Christian Outreach Center holds grand opening

The Christian Outreach Center in Mountain View hosted a Grand Opening Saturday, October 15. Attendees at the event at 355 East Fifth St. enjoyed a ribbon cutting and refreshments.

The Center is sponsored by the Christian Women's Connection (CWC) group of the First Church of God in an effort to help meet local physical and spiritual needs.  Brad Cortese, the congregation's brand-new pastor, welcomed everyone.

"What a blessing it was to arrive and see what God was already doing in this community, from one box to all of this!" The ministry of providing free clothing began for CASA kids, reads a release from CWC. Within two years, the ministry was available to everyone.

Pastor Cortese said, "Genesis 3:21 tells us that the first thing God did for humans was provide clothing in the Garden of Eden. So far 581 families have been blessed, including 24,300 pieces of clothing given away."

The ministry has expanded to its current location in the former Town and Country building. To fund the building’s utility costs, and other expenses, second-hand items are available in the store. All the clothing and all the items for sale are donated. 

CWC President Edna Phipps said, "We would not be able to do this without donations from the community. People are very generous, including the businesses who provided food and drinks for the grand opening and donations from other churches. I would also like to thank the fire department for cleaning up the ramp area. This has really become a community effort. "

The next Clothing Giveaway will be Winter Wear on November 5. The Center's hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.