Onslow Community Outreach inspires caring and benevolence to change lives of vulnerable populations in Onslow County. Our purpose is fulfilled through a free clinic, soup kitchen, homeless shelter and Christmas Cheer program. A volunteer board of directors is responsible for organizational governance, setting policies and financial stewardship. The board appoints an executive director for implementing policies, administration and personnel management.
Many years ago the ministers of our community wanted to find a way to avoid duplication of efforts at Christmas. The idea was simple, get someone to keep a list of people in need, and let the various congregations select from that list the families they will help. The idea was Christmas Cheer, and today, more than thirty-five years after it began, it still flourishes as a testament to our communitys desire to help the less fortunate.
After one particularly successful year of providing for families, there was an amazing amount of food items left over. The volunteers of Christmas Cheer were pleased with the giving spirit of our community. but frustrated at the thought that many of these families could use this food throughout the year and not just at Christmas time. These volunteers knew that the need existed for year around food assistance. They approached their churches and rallied their support. The churches realized that if they all pitched in, they would be able to assist more needy families than separately and they would eliminate a duplication of services.
They created a nonprofit, in February 1990, a small group of Onslow County citizens created Onslow Community Ministries, borrowed a small kitchen from the Catholic Church, put a pot of soup on the stove, readied bowls and spoons and stood ready to serve the hungry in Onslow County. The hungry came; people who had lived on the street, people who went without an adequate meal and people who suddenly found themselves in need of help. All were welcomed without question in the spirit of helping others as an unspoken but powerful testament of the faith of those who had formed the Soup Kitchen.
In 1996, the Soup Kitchen moved from borrowed quarters to its present location in downtown Jacksonville. The move allowed the Ministries to provide a shelter for those who found themselves without a home. Designed to serve both families and individuals, the Shelter has provided refuge from the cold and the street for thousands of people.
Another faith step came in 1999 with the creation of the Caring Community Clinic. This logical outreach of compassion for those who are sick but do not have insurance or a means to pay for their health care, found support from the medical community and from a community of volunteers.
Onslow Oktoberfest was founded in 2008. The festival has fostered collaboration in support of charitable programs and attracted visitors to Jacksonville-Onslow. Held the fourth Saturday in October, the festival is drawing over 12,000 patrons.
Left to Right:Diana Devusser (Vice Chair), Virginia Wilson, Carol Hurst Long, Don Herring (Chair), Jane Choate, Steven Marshall, Gerald Brandon, Michael Elder, MaryAnn Turlington, Pam Thomas (Treasurer)
For over 30 years, Onslow Community Outreach has been a helping hand for individuals in our community to regain their self-sufficiency. Our team works diligently to inspire, empower, and change lives. Together with an outstanding volunteer network, broad community support, and extensive partnerships, employees of OCO are truly making a difference in Onslow County.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 10 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestAsia Moss
2 years ago
Literally god sent. I went in with unbearable excruciating pain. These guys numbed me up and took care of the problem. Such gentle & caring people! Definitely recommend. They're Amazing!
Ashley Michaud
3 years ago
I'm super scared to see any dentist!! But this lady was amazing and was able to keep me calm thru the whole process. Super grateful for this clinic since I dont have insurance and I can't afford a normal dental clinic they were able to take care of the horrible pain in my mouth
Ramona Gordon
3 years ago
Life savers!
Theresa Young
3 years ago
I was in so much pain. And the nurses were great and the Dr was absolutely awesome. He calmed me with deep breathing and did what he had to do. And I recommend these services highly. Thank you for taking such friendly, gentle, professional care of me. God Bless you all!
Ashley Michaud
4 years ago
I'm super scared to see any dentist!! But this lady was amazing and was able to keep me calm thru the whole process. Super grateful for this clinic since I dont have insurance and I can't afford a normal dental clinic they were able to take care of the horrible pain in my mouth
Ramona Gordon
4 years ago
Life savers!
Theresa Young
4 years ago
I was in so much pain. And the nurses were great and the Dr was absolutely awesome. He calmed me with deep breathing and did what he had to do. And I recommend these services highly. Thank you for taking such friendly, gentle, professional care of me. God Bless you all!
Ryan Hilt
4 years ago
I want to say thank you to the staff for helping me. The bedside manar and the communication was great. The dentist I believe his name is Jim was great. Made sure I was comfortable nusre Amber is an angel. Thank you so much for everything you guys do.
Ryan Hilt
5 years ago
I want to say thank you to the staff for helping me. The bedside manar and the communication was great. The dentist I believe his name is Jim was great. Made sure I was comfortable nusre Amber is an angel. Thank you so much for everything you guys do.
Persephone N
5 years ago
This is a dental clinic for people who are uninsured and low income. The dentists are a retired husband and wife team and they were very kind, helpful, and amazing at what they do. It can be hard to get an appointment here due to the demand from the sheer number of people in need of their services; just be patient and keep trying and you'll get an appointment. They do ask for a $20 donation, but that's extremely fair and justified, considering the cost of operations, novacaine, and so on. You can tell that the equipment is a little old, but is in good working order and everything is very clean. My husband and I are so grateful for their services, thank you!
Persephone N
6 years ago
This is a dental clinic for people who are uninsured and low income. The dentists are a retired husband and wife team and they were very kind, helpful, and amazing at what they do. It can be hard to get an appointment here due to the demand from the sheer number of people in need of their services; just be patient and keep trying and you'll get an appointment. They do ask for a $20 donation, but that's extremely fair and justified, considering the cost of operations, novacaine, and so on. You can tell that the equipment is a little old, but is in good working order and everything is very clean. My husband and I are so grateful for their services, thank you!
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