food boxes for families in need. Our goal is to feed the hungry while treating them with respect and demonstrating God’s love through service. In doing this, we build relationships with the recipients that allow us to share the love of Christ. Weekly food distributions are every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Christ Central Mission near Walmart (3605 Richland Avenue West in Aiken).
Christ Central’s Food Distribution Program abides by all federal and U.S. Department of Agriculture civil rights regulations and policies. Click here to view the complete Federal Discrimination Statement.
Clothing
Clothing Distribution Program offers seasonal clothing vouchers for our thrift shop, The Bridge. Located inside The Mission, The Bridge offers gently used clothing for low income shoppers plus unique gifts from local artisans for the general public. All proceeds are used to support programs that help those living in poverty cross the “bridge” to self-sufficiency. Emergency situations are handled daily as needed. Our goal is to serve these families with a hand up, not just a handout. Our thrift shop also has a truck if you have furniture or other large items to donate that need to be picked up. To schedule a pick up, call 803-770-7032 during normal hours. The Bridge is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. (3605 Richland Avenue West in Aiken).
Prayer
Prayer Ministry provides one-on–one prayer for the needs of those coming to Christ Central for help. Our goals are to:
- Point people to God in prayer, asking Him to supply their needs
- Help people see that God hears and answers prayer by keeping prayer journals
- Build relationships with each person through prayer
- Walk individuals through the steps of salvation if prompted by the Holy Spirit
The Prayer Ministry meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Christ Central Mission near Walmart (3605 Richland Avenue West in Aiken). Also, every individual who comes on Tuesday or Thursday to receive food is met with privately to pray for their greatest need. Call 803.643.9089 for more information.
Family Ministry features a Sunday morning worship for the whole family from 10:30 – 11:30 am. All services take place at the Christ Central Mission near Walmart (3605 Richland Avenue West in Aiken).
Gussie’s Lunch and Learn is held every Wednesday from noon to 2:00 pm at the Mission on Richland Avenue West in Aiken. Anyone who stops by will get the opportunity to view and discuss a Christian video and then enjoy a homemade hot lunch and fellowship. For those who have the time and interest, bingo is offered afterwards.
Education
NJROTC Tutoring Program works with Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps students in grades 9-12 at Aiken High School and South Aiken High School who need help preparing for ASVAB testing. Classes are held one day a week throughout the school year.
Inner City Karate Program offers martial arts training for all ages. This program gives young people a chance to get off the streets and participate in a unique form of athletics that also teaches discipline and self-respect. A joint venture between Christ Central, New Beginnings and Aiken Public Safety’s Police Athletic League, this program continues to be a positive influence for the community and helps to curtail gang violence among other issues.
Classes meet every Tuesday from 5:30—6:30 pm at the River of Life church gym (1411 York Street NE). Call Head Instructor Master Ren at 720-394-8408 for more info.
Living a Dream Childcare & Learning Center provides childcare and preschool learning opportunities for children aged 2-10. The center is owned and run by Ashley Burno in collaboration with Christ Central. Located across from Hope Center at 6 Hickman Street in Graniteville, hours are Monday—Friday from 6:30 am—6:00 pm. Call Ashley at 843-575-957 for more info.
Job Skills Training
Free Fast Track GED Program provides a second chance for people who have dropped out of school to complete their high school education requirements. Our goal is to help people get better jobs, pursue higher education or meet the entrance requirements of the military. There are now two locations available. One is at Hope Center in Graniteville (3 Hickman Street) and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Call 803.640.1685 for more information. Another is at Second Baptist Church in Aiken (1151 York Street) and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am – noon during the school year. Call 803-522-6698 for more information. Both locations offer TABE testing and assessment, individual tutoring, computer practice testing and GED exam scheduling. Note that all services are offered free of charge.
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Training Program helps young adults pass and excel in the math section of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery entrance exam. Local military recruiters refer potential candidates to us and we provide free preliminary assessments, individualized preparation and one-on-one tutoring. This program has proven to be very successful in helping candidates gain entry into the military. Please contact Denny at asvabhc@gmail.com for more information. Classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am – noon at Hope Center (3 Hickman Street in Graniteville).
ServeSafe® Food Protection Training
Training and testing to earn Food Protection Manager as well as Food Handler certifications are offered multiple times throughout the year. Successful completion of training and testing satisfies SC DHEC Regulation 61-25 requiring a Food Protection Manager per licensed establishment. Graduates in both classes earn the opportunity for employment in the food service industry.
NOTE: ServSafe® classes are currently on hold but will resume in the fall of 2026 at Hope Center, 3 Hickman St. in Graniteville, SC.
Health
The Hope Center Eye Clinic provides free eye exams as well as discounted eyeglasses for qualified patients. Dr. Bud Antley volunteers his time to run the Eye Clinic at Hope Center. Dr. Antley also refers patients to other physicians who are willing to perform cataract and glaucoma surgery pro bono when needed. The Eye Clinic saw 97 patients in 2025 and dispensed 108 pairs of glasses. The clinic is run in partnership with the Aiken Lions Club and Midland Valley Lions Club, who graciously donate money and eyeglass frames as well as provide volunteers to help patients select frames after seeing the doctor. NOTE: New 2026 clinic hours and pricing: Starting in 2026, the Eye Clinic will take place every other month from 1:00 – 3:30 pm in Hope Center (3 Hickman Street in Graniteville). 2026 clinic dates are January 21, March 18, May 20, July 15, September 16 and November 18. The cost for eyeglasses is now $35. For more information, please call 803-617-7322.
