Christian Service Center celebrates 60 years of service in Abilene

Organization continues mission to help those in need through comprehensive programs, community partnerships

The Christian Service Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those experiencing financial hardship and family crises, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year while expanding its reach in the Abilene community.

Executive Director Jim Clark, who has led the organization for 22 years, said the center serves a diverse population including homeless individuals, single mothers, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, formerly incarcerated individuals and those recovering from addiction.

“The mission is to share the love of Jesus with those in need,” Clark said during a recent interview. “We have people who just got out of prison, who are starting over. We have people that have been recovering from addiction, alcohol and drugs.”

The organization started in 1965 in downtown Abilene’s old South hotel before moving to Mesquite Street in 1968. The University Church of Christ began overseeing the ministry that same year, using renovated Army barracks from World War II’s Camp Barkley as the facility.

In 2017, the center moved to its current location on North 10th Street after the Woodlawn Church of Christ deeded their building to the organization. The transition came after the center’s previous building was destroyed in a fire.

“One day, I was preaching at the Woodlawn Church of Christ in July of 2012, and I mentioned before my sermon that we’re looking for and praying about looking for another building,” Clark recalled. “Well, after services were over, an elder came out and said, ‘Brother Clark, we’re shrinking down in size. Our church is — would you like this building?’”

Programs Address Multiple Needs

The center operates several programs designed to provide both immediate assistance and long-term solutions. The rent assistance program helps qualifying individuals with up to $800 for housing costs, but recipients must complete a day-and-a-half budgeting class.

“We want to give them some tools on how to manage whatever money they have,” Clark explained. The classes include guest speakers from Texas State Technical College who present information about trade programs that can lead to higher-paying careers.

The dental assistance program, launched three years ago, partners with Taylor County Social Services and local dentists to provide affordable dental care. Participating dentists charge $150 per tooth extraction, significantly less than typical rates, with additional funding from United Way and Community Foundation.

“It’s so serious that people get an abscess tooth. It can if it’s not treated, the infection could go to your brain, to your heart,” said Susan King, the program’s part-time administrator who has medical, social work and ministerial training.

The long-running Operation Blue Jeans program provides school supplies, backpacks, shoes, clothing and children’s Bibles to students preparing for the new school year. The program partners with local churches and organizations to serve hundreds of children annually.

Work-for-Shelter Program Shows Impact

One of the center’s most successful initiatives is the work-for-shelter program, which requires individuals to complete 12 hours of work in exchange for assistance with their first week’s rent at halfway houses.

Clark shared the story of one participant who approached him after completing the program. “He said, ‘Jim, I just love the atmosphere in this place. There’s love and it’s just a healthy place. Can I get a job here?’” While the center couldn’t offer employment, the experience demonstrated the program’s impact on participants seeking to rebuild their lives.

Maintaining Dignity for Clients

The center’s facility emphasizes treating clients with dignity and respect. Major donations from local foundations, including Dodge Jones Foundation, enabled renovations that created a welcoming environment.

“We want to provide them dignity and love and no judgment,” Clark said. “We’re all broken. All have struggles.”

The center operates a “bargain room” store three days a week, allowing people to purchase donated items at low prices. “Some people want to pay for things they don’t want just a handout,” Clark explained. All proceeds support the ministry’s operations.

During holidays, the center operates a Christmas store offering decorative items, trees and gift baskets at reduced prices. Students from Holly Junior High’s art class create beautifully wrapped gifts that are distributed to families in need.

Community Support Essential

The organization relies entirely on private donations and volunteers, receiving no government funding. A fall fundraising luncheon is scheduled for Sept. 12 at the Abilene Country Club, featuring speaker Joe Almanza and celebrating the University Church of Christ’s 57 years of support.

“We depend so much on our donors,” Clark said. “We just depend on the Lord and He provides in so many ways.”

The center’s volunteer base includes many retirees who find purpose in serving others. Tammy, a retired Abilene ISD employee, has served as the main food pantry volunteer for several years. Garney Hatch, a former AISD basketball coach, has volunteered for 28 years.

“We don’t retire from serving the Lord till he takes us home,” Clark said. “What a great way for people to serve.”

The Christian Service Center continues to operate from its North 10th Street location, serving as a testament to community cooperation and the ongoing need for compassionate assistance in Abilene.

The center accepts donations year-round and welcomes volunteers. More information is available by contacting the organization directly.

Clark was recently a guest on the It’s Everything West Texas podcast, hosted by Floyd Miller. Your can listen to the complete podcast at kacu.org or westtexastribune.org.