The Cooperative Ministry
Columbia, SC. February 2012.
Having been deeply rooted in the communities of Columbia for nearly 30 years, The Cooperative Ministry (TCM) helps individuals and families work their way out of poverty. Founded by five church congregations in downtown Columbia, the Ministry has always been equipped to provide a range of services as varied as the people who need them, the Ministry focuses on providing short-term assistance and developing long-term stability.
TCM focuses its efforts on the low-income portion of our community. These are individuals and families that despite employment fall below the Federal Poverty Line. In addition, TCM is uniquely positioned to help our clients work their way out of poverty by providing both crisis assistance, and programs to support the transition to sustainability.
Columbia Mayor Bob Coble opens a project managed by the Cooperative Ministry
TCM’s most successful program is their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. This program offers free tax preparation & filing for low income individuals & families in the Midlands. We build bridges to tomorrow by meeting immediate needs and teaching skills and providing resources for long-term independence and stability. Our Sustainability programs include VITA, out CAR Program (donates vehicles to sustain people in jobs), Financial Education classes, and budget & job counseling.
When asked about TCM’s most important partners, Ron King, director of Financial Sustainability programs says, “All of our partners play an extremely important role. We rely on congregations of all faiths, over 120 partnering agencies, and countless civic and social organizations, foundations, businesses and individuals to support our work in the community.”
But every positive effort, has its shortcomings. When asked about challenges facing the Ministry, King mentioned, like any other non-profit organization, funding is a rather consistent challenge. “[Additionally], we are striving to lead a conversation in our state on the path out of poverty and are always looking to strengthen the collaboration between different resources for our clients.”
