DENTAL CLINIC
The dental clinic project began in 1983, when Dr. Thomas Orme of Purcellville, VA, donated his office equipment to the Center. A donation of $32,500 was made by the Virginia Baptist Mission Board. Volunteer dentists began to come in 1985. Today, through generous foundation support and a partnership with Bland County Medical Clinic, we have a modern three chair clinic and a denture lab in Bland, a five chair clinic in Wytheville operating as Big Walker Dentistry, and a mobile school-based oral health program.
Any person interested in receiving services may contact the Bland office at 276-688-4711 or Big Walker Dentistry at 276-228-4711. The clinics accept Medicaid insurance or offer a sliding-scale fee schedule.
BENEVOLENCE
The benevolence program exists as a relief to struggling families. BMCDC offers limited financial assistance for past-due utilities, transportation issues, lodging, stranded motorist, and other emergency situations on a case-by-case basis. Individuals may call with requests and must come in to fill out an assistance application before receiving help.
CONSTRUCTION
The Bland Ministry Center is actively involved in facilitating and participating in various construction projects. These projects range from new church construction to repairing homes of persons in need by roofing, painting, installing wheelchair ramps, performing maintenance, yard work, and cutting wood. In the spring and summer, the Center receives volunteer teams from all over the U.S. to assist with construction and to help with other needed projects.
If you or someone you know is in need of home repairs, please contact the office to fill out a construction request form. Staff will work with clients to determine whether they are eligible for assistance and to pair client needs with mission teams according to skill level.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
BMC participates in special programs throughout the year as needs arise in our community. Two in particular allow us to partner with county agencies to provide school supplies and Christmas gifts to Bland County children who might otherwise not receive those things that they need to excel in school or feel loved during the holidays.
We also partner with local businesses, individuals, and churches to pack special food boxes in December. These boxes supply nearly 500 families with everything they need to make a traditional holiday meal, right down to the sweet potato casserole!
Special news releases or letters go out to inform families or individuals if they qualify for these services.
PROGRAMS
FOOD PANTRY
Our food ministry is an emergency assistance food distribution, manned by volunteers. The Center works with social agencies to verify needs of each client. The Pantry consists of items donated from churches, organizations, and agencies throughout the southeastern United States.
The Food Pantry is open every Tuesday and Thursday unless Bland County Schools are closed due to weather. Any interested client may join the distribution line and register at the warehouse. Additional guidelines will be discussed during your first visit.
Hours
Food boxes are distributed every Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Households may pick up one box per month and visit on the following schedule:
First Tuesday or Thursday: Bland County
Second Tuesday or Thursday: Wythe County
Third Tuesday or Thursday: all other counties
Fourth and Fifth Tuesdays or Thursdays: Make-Up dates
CLOTHES CLOSET
The clothing ministry of the Center is staffed by volunteers and project groups and is open on a regular schedule each week. Certain items not available to regular clients are kept for emergency needs such as fire or other catastrophes.
The Clothes Closet is open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon. Families may take up to 50 pounds of clothing items per family member per year.
All items (clothing, accessories, home goods) are donated and free for clients.