News Summary
Greater Greenwood United Ministry (GGUM) has inaugurated a new crisis services building in Greenwood, SC, to better support community members facing financial difficulties and food insecurity. Located near their medical clinic, the facility provides essential services, including financial assistance, an emergency food pantry, and job readiness programs. A ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 29, 2025, marked the opening, highlighting the organization’s longstanding commitment to helping local residents overcome hardships.
Greater Greenwood United Ministry Celebrates New Crisis Services Building
Greenwood, SC – Greater Greenwood United Ministry (GGUM) has opened a new crisis services building to enhance its support for local residents in need. The facility, located at 1409 Edgefield St., is situated directly across from GGUM’s free medical clinic and aims to provide vital assistance to individuals facing financial hardships and food insecurity.
The new crisis services location offers a variety of essential services designed to help individuals and families overcome immediate challenges. Key services include financial assistance for those facing rental evictions and utility disconnections, an emergency food pantry stocked with non-perishable food items, and programs focused on job readiness and financial coaching.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on April 29, 2025, to celebrate the official opening of the new facility. The event was attended by staff, volunteers, community partners, and local leaders, all coming together to support GGUM’s mission and impact. Rosemary C. Bell, the executive director of GGUM, presided over the ribbon-cutting, marking a significant moment for the organization as it continues to serve the Greenwood community.
Several individuals played a prominent role in the ceremony, including Dr. Julius Leary, a gynecologist who has been a long-time volunteer with GGUM, and Ginger Lawton, a laboratory technician who also volunteers. Local ministers Toby Frost and Patrick Griswold contributed to the festivities, underscoring GGUM’s collaborative spirit with faith-based groups.
Expansion of Services
The new crisis services facility represents a substantial enhancement compared to the prior arrangement, where these services were conducted within the GGUM medical clinic building. The medical clinic, operational since January 1997, has been instrumental in providing primary and specialty care to uninsured patients across Greenwood, McCormick, and Saluda counties. It features an on-site pharmacy and is specifically aimed at helping individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare coverage.
Founded in 1995 in the basement of South Main Baptist Church, GGUM has evolved significantly over the past three decades. Today, the ministry partners with 67 churches to offer a range of services that address urgent needs such as rental evictions and food insecurity within the community. This extensive collaboration showcases GGUM’s commitment to fostering a supportive network for local residents.
The renovation and expansion of both the crisis services facility and the medical clinic were further supported by community contributions, including the valuable assistance of a volunteer nurse with construction experience. Such community involvement highlights the strong foundation of volunteerism and fundraising that enables GGUM to operate its essential programs.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
Community leaders, including representatives from Self Regional Healthcare, have emphasized the critical role that GGUM plays in connecting residents to necessary healthcare services and support systems. As GGUM marks its 30-year milestone, the organization continues to focus on addressing the most pressing needs of Greenwood’s population, ensuring no one has to navigate hardship alone.
The establishment of the new crisis services building and the ongoing services at the medical clinic underscore GGUM’s unwavering commitment to uplift and empower the community it serves. As the organization looks towards the future, it remains dedicated to adapting its services to meet the evolving needs of local residents, ensuring that assistance is always readily available.
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