The mission of the Bland Ministry Center and Dental Clinic is to meet the physical and spiritual needs of people. We strive to be a missionary point of service for all Christians, Churches, and organizations by providing opportunities to fulfill Christ's Great Commission.
The Bland Ministry Center is a multi-faceted, non-profit Christian social ministry founded in 1980 by the East River Baptist Association, which is a small Association of twelve churches. The Bland Ministry Center was envisioned and begun under the leadership of Dr. Marshall Walker, who was Director of Missions. Dr. Walker and the churches of East River recognized the need for a ministry outreach in the Appalachian region and took this bold step of faith. The initial beginning of the Center was supported by the Virginia Baptist Mission Board which has assisted us through the years from the Alma Hunt Virginia Baptist State Missions offering. The Center has received assistance in the form of goods and financial gifts from many individuals, churches, organizations, and denominational entities, both Baptist and non-Baptist. The need for support is still very great as the ministries of the Center continue to grow in volume and number and physical facilities of the Center are expanded.
Bland Ministry Center is blessed to have many people sharing its vision. Apart from the four paid staff introduced below, there are many volunteers who help work towards the Ministry Center's mission. An 11 member board helps to govern and guide the center, approximately 60 local volunteers share their time and talents to make sure programs run smoothly each week, and many mission groups and dentists visit Bland County for a few days each year ready to work on special projects. The success of the Center is dependent upon the generosity and willingness of others to serve.
Dee Dee began working part-time at the Center in 1993 and officially assumed the position of Director in March 2007. Throughout the years, she has served in the capacity of receptionist, mission coordinator, and interim director.
An intern-turned-employee, Hannah was hired through a grant to provide support for office staff. She is the first person to greet you when you call or visit the office andis keeping us organized and very well-fed.
Susan's family got involved with Bland several years ago through their church in North Georgia. She asked for an opportunity to intern during the summer of 2010, and she would not stop coming back until we hired her full-time in 2013.
You may recognize Kathy from her volunteer work around the center and receptionist position in the dental clinic. When we realized a need to hire a part-time clothes closet volunteer coordinator, we couldn 't think of a better person for the job than our long-time volunteer and friend, who is an avid shopper at 'GW Fashions' (Goodwill).
Reviews
Rating 3.4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJessica Cagle
2 years ago
This place was AMAZING!!! I just finished taking my stepsons there today, and I couldn't have imagined a better experience. From the time you walk in (and even on the phone, the receptionist is so sweet) til the time you leave, everyone there is wonderful. The hygienist made it so fun and interactive for the older of our 2 boys. He even said so himself! The staff were so patient with my younger stepson as well, which was such a blessing since he gets scared at the dentist. Dr. Bunn was incredible with the boys. He was knowledgeable, attentive and extremely kind. I was so thankful, I was almost in tears. I'm very glad we found this place. We'll never take our kids anywhere else. I may even schedule myself an appointment!
Kimberly Smith-Miller
2 years ago
I had my first appointment here today. I was a patient of Dr. Bunn's before he suddenly left Community Health Center with NO notice. Both my son and myself had appointments for fillings and major restorative work the week he unexpectedly abandoned his patients. I was so excited for my son to have his teeth fixed by the best dentist I'd ever had, and now we have to start ALL OVER. I had enormous respect for Dr. Bunn and took the time to search for where he might have gone, so that we could continue our care with him. HOWEVER, because I didn't personally bring my previous dental records, there was nothing he could do today. The receptionist was EXTREMELY RUDE and unhelpful. I asked if she could call the previous clinic and have them fax over the treatment plan so that he could get started today, but she wanted no part of that. It's my experience, having worked on the medical field for 20 years, that the NEW provider's office has the patient sign a records release for and request records by phone or fax prior to, or on the day of, the appointment. It wasn't an unreasonable request, and I would have been able to at least have SOMETHING done today. The receptionist said she could reschedule me for JANUARY. Now I have to drive the 40 MINUTES back home, all for nothing. I have lost all respect for Dr. Bunn, and the receptionist should either be re-trained on how to be nice, friendly, courteous and helpful, or should look for a job in which she doesn't have to greet the public. VERY DISAPPOINTED. I do NOT recommend this office.
Jessica Cagle
3 years ago
This place was AMAZING!!! I just finished taking my stepsons there today, and I couldn't have imagined a better experience. From the time you walk in (and even on the phone, the receptionist is so sweet) til the time you leave, everyone there is wonderful. The hygienist made it so fun and interactive for the older of our 2 boys. He even said so himself! The staff were so patient with my younger stepson as well, which was such a blessing since he gets scared at the dentist. Dr. Bunn was incredible with the boys. He was knowledgeable, attentive and extremely kind. I was so thankful, I was almost in tears. I'm very glad we found this place. We'll never take our kids anywhere else. I may even schedule myself an appointment!
tammy hughett
3 years ago
I use to hate going to the dentist, but for the last 5 years a young lady named Brittany has been cleaning my teeth. She's the best, and the dentist here is amazing also.
tammy hughett
3 years ago
I use to hate going to the dentist, but for the last 5 years a young lady named Brittany has been cleaning my teeth. She's the best, and the dentist here is amazing also.
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