When life deals a blow, it’s comforting to know there are organizations available to lend a helping hand. That’s just what the Community Helping Place, Inc., (CHP) of Lumpkin County does. CHP offers a free medical clinic, emergency financial assistance and food pantry with the help of approximately 180 volunteers who donate their time to help meet the needs of others in the community.

Founded more than 22 years ago, the organization began as a Food Pantry closet in the basement of Dahlonega’s St. Luke’s Catholic Church. In 2006, CHP started the Summer Food Program, providing breakfast, lunch and a snack to at-risk children during the break. Just last year, the free medical clinic opened to serve the working poor.

Brenda Cook, CHP’s executive director, says the organization has made great strides over the years. “We are so grateful for the support of the Jackson EMC Foundation Grant. More than ever we are called to assist our neighbors in need and it is only through the support of folks like Jackson EMC that we are able to provide for those needs.”

CHP is the largest outreach program in Lumpkin County, providing more than $430,000 worth of assistance to families in 2008.