The Dorcas Thrift Shop, located at 1231 Maynard Road, Cary, NC is the major fund raising arm for the ministries of Christian Community In Action (CCA). While for man, Dorcas is simply a thrift store- a great place to shop, or drop off donations – it is also the location from which the ministries of CCA have quietly served the community for four decades. Each year, about 90 percent of proceeds raised in the shop go directly back into the local community to serve our neighbors who find themselves in a temporary crisis situation.


Now, to better present that tradition of service to those who have supported or benefited from the CCA ministries, CCA has chosen to be known as Dorcas Ministries. For years those that have shopped or received assistance have simply and affectionately called it “Dorcas”. Now a new and meaningful name, Dorcas Ministries, will be used as the umbrella for all our services. Howard Manning, Executive Director said “We want people to see the connection between the Dorcas Shop and our investment in the community. We hope people see the difference we’re making right here at home.”


Over the past five years, Dorcas Ministries has been able to provide more then $1,000,000 in direct financial assistance through its Crisis Ministry. An additional $266,000 has gone toward childcare and educational assistance, and grants of almost $300,000 have been made to other organizations such as Alliance Medical ministry, NC Prevent Blindness, and The Caring Place. We have also added Job Link Services and administrative services for the Town Of Cary in 2009.


“It is our goal at Dorcas Ministries to provide help to families when they need it most.” Manning said “Sometimes we do that most effectively through direct assistance, and sometimes that is best done through our partner agencies. We are the thread that connects them.” Through the efforts of over 200 dedicated volunteers and donations from area churches, civic groups, schools, scout troops, businesses and individuals, thousands of local people are assisted each year.


“When a family receives food from the onsite food pantry they receive the double blessing of food on the table and a freeing up of funds to help pay the rent that month.” At Dorcas, job seekers can use JobLink Access Point resources to fine tune a resume, search the Internet for job openings, learn to negotiate salary and benefits, and improve interviewing skills.


Dorcas Ministries is also looking forward to operating from a new, larger location – at Cary Plaza, on High House Road. In 2011, it will become the base of operations for the shop and the various outreaches of Dorcas Ministries, as well as a home for other area non-profits. As Manning sees it, “With the expanded facilities, it will be even easier to donate the items that keep the whole thing going. Also, with more space to sell high quality merchandise, Dorcas Ministries will have more funds available to serve the Cary area for the next four decades and beyond.”


The mission of Dorcas Ministries is to assist those who face immediate financial crises in Cary, Morrisville and immediately adjacent areas by providing financial assistance, childcare, scholarships, food and clothing to those in need.

-Thanks for reading,

  Dorcas Ministries