Who We Are

Mission

At Dorcas Ministries, we help our neighbors thrive by providing financial and food assistance, training and coaching, client advocacy, a platform for people to make a difference, and a best-in-class thrift shop for our community.

Values

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Compassion

We show kindness, respect and sensitivity to our neighbors as an act of faith.

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Dignity

We respect the unique value and worth of each individual.

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Innovation

We are forward-thinking and embrace opportunities for growth and the betterment of our neighbors and community.

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Stewardship

We utilize our donations and resources responsibly for the good of all people.

Our Story

1968

  • In June 1968, Margaret Keller gathered a small group of Christian ladies to address a growing concern: how to best serve our neighbors in need. From different races and denominations but united with one purpose, they agreed to work together to meet the needs of the Cary and Morrisville communities. With support from local churches, Dorcas Ministries was formed as Christian Community in Action (CCA). Our mission remains the same today: to help our neighbors thrive.

1970s

  • Dorcas Ministries began with a commitment to education through adult literacy and preschool enrichment programs for low-income families. Sixty volunteers helped teach classes and provide meals or transportation.
  • The thrift shop opened in 1972, the first of its kind in Cary, to raise funds and expand community programs. Inspired by Tabitha (also known as Dorcas), a woman of compassion in the Bible (Acts 9:26-43), The Dorcas Thrift Shop became a place where families and individuals could shop with dignity for clothing and household items.
  • In the late ‘70s, a client services office was created. Through thrift shop proceeds and other donations, Dorcas began to help with food, gas, transportation for medical appointments, and other concerns.

1980s

  • Dorcas Ministries was incorporated by the State of North Carolina and granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status by the IRS on April 15, 1983.
  • A crisis line was opened in 1984, where clients were interviewed and screened for eligibility. The Dorcas Thrift Shop continued to expand hours and moved to larger and more accessible locations. In 1987, Dorcas hired the first paid employee as the director of client services. By 1989, Dorcas had provided direct assistance to more than 1,900 individuals.

1990s

  • Dorcas Ministries became a founding partner of another CCA program – The Carying Place – which serves working homeless families with children. In 1994, the Dorcas board purchased land for a larger facility on Maynard Road, which opened in 1997 with expanded hours and client services. The organization had about 200 volunteers and had served 2,500 neighbors in need.

2000s

  • As Dorcas Ministries celebrated 40 years of serving the Cary and Morrisville community, a new vision emerged. Recognizing the need for more shop and client services space, in 2008, the organization purchased the Dorcas Plaza off High House Road with the goal of creating a nonprofit hub in Cary to serve the needs of at-risk western Wake County neighbors.

2010s

  • Dorcas Ministries moved into the new space in 2011. Customers line up early to enter the large shop, which is restocked continuously throughout the day. In partnership with local churches, services include financial and food assistance, emergency housing, job training and career training, childcare scholarships, and bilingual case management. By its 50th anniversary, Dorcas Ministries had more than 500 volunteers, served around 4,100 clients, and was named the “Best Charity” of Western Wake County several times by the readers of Cary Magazine.

2020s

  • In April 2022, Dorcas Ministries was rocked by the death of Howard Manning, the beloved and longtime chief executive officer credited for our growth and impact. Now led by André Anthony, Dorcas celebrated its 55th year of service in 2023 with more than 700 volunteers and over 5,800 clients served. Dorcas Plaza continues to have a high occupancy rate, and is home to four local nonprofit organizations that provide additional services to the community.

The staff and Board of Directors continue to evaluate options to increase our client services capacity with our revenue-generating potential and partnerships with local churches and nonprofits. With our founder, Margaret Keller, always in mind, our focus remains on helping clients become self-reliant while addressing immediate crises. We invite you to help us in this endeavor through your financial support, donations to the Thrift Shop, volunteering, and other acts of compassion for our community.

Christian Community in Action is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization.

Our 990 form can be found here.