Agency Spotlight
Christian Service Center
Written by Cori Yonge
January 21, 2010

Agency Spotlight

Volunteers at the Heart of Christian Service Center

From the outside, the Christian Service Center (CSC) in Gulf Shores, Ala. looks like a sleepy office, but inside the phones hum and volunteer caseworkers counsel individuals who need financial relief or other help for their families. Across the parking lot in the agency’s food pantry, a bevy of volunteers sort the daily delivery of fresh bread and canned goods into waiting shopping carts, while others gather birthday presents for young children whose parents can’t afford a cake or gift. 

Volunteers Jack and Shirley Paulus bag a birthday cake at the Christian Service Center’s food pantry. The organization provides disadvantaged children under age 12 with birthday cakes and gifts.

Founded in 1991 and run entirely by volunteers, the Christian Service Center is a United Way of Baldwin County non-profit agency established by the Pleasure Island Ministerial Association to provide emergency aid and food to individuals in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Ft. Morgan. (read more)
Linda Chappelle, a retired social worker, is the agency’s volunteer director and board president. Chappelle said the number of people served by CSC has risen steadily since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. But the economic recession’s effect on Pleasure Island tourism presents the agency with its biggest challenge to date. “We’re seeing a greater number of service industry employees who need help. People who have always had jobs don’t have them anymore. Once the tourists go home, many workers see their hours slashed.” According to Chappelle, agency volunteers helped 5,282 people in 2009.

Nancy Hietanen sorts canned peaches for the agency’s food pantry warehouse. Christian Service Center helped 1,826 families in 2009.

Twenty-one area churches support the CSC. The agency also relies on grants and donations from the United Way of Baldwin County, area businesses, service clubs, local restaurants, individuals and money raised at the CSC’s annual spaghetti dinner held each winter. In addition to providing emergency food and financial aid, the organization partners with Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy Program and Gulf Shores and Ft. Morgan’s Meals on Wheels. CSC also runs a medical equipment loaner program, Christmas Cheer meals and toys, and a birthday club providing gifts and cake for children under the age of 12 who are in need. Chappelle said CSC refers cases that can’t be handled in house to other agencies such as the Salvation Army or American Red Cross.    

“We really try to provide a hand up instead of a hand out. While we act as a band-aid to help with immediate needs, our goal is to help our clients find a more permanent solution for the long-term,” Chappelle said.

CSC counsels clients on an appointment only basis. Located at 317 Dolphin Ave, Gulf Shores, the office is open Mon - Fri from 9 am - 12 pm. To make an appointment or donation, or to volunteer your services call 251-968-5256.