The B.E.A.R. Closet locations have served nearly 19,000 children, over 12,600 families,
and still counting.
According to census data, the poverty rate in the Buncombe County
school district has increased 85% since 2001.
The B.E.A.R. Closet locations have served nearly 19,000 children, over 12,600 families,
and still counting.
According to census data, the poverty rate in the Buncombe County school district has increased 85% since 2001.
Children Served
Families Served
No one is turned away…
Our Beginning
In 2006 the first Baby Equipment and Resource Closet launched at Snow Hill United Methodist Church. It was clear there were families with children and needs too great to ignore in our Candler community, and we wanted to reach out to meet those needs. A visit to a baby items loan closet in Boone, NC was inspiration for us and we spent the next 5 months getting ready to serve the needs in our community and live out the teachings of Jesus to love the little children. We were blessed with donations, volunteers, and outreach development support from Givens LifeMinistries, and later that year, Snow Hill B.E.A.R. Closet opened to serve clients from Buncombe and surrounding counties. Our clients come to us for assistance through word-of-mouth, referrals from health departments, healthcare agencies, hospitals, crisis ministries such as ABCCM, and referrals from social workers. Today there are seven B.E.A.R. Closet locations all staffed by dedicated volunteers serving hundreds of families each year and helping to care for our greatest gifts…those little children Jesus taught us to love so much.
For more information or help starting a Baby Equipment and Resource Closet contact:
Cheryl Wallen, BSN, RN
Director, Givens LifeMinistries
828-771-2638 or 828-230-1071
More About Givens LifeMinistries
Givens takes pride in helping create thriving communities through health and wellness outreach endeavors. LifeMinistries is a “walk-alongside community outreach ministry partner.” We provide churches and organizations guidance and direction in developing programs like the Baby Equipment and Resource Closet that address the needs of vulnerable populations across the lifespan in communities where the needs are great but resources are limited.
Please take a moment to review the brochure to see how LifeMinistries can partner with your church or organization to address wellness needs in your community, or for more information contact: Cheryl Wallen, BSN, RN, Director, Givens LifeMinistries (828) 230-1071. cwallen@givenslifeministries.org