Volunteer leadership of White County Caring & Sharing includes, from left, Pam Walden, president; the Rev. Marc Turner, vice president; Laura Cormier, secretary; and Paul Scott Abbott, public relations officer.
(CLEVELAND)- Pam Walden brings more than a half-century of social services experience to her newly elected role as president of White County Caring & Sharing, a not-for-profit organization streamlining emergency assistance to neighbors in need.
“Caring & Sharing serves a vital role in helping White County residents in financial crisis meet such basic needs as housing and utilities,” said Walden, who was elected to a three-year term as president of the all-volunteer organization. “Our objective is not just to provide emergency bill payment, but, moreover, to lovingly assist our neighbors in leading fruitful, spiritually rich lives.”
Walden joined the board of White County Caring & Sharing two decades ago, following retirement after 34 years with the Georgia Department of Human Services,
“White County Caring & Sharing strives to make decisions that give the most benefit to local families and individuals while facilitating best stewardship of benevolence funds,” Walden said. “We’re deeply appreciative of regular contributions received from numerous churches, as well as White County Community Thrift Store, United Way of White County, and others. “We invite additional churches, organizations, and citizens to participate,” added Walden, who noted that Caring & Sharing has furnished more than $2 million in total assistance since founded in 1990 through efforts of local clergy and business leaders.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Caring & Sharing revised its procedures to include online applications at the organization’s website at www.whitecountycaringandsharing.com. In addition, those seeking assistance may phone 706-892-4806.
Several local churches take part in the process on a rotating basis, with payments made directly to landlords, utility companies, and other providers. Payments are approved by Caring & Sharing board members, guided by a software program for assistance tracking.
Applicants must prove at least three months of White County residency and be able to furnish original bills. As funds are limited, assistance is available to applicants only once per six-month period, with a lifetime limit of three assists per household. There also are dollar limitations on amounts per assist and total lifetime help.
Walden assumes the Caring & Sharing presidency from the Rev. Marc Turner, lead pastor of Cleveland Worship Center, who takes over the vice president position from Walden. Re-elected in November to officer terms from 2024 through 2026 are Laura Cormier as secretary, the Rev. Dennis Turner as treasurer and unpaid executive director, and Paul Scott Abbott as public relations officer.
