Lifesavers Outreach Services, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in the state of North Carolina since February 2016. Initially  established as a food pantry to serve residents of  Columbus County, North Carolina experiencing poverty and food insecurity. During weekly food distributions and interacting with residents, we quickly identified several other needs that existed in the community. 

 

The first additional service included  serving hot meals. Weekly we cooked food and residents would  come and sit to enjoy a hot meal while chatting, watching a movie or listening to inspirational music.We also noticed the number of individuals we served who were suffering from drug and substance abuse. Thus, we established “Lifesavers Clinics", a weekly setting where individuals could  talk, receive counseling and resources to help with substance abuse. 

 

We also initiated “Inner Healing” weekly meetings for those suffering from physical and emotional trauma. These meetings served to help bring healing and resources to those in attendance. A weekly youth meeting was also implemented to teach children and young adults life skills and self worth.

 

In 2018, hurricane Florence flooded North Carolina, and destroyed the location where Lifesavers Outreach Services operated (415 W. Walter Street in Whiteville, NC). 

This not only forced us to find a new location to operate from, but increased the number of people/families that required assistance with every day basic needs.

 

After relocating operations to our present location, 3440 James B White Hwy S, Whiteville, NC, we continued weekly food pantry distributions. The new location had no kitchen to prepare hot meals, or space for weekly meetings. We currently schedule meetings monthly, (some at other locations) to try to maintain minimal impact on individuals affected by substance abuse and trauma.

 

The food pantry continues weekly distributions with the increasing number of households needing assistance.

Lifesavers Outreach Food Pantry collaborates with local partners to maximize food acquisition and distribution. Serving over 18,000 individuals yearly through weekly distributions. 

 

This includes service to seniors on fixed incomes, working families facing economic hardship, veterans, immigrants, and individuals experiencing temporary crises. Columbus County and surrounding counties in North Carolina continue  to experience elevated rates of poverty and food insecurity. Many households must choose between purchasing food, paying utilities, or covering medical expenses and prescription costs.

 

Limited transportation options and rural geographic barriers further decrease access to food. To help combat some of  these  barriers, Lifesavers Outreach Food Pantry launched a limited weekly food delivery service to the elderly. We currently have several seniors on the waiting list to receive deliveries.

We endeavor to provide compassionate, dignified service to all clients. Our goal is not only to reduce food insecurity, but to stabilize families, strengthen the overall well-being of the community, empower the underprivileged and underserved to live more productive lifestyles and be productive citizens of the community.