Love INC of Greater Holmes helping people fill in the gaps
Assistant Debbie Miller, left, volunteer Barb Knapp, director Vicki Conn and volunteer Sherry Artman staff the Love INC office on Mondays.
When Vicki Conn and her husband Jay, pastor of Martin’s Creek Church, moved to the area in 2012, it didn’t take long for them to see there was a way they could help families in the community.
“My husband Jay attended the Holmes County Ministerial Association, and he told them about a mission I had worked for back in Pennsylvania called Love INC,” Conn said.
Conn said the national organization, Love INC, which stands for Love in the Name of Christ, mobilizes local churches, church volunteers and community organizations to work together across denominational lines to help struggling neighbors with basic needs and long-term responses.
In 2014 HCMA gave the local organization a grant to start Love INC of Greater Holmes County.
Love INC is located in Millersburg at 1291 Massillon Road (Route 241), behind the Gateway Fellowship Church.
“I can’t give HCMA enough credit for helping us start out,” Conn said.
Today the organization is supported by donations from churches, individuals and businesses throughout the area.
“We are humbled and appreciative for all the support we get,” Conn said. “God works it all out.”
Conn said Love INC now works with about 45 churches in Holmes County.
On an individual level, the process starts with a phone call to the office, which is answered by church volunteers. The volunteers encourage callers to tell their stories so it can be determined what exactly their need is.
“They may be in need of assistance with housing, utilities, transportation (car repairs or rides) or any number of things,” Conn said.
After the phone intake, the church phone volunteers determine what places can help the caller. Love INC keeps a database of what different churches offer, as well as the local government and any number of social-service agencies such as food pantries and counseling centers.
“We’re not here to duplicate existing services, just to help put the pieces together. And if we can’t find help, we challenge churches to help fill that gap,” Conn said.
Conn said the churches offer an endless number of ministries and individuals who provide help.
“We’re not only here to help the people in need,” Conn said, “but we also feel our services offer church members great opportunities to share their God-given talents and strengths with others. Everybody has something to offer.”
One program offered is Fresh Start. Every Monday evening volunteers from about a dozen local churches provide a variety of classes and services covering such topics as budget coaching, marriage, goal-setting, the job-application process and more. Childcare is provided, and anyone is welcome.
“We usually have up to 50 guests and up to 35 kids for childcare,” Conn said. “We come together, and it’s great just to rub shoulders and make connections with people of all walks of life. Everyone is created with a purpose. And we are not just about a quick fix; we are there to follow up and provide a relationship.”
Another program is Wheels of Love, which provides transportation for people needing to go to medical appointments, a food pantry or other social services.
“We would like to expand this, but we could use some more volunteers,” Conn said.
Conn administers Love INC with Debbi Miller, clearinghouse coordinator and case manager. The two are part-time employees.
Conn said Wayne County has a growing group of churches interested in starting a ministry there to walk with struggling families, and Love INC of Greater Holmes County is providing guidance and encouragement.
“My heart’s wish was to start this and let God move it and grow it. It is his work,” Conn said.
Love INC will hold a fundraiser Feb. 25 at the Farmstead Restaurant in Berlin from 4-8 p.m. Volunteers will serve meals with 15 percent of all orders and bakery items going to Love INC.
The office is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and can be called at 330-473-6017 or visited at www.loveincofghc.org. Volunteers are welcome.