Who We Are
The Vision
The vision of Cary Christain Center is to break the cycles of poverty through relationships; to build serious and significant relationships that are based on biblical principles; and to build relationships with individuals through the various ministries by becoming involved in their lives which ultimately leads them to making healthy choices.
More About Us
More About Our History
The story of Cary Christian Center began in 1971 with Dr. Peter Boelens, a pediatrician with a heart of missions and burden for serving the poor. He had become aware of the significant needs in the southern Mississippi Delta and was led to open a practice in the poorest area of the United States- serving Sharkey and Issaquena counties and areas of the surrounding counties. He knew that the infant mortality rate was the highest in the nation. He felt drawn to begin his work in rural Cary, Mississippi on Highway 61.
Cary is located 37 miles from Vicksburg and eight miles south of Sharkey County seat at Rolling Fork. The original clinic, in a mobile home on Highway 61 was destroyed in a tornado after the first year. A small school building and grounds, abandoned during integration, was available. It was also tornado damaged but was remodeled by volunteers into a very adequate facility.
Over the years, ministries were added, each based on real needs in the community. The first of these programs were related to medical needs. Eventually, they addressed the needs of the whole person and family. What had started as a clinic eventually became Cary Christian Center, a multi-faceted ministry with services directed to the needs of the Mississippi Delta.
Our Financial Structure
CCC is a non-profit 501 C 3 organization. We are members of ECFA for financial accountability. We are also members of Barnabas Foundation, Christian Community Development Association, Envoy, United Way of West Central Mississippi and R.E.A.L. Christian Foundation.
We were started and funded through the Luke Society until 1992 when we were placed on our own as Cary Christian Center, Inc.
Our funding comes through donations of individuals, churches, foundation and some grant money. Our volunteer and financial support comes from across the United States, not just Mississippi. Our board reflects that diversity.
We partner with Barnabas Foundation to offer our supporters Planned Giving and Estate services at no cost. The professional staff provides confidential consultation and Planned Giving expertise.