Chat with Cat: Hope is a Listening Ear

For the month of November, Chat with Cat will be highlighting nonprofit organizations whose missions are tied to that of Montreat Conference Center. For more information on Nonprofit Awareness Month, check out materials from the N.C. Center for Nonprofits.

Ten years ago, Virginia Buchanan and Mary Hollins were visiting in the office of Renae Brame, who at that time was the superintendent of the local women's correctional center. During their visit, Renae received a call that a close member of an inmate's family had passed away. Virginia and Mary noted how much the task of telling the inmate weighed on Renae, and thought about how difficult it would be for the inmate, who had no form of spiritual care or support in such a trying time.

On the way home, Mary and Virginia said to each other, these women really need a chaplain. They began to approach churches, send out letters, and assemble a board of directors. And within the next six months, the Ministry of Hope was born.

They hired their first chaplain, who served the 80 women at the prison by listening to their stories and ministering to their needs. Over time the spiritual needs of the women grew, and the first chaplain moved away. The Ministry of Hope raised enough money to hire a new part-time chaplain, Lynn Michie, and then another, Carol Dalton, to support the growing population of the prison.

In July 2008, the Department of Corrections moved the county operations to the current Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women (SCCW) site, and began to increase the number of inmates to 165. When planned renovations of the facility are completed, the SCCW will house almost 500 inmates.

The need for chaplaincy support for these women is very real. The chaplains provide pastoral care and counseling in addition to coordinating religious services. According to the Ministry of Hope website, 85% of SCCW inmates have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused: "During recovery, they begin to understand their need for spiritual counseling to help them heal from the abuse and discover a sense of renewed self-worth and purpose. The chaplain plays a crucial role in the healing process." Other women are dealing with addiction or grief, managing difficult relationships, or discerning what paths their lives will take after they leave SCCW.

The chaplains at SCCW are supported entirely by the Ministry of Hope--the state provides no funding for them.

A couple of months ago, the Ministry of Hope held a benefit lunch here at Montreat Conference Center to raise money for their ministry, and to honor the work of the organization's three founders. The turnout was overwhelming, as was the support.

Before this event, I had no knowledge of this organization, but it became immediately clear to me how important the Ministry of Hope is. I cannot think of a better organization to promote during this month of Nonprofit Awareness, and I hope that learning a bit more about them might lead you to make others aware as well.

And if you happen to be local and want to help out, eat at the Black Mountain McDonald's on Saturday, November 21. The restaurant will be giving 40% of proceeds for the day to Ministry of Hope.

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Nonprofit Fact: The Western North Carolina region is home to 1,538 nonprofits registered as 501(c)(3) organizations, which collectively employ almost 37,000 people in 23 counties.

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Cat is the Sales Associate at Montreat Conference Center. She loves helping people plan the perfect Montreat Experience and would love to hear from you about how this blog can help you.

Cat can be reached at catw@montreat.org or at @Cat_Montreat.