DOC-UP
The Dalton Organization of Churches United for People (DOC-UP) had its beginning on a cold, snowy Thursday in January 0f 1987. A small group of church lay-persons and ministers met informally to talk about the growing number of needy person coming to local churches to ask for help. The hope of the group was to address the many crisis situations being presented to local churches in an holistic way—assuring that both the physical, emotional, and financial needs of the individuals seeking assistance were being met. The result of this and subsequent meetings of local church leaders grew into the community organization that we know today as DOC-UP. First Baptist Church, is, and has been from its inception, an active member and financial supporter of DOC-UP. Members of the First Baptist family serve on the Executive Board and the Operating Board of DOC-UP, as well as on the volunteer staff of the organization.
DOC-UP is a non-discriminatory, non-profit organization of churches who have accepted the mandate to be not only hearers of the Word, but doers of the Word as well. A common bond of unity leads these churches through this organization to meet the needs of the residents of Dalton and Whitfield County as well as many transients who might be stranded in Dalton.
The most obvious need presented to local churches is financial in nature. As such, DOC-UP seeks to relieve the financial needs of individuals and families who are in crisis situations. Financial assistance may be provided to individuals and families requesting help with, but not limited to: utility bills, rent assistance, emergency shelter, emergency food, prescribed medications, and gasoline. DOC-UP realizes that financial crises often arise out of problems of a deeper nature. Thus, DOC-UP counselors hope to go beneath the surface of the presenting symptom to try to eradicate the basic problem. Financial counseling is encouraged, which will be arranged free-of-charge by DOC-UP.
If you would like more information about DOC-UP, or would like to volunteer to serve as a part of this ministry, please call (706)278-7883.
