Community Cooperative Ministries (CCMI) was incorporated in 1984, and has long been a driving force in the Fort Myers community, providing food to homeless and nearly homeless, as well as emergency groceries and affordable childcare to the working poor. In July of 2006 the agency expanded its mission and outreach to Lee County by merging with agencies that had historically provided home delivered meals to the homebound hungry (Meals on Wheels), and transportation services to the frail elderly (Faith In Action). This merger created an agency that is able to provide comprehensive, unduplicated services to the homeless, nearly homeless, homebound, seniors and children more effectively, more efficiently and with greater compassion than at any other time in the former agencies histories.
CCMI is dedicated to providing nutritious meals, groceries, transportation, affordable childcare and referral services to the homeless, homebound, seniors, working poor, children and the frail in our community. The populations we serve have been identified as some of the neediest in Lee County.
Our clients are primarily elderly, homeless and/or working poor, including children.
In Dunbar where the Soup Kitchen and our new United Way House is located, 30.4% of the population lives in poverty. The most recent Homeless Survey conducted by Lee County Human Services projects that there are over 3,000 homeless residents in Lee County with a majority living in the downtown/Dunbar area. There can be no doubt that these segments of the population will only grow and become needier in time. In addition in 2005, 22.7% of the population in Lee County was over the age of 65, and as baby boomers age up the demand for services for the elderly will be even greater. Our agency is positioning itself to deal with the increased community need.
* Please note: all donations and purchases will appear on your credit card statement as "PayPal." PayPal is a secure third-party credit card processor. CCMI has a special account with them that allows for free online credit card donations and purchases.
Follow the Lee County Soup Kitchen on Twitter.
The Summer 2009 CCMI Newsletter is available now online. Featured articles:
- "Food is the Gateway to Hope," by CEO Sarah Owen
- "Serving with a Smile!" by Cheryl Haack, Director of Volunteer Services
- "Receiving More Than You Expected" by Fred Shilffarth, Director of Homeless Services
- "I don’t know how to ask for help!” by Susan O’Dell, Director of Family Services
