Crosslines Churches of the Joplin Area Inc

Crosslines seeks to serve people and feed souls. Serving through listening ears, referrals to community resources, basic need provision, and connection to the local church allow Crosslines' clients to build social capital while their basic needs are being met. Crosslines seeks to collaboratively serve clients through partnerships with Ozark's Food Harvest, Ozark Gateway Master Gardeners, United Way's Regional Health and Welfare, WIOA, and 60+ local churches and agencies. As an organization, Crosslines believes enough food is available for every person in the area to go to bed without feeling hunger pangs. Similarly, weather appropriate clothing is available and accessible for every member of the community. Simply put, Crosslines seeks to meet people where there are in their journey in the effort of building alongside them as they grow.

Crosslines strategically utilizes media, events, and awareness efforts to educate the community about the issues happening in the area. Crosslines also works alongside numerous agencies to ensure that service duplication is at a minimum. Caseworkers at Crosslines and multiple other local agencies work together to best serve clients through best practices. For example, Crosslines houses a client choice pantry in which clients choose the food they would use and leave food they wouldn't use for another person in need. Furthermore, Crosslines regularly partners with local substance abuse treatment centers to provide clothing and hygiene items to those working toward a clean and sober lifestyle.

Crosslines is capable of meeting needs in the community because of our many supporters. The innumerable hours of volunteer work and the generosity of businesses, corporations, churches, families, and individuals are the foundation of Crosslines Ministries. The many hands required each day to run the programs are centered around the heart of the mission. People join together to make sure neighbors are clothed, fed, clean, and loved.

Crosslines has operated for 37 years. The facility is an ideal home for the mission and vision of serving people and feeding souls. In 2017, Crosslines fed, clothed, and served 1900 people each month on average. Over $500,000 of volunteer hours were spent to make the services happen. New leadership and anticipated growth are on the rise at Crosslines. Improving current programs and meeting the needs of neighbors is on the heart of Crosslines. The board, staff, and volunteers are working to invest in the community to make lasting change.