Community Groups
Oriental UMC supports many community groups that provide much needed support to our community. We encourage and appreciate our members who donate money and volunteer their time for these important groups. Get involved. You will be glad you did.
Pamlico County Fishes and Loaves (PCFLO)
PCFLO is a not for profit organization (501c3) operating a referral-only pantry servicing the on-going food needs as well as emergency food needs of Pamlico County. It costs between $3,000 – $4,000 monthly to maintain the level of service PCFLO provides. Monetary donations as well as donations of nonperishable foods are gratefully accepted. Volunteers are welcomed. Our Mission is to accumulate and distribute high-quality, nutritious food to those who need assistance in Pamlico County, NC regardless of race, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. PCFLO needs volunteers to bag the perishables starting at 9:30 am. We provide our clients with meats, fruits & vegetables, and bakery products on those days. To sign up as a volunteer please email Eliz Valassis at jvalassis@aol.com. PCFLO food pantry is located at 108 Straight Road, Oriental.
Prime Time
PrimeTime, founded in 2001 as a mission of the Oriental United Methodist Church, operates under the church’s 501c3 status. PrimeTime offers unique programs for those 50+ in Oriental and the surrounding communities, helping them to remain connected, engaged, active healthy and as independently functioning as possible. We help people navigate the health care system and secure physical, emotional, and spiritual care. Ongoing programs such as Lunch & Learn, educational classes/seminars, transportation, prayer shawls, shut in/assisted living visitation, meal sharing/socialization, etc. are also offered. All services/programs are free of charge or with small fees to cover incidental items such as class supplies. With all that is offered, one does not have to look far to see that for well over a decade, PrimeTime includes all members of the community, as it fulfills the mission of “serving those in the prime time of their lives”. Contact the church office for more information.
Hope Clinic
Hope Clinic is a private, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides free medical care to those in need in Pamlico County and surrounding communities. More than 20% of our families, friends, and neighbors live in poverty. They struggle every day between paying their rent or utilities, or accessing medical care. The stress level of living in poverty is something most of us cannot imagine, but for these folks, it’s become their “normal.” Living in poverty is linked to anger, family violence and abuse, substance abuse, poor health, and mental illness. It is a constant pain that removes a person’s ability to hope and dream. Without Hope Clinic, those in need must rely on rescue squads, the emergency room, and even law enforcement for intervention. We can do better!
Hope Clinic is able to accomplish their medical mission with a volunteer Board of Directors, 1 part-time executive director, 7 part-time staff members, and more than 100 volunteers. More than 24 of these passionate volunteers serve as doctors, nurses, lab technicians, therapists, and advocates on clinic night. For more information about getting involved, please give the Clinic a call or email the director here. If you are interested in becoming a patient of Hope Clinic, please call (252) 745-5760.
Heart Works
HeartWorks is a 501©(3) nonprofit community service agency in Bayboro, North Carolina. Our mission is to address the underserved mental and physical health needs of youth and their families in Pamlico County and surrounding areas. Education and positive mental health are the cornerstones of our efforts. Nurturing is our method. HeartWorks has a variety of volunteer opportunities for those interested in sharing their ideas, their time, their knowledge, and their experience with kindergarten through eighth grade children who need you. To find out more contact HeartWorks at (252) 671-5212 or send an email to cdebose@heartworksnc.org.
Kairos
Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (Kairos) is a lay-led, interdenominational Christian ministry in which men and women volunteers bring Christ’s love and forgiveness to prisoners and their families. The Kairos programs take the participants on a journey that demonstrates the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Kairos Prison Ministry is Christian in nature, although no religious affiliation is necessary to be a participant. The programs involve a structured model that includes the weekend experience, followed by guests or participants gathering regularly for accountability, support, and prayer. Click here for more information or call the church office to find out how you can become involved locally.