Garrard County Cooperative Parish

Affiliate of the Kentucky Ecumenical Empowerment Project (KEEP)

 
Located in Lancaster, KY, the Garrard County Cooperative Parish was established in 1987 among four Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations with the backing of the Kentucky Appalachian Ministry.  They voted upon recommendation of the Parish Council in 1989 to become ecumenical and actively enlist congregations of other denominations.  since then, a Nazarene congregation has become part of the Parish and two Methodist congregations are giving membership their consideration.
 

Areas of Ministry:

• Jobs Referral Plus -- Coordinator, Tammy Highley, matches jobs available with those seeking work.  The Plus part is basic literacy training and General Education Development (GED - a high school equivalency degree).  Since inception, more than 120 persons have earned their GED's, 74 have been placed in permanent jobs, and over 120 individuals have been employed in part-time or temporary jobs.  Week of Compassion and Reconciliation grants from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have helped this program.
   

• Human Services Program -- Volunteers in the thrift store in the Community Ministry Center provide direct assistance with clothing, shoes, utility bill payments, home repairs, and help in filling out government forms.
   

• Habitat for Humanity -- A local affiliate including a greater number of denominations was organized through GCCP in 1995.
   

• Senior Citizens Program -- Dynamic volunteers organized a popular choir, "The Joy Makers."  They have published two cookbooks, "The Good Cookin' Cookbook" and the "Picklin', Preservin', Puttin' Up and Plain Good Cookin'" book currently in its second printing.  The Seniors share their wealth of experience and skills with each other and with the community. 

See more about the Garrard County Cooperative Parish and KEEP in the video, "From Pancakes to People," available from Kentucky Appalachian Ministry. 

For more information or offers of help, please contact the Garrard County Cooperative Parish.