Through the Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies (AMOS) ministry, local families in need are served through a variety of avenues. Services include a food pantry, home repairs, shelter for women and children, educational programs and vouchers for families to use at a local thrift store.
Our Home Repair Ministry serves a four-county area — Jefferson, Cocke, Grainger and Hamblen. This ministry primarily provides exterior work due to licensing requirements. We also partner with Habitat for Humanity and Clinch Powell Resource Conservation and Development to refer interior work for our families.
The Ministry Center offers a small grocery store for families to shop one time per month for items. Most of our food is donated. We do purchase some items from Second Harvest Food Bank and CVS (Good360 Program). In addition to the food pantry, the Ministry Center hosts two annual events. Our Back-to-School Drive occurs on the first Saturday in August, and the Coats for the Cold is a partnership with local churches and individuals who provide winter items and financial support to serve the community.
The Samaritan House Family Ministries serves women and children in need of temporary housing. The shelter typically has up to five Carson-Newman students who serve in exchange for room and board.