The Cooperative Ministry

The Cooperative Ministry Providing Immediate Needs and Empowerment services to help people become self-sufficient

OUR MISSION: The Cooperative Ministry exists to increase the economic self-sufficiency of people experiencing poverty in the Midlands through crisis assistance and sustainability programs. We provide rent and utility assistance, free clothing for school and work, free furniture, food vouchers and emergency food boxes, budget counseling and encouragement, prayer support, free income tax preparation

assistance, guidance with insurance enrollment and counseling with Medicaid and Medicare, career improvement, and financial empowerment counseling.

The Cooperative Ministry appreciates church partners who collect food and hygiene items to bless others through our emer...
06/02/2026

The Cooperative Ministry appreciates church partners who collect food and hygiene items to bless others through our emergency food pantry and clothing bank. The Missions Ministry of Francis Burns United Methodist Church recently sponsored a food and hygiene drive at the church. Today, we picked up 24 emergency food bags for families and 45 snack bags for individuals, including the homeless. We also picked up 50 individual hygiene bags for individuals, and 15 family hygiene bags. This effort will bless many people in our community. Pictured, from left, are Dave Peoples, clothing bank director at The Cooperative Ministry; from the church, Roberta Brooker, the Rev. Geneva Stafford, church pastor, and Lynnette Robinson; and Scott Vaughan, community awareness director at The Cooperative Ministry.
We are especially thankful for Roberta and Lynnette, who coordinated this effort within their church and are faithful long-time volunteers at The Cooperative Ministry.

For more than 25 years, Loretta Coleman Ministries has blessed people in need within our community. Yesterday, Ms. Colem...
05/29/2026

For more than 25 years, Loretta Coleman Ministries has blessed people in need within our community. Yesterday, Ms. Coleman, with help from Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and the Richland County Sheriff's Department, donated a large pickup truck full of clothing to our clothing bank. The clothing came from donors who contributed to Loretta Coleman Ministries.
We are thankful for Ms. Coleman's work in our community and for Sheriff Lott and the deputies who delivered the gifts to our clothing bank. Pictured, from left, are Willie Murphy, a full-time volunteer at The Cooperative Ministry; Scott Vaughan, of The Cooperative Ministry staff; Sheriff Lott; Ms. Coleman; Marilyn Simmons, of The Cooperative Ministry staff; and Corporal Browne of the sheriff's department. Master Deputy Colon is standing in the truck bed, and the photograph was taken by Sgt. Gabr, of the sheriff's department.

Beyond The Role is a local organization of military spouses who gather regularly for fun activities, learning opportunit...
05/28/2026

Beyond The Role is a local organization of military spouses who gather regularly for fun activities, learning opportunities, meals together, and, in today's case, volunteerism. The Cooperative Ministry welcomed, from left, Dina King, Krishonda Butler, and Lisa Strahammer, who served in our clothing bank operation.
Thank you!

Thank you to this group of great volunteers from BlueCross BlueShield of SC () that visited us for a morning of service ...
05/28/2026

Thank you to this group of great volunteers from BlueCross BlueShield of SC () that visited us for a morning of service in our clothing bank. This group folded and racked clothing and reset our clothing bank for the next week's operation. Clients "shop" in our store setting for the free clothing they need for work and school. Thank you to these volunteers and to community donors who bring clothing donations to our doors.

Volunteer groups are the lifeblood of The Cooperative Ministry's clothing bank, and we benefit from church, community, c...
05/27/2026

Volunteer groups are the lifeblood of The Cooperative Ministry's clothing bank, and we benefit from church, community, corporation, and civic club groups. This week, we welcomed a group from Richland First Steps ( ). These ladies often visit our clothing bank on behalf of others they serve. Pictured are Nomaneka Parker, Wanda Ortiz, Nikiyah Spearman, Regina Free, Quinn Baker, and Amber Tanner. Thank you!

The Rev. Al Counts, The Cooperative Ministry's Career Improvement program coordinator, is pictured with Knakea Robinson,...
05/26/2026

The Rev. Al Counts, The Cooperative Ministry's Career Improvement program coordinator, is pictured with Knakea Robinson, left, and Jada Sumter, right, graduates of the 3-D Nail Academy on Sunday, May 24. Ms. Robinson also passed and received her state license and certification. Both ladies were participants in our Career Improvement program. Congratulations!
www.coopmin.org/careerimprovement

Today, The Cooperative Ministry welcomed these great volunteers from CAHEC Management, Inc., who served in our clothing ...
05/20/2026

Today, The Cooperative Ministry welcomed these great volunteers from CAHEC Management, Inc., who served in our clothing bank. We are thankful for friends at for sending them our way.
Pictured are Sonya Haines, Carissa Caldwell, and Sydney Branham.

Members of the Saturday Sisterhood Circle at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church visited our clothing bank last Saturd...
05/19/2026

Members of the Saturday Sisterhood Circle at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church visited our clothing bank last Saturday morning and reset it for clients to shop for free clothing. Our clothing bank is dependent on great groups of volunteers like this one. Thank you!

Each month, The Cooperative Ministry's Financial Empowerment area shares a theme related to economic stability. This mon...
05/14/2026

Each month, The Cooperative Ministry's Financial Empowerment area shares a theme related to economic stability. This month, we focus on empowering our clients to take control of their finances and promote sustainable growth. Just as a tree flourishes with nurturing, your financial health requires consistent attention and actionable steps. To support your journey, we are providing clients with the “May Your Money Grow: A Financial Literacy Quiz,” designed to enhance your financial knowledge and inspire personal growth. www.coopmin.org/financialempowerment.

Address

3821 W Beltline Boulevard
Columbia, SC
29204

Telephone

+18037993853

Website

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