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 803-265-6928 weekdays from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. The Bridge is open Tuesday – Friday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. (3605 Richland Avenue West in Aiken).
Prayer
Evangelism 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). Call 803.643.9089 for more information.
Family Ministry features Sunday morning breakfast at 10:00 am followed by 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).
Lunch and Learn is held every Wednesday from noon to 2:00 pm at the Mission on Richland Avenue in Aiken. Anyone who stops by will enjoy a homemade hot lunch and fellowship during the first hour and then get the opportunity to view and discuss a Christian video.
Education
Bridge to Freedom is a new family mentoring program dedicated to helping financially struggling families break the cycle of poverty and achieve financial freedom through Christ-centered one-on-one mentor ship. Focusing on young families with children, the program teaches financial accountability for the working poor with a goal of home ownership within two years. Our education/job skills training classes and youth programs also help provide hope and training to family members as they cross this Bridge to Freedom. All classes take place at Hope Center (3 Hickman Street in Graniteville).
Email us at ChristCentralsBridgetoFreedom@gmail.com for more information. You can also call Hope Center at 803.393.4575 or contact Director Linda Coffin directly at 803.514.0474. There are currently many volunteer opportunities available in this exciting new ministry.
Cooking Classes
Chef Gail Hoskins conducts a cooking class for females age 13-25 at Hope Center in Graniteville. Classes run for several months and are designed to teach practical cooking skills.
Chef Hoskins also teaches a cooking class for students from the Tri-Development Center of Aiken County. The class is a year-long program aimed at helping these students become more independent by learning practical cooking skills. In addition, students are taught interpersonal skills such as learning how to get a job, developing self-esteem and encouraging prayer.
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 Wednesdays from 9:00 am – noon. 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. 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.
Certified Nurse Assistant Training Program offers Certified Nurse Assistant Training classes (CNA) at Christ Central’s newly renovated Trinity Academy at 6 Hickman Street in Graniteville. This highly successful program is just 6 weeks long and our students have seen a 100% pass rate on the South Carolina CNA test to date. They have also enjoyed a 100% employment rate. This is one of the most effective ways someone can change their future in just 6 weeks.
For more information and to learn how to get on the waiting list for an upcoming class session, text Paul Ness, class administrator, at 803-507-1102. He will text you back with information on how you can enroll in a class and become in high demand for employment.
Note: The CNA training program has been discontinued until further notice. We hope to resume the program sometime in the near future.
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 Roger Floyd at 803-640-1685 for more information. All classes take place 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 were 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 earned the opportunity for employment in the food service industry. All classes take place at Hope Center (3 Hickman Street in Graniteville).
Health
The Hope Center Eye Clinic provides free eye exams as well as discounted eyeglasses for qualified patients. Dr. Bud Antley runs the Eye Clinic at Hope Center and volunteers his time to see up to 15 patients one day each month. Dr. Antley also refers patients to other physicians who are willing to perform cataract and glaucoma surgery pro bono when needed. The Eye Clinic served over 100 patients in 2021. The clinic is run in partnership with two local Lions Clubs who graciously donate eyeglass frames as well as provide volunteers to help patients select frames after seeing the doctor. The Eye Clinic takes place every third Wednesday from noon – 4:00 pm in Hope Center (3 Hickman Street in Graniteville). For more information, please call 803-617-7322.
