Our Mission Statement
North Country Ministry is a faith-based, 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit, outreach organization which provides assistance without discrimination to anyone in need in our service area.
Our mission is to provide a Hand of Hope to those seeking help through life’s difficult situations.
Our Story
North Country Ministry was founded in North Creek in 1992 by a small group of Catholic nuns and priests who saw great need in the area and few resources to address it. Since then, NCM has become a cornerstone of the southeastern Adirondack region, providing critically needed human services.
Our programs offer a range of assistance including everyday needs such as food, clothing and furniture, to emergency assistance through our outreach services. Over the years, these programs have impacted the lives of thousands living in our extremely rural and underserved 650-square-mile service area.
Today, North Country Ministry thrives in large part due to the commitment of our 100+ volunteers. Through their generosity and dedication, our volunteers give nearly 7,000 hours each year to the operation of NCM. They provide day-to-day support for our programs, organize fundraisers and events, as well as serving in specialized or advisory capacities on our Board of Directors.
North Country Ministry is a subordinate organization of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany and enjoys ecumenical collaboration with a wide variety of churches and congregations throughout our service area. Our partnership is motivated by both in service to faith and a commitment to help those less fortunate.
In addition, we hold great gratitude and appreciation for our generous base of donor support. It is their consideration and contribution that helps our mission thrive so we may impact as many lives as possible.
With locations in Warrensburg, North Creek, and Brant Lake, we are able to serve the needs of our communities and assist a population living in an area with a high poverty level. It is because of our dedicated volunteers, the collaboration of our faith community, and the generosity of our donors that North Country Ministry is able to offer a Hand of Hope to those in need here in the Adirondacks.
A Few Statistics
The “working poor” are a key constituency that North Country Ministry supports. Our efforts are a means to prevent a sudden hardship, such as a job layoff, car breakdown or emergency home repair, from escalating into an eviction or financial crisis. However, this demographic are not the only members of our communities in need. The following is a breakdown of statistics exemplifying the poverty we face in our local communities.
Over 10% of the total population of the region lives below the poverty level, according to 2021 U.S. Census statistics.
The Federal Poverty Level for 2022 was defined by the following income levels:
- 1 individual: $13,590
- Family of 2: $18,310
- Family of 4: $27,750
In Warren County 17.8% of people under the age of 18 live in poverty.
Our Programs and Services
The following are the programs and services that North Country Ministry provides in assisting those of need in our service area.
Outreach Services provided in our main office. Our full-time caseworkers provide supportive counseling, advocacy, referrals and financial help through our Emergency Assistance Fund.
The Clothing Center offers a variety of adult, child and baby clothing for every type of season. Gently used, and sometimes new, clothing is provided by donors from our community and hung on display for visitors to shop.
The Food Pantry at our Warrensburg Center offers a generous selection of food groups in cooperation with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and local grocery retailers.
Our Brant Lake Food Pantry is hosted by the YMCA Adirondack Center. In partnering with the Family YMCA of the Glens Falls Area, we are able to provide food for those in need living in our northern service area.
The Furniture Program at our Warrensburg Center offers a variety of essential furniture and kitchenware to those in need. These items are provided by donors from our community and placed on display for visitors to shop. We also offer a pickup service to donors in our service area looking to donate their gently used furnishings and kitchenware.
The Backpack Program is another effort we share with the YMCA Adirondack Center. Once a year, we provide backpacks for schoolchildren stuffed with a variety of food items.
We provide Thanksgiving Baskets to those in need during the Thanksgiving holiday through donor generosity and involvement. Applicants sign up in advance and receive a basket filled with all the provisions for a complete Thanksgiving meal.
Our Giving Tree Program alleviates parents during the Christmas season by ensuring gifts for their children on Christmas morning. Families sign up in advance, and through an anonymous process, members and establishments from the community may adopt these families. Donors are also asked to sign up in advance so they may shop for the family’s requested gifts and deliver them to NCM in time for the holiday.
