The face of DOC-UP

Candace Minchey, an interior designer, puts a face on those who seek help from DOC-UP (Dalton Organization of Churches United for People) in times of crisis.

“I was at one of the lowest points in my life and didn’t know what to do or where to turn,” Minchey said. “Then I heard about DOC-UP and decided to see if they could assist me. Not only did they help me through a difficult financial moment, but they offered some great ideas about getting a job, ideas that I used. Within two weeks I landed a great job. I am very happy now and feel successful and fulfilled. DOC-UP was there when no one else was.”

DOC-UP ministers to those caught in the economic downturn in Dalton and Whitfield County. Supported by 23 churches, six Sunday school classes and various individuals, DOC-UP is a nonprofit organization comprised of numerous denominations and compassionate volunteers who regularly contribute financially or with their time. Located at the corner of Emery Street and Valley Drive in a duplex generously provided by the First United Methodist Church of Dalton, DOC-UP assists with rent, utility bills or minor prescriptions. Clients call (706) 529-9000 to schedule an appointment. An in-depth background check and interview ensure that DOC-UP is genuinely meeting an urgent need. Clients may be seen once a year for a total of three years, eliminating the possibility of DOC-UP becoming a crutch.

“Our goal is to inspire self-sufficiency as well as help families remain in their homes,” said Ginny Ireland, DOC-UP executive director. “We do a lot of referrals to other helping agencies and post job opportunities for our clients. Dalton is blessed with agencies that collaborate well. Salvation Army, Greater Works and the Dalton Whitfield Community Development Corp. are just a few with whom we partner. At a recent conference it was shown that no other area in Georgia works together as well as our district.”

“Our motto and guiding principle is ‘Keeping Families at Home.’ DOC-UP literally keeps families from becoming homeless. We all share the excitement when a client in desperate need is helped. Sometimes we are as thrilled as the client! And when so many good people are temporarily laid off from work or have their work hours shortened, DOC-UP may fill the gap. The elderly, often on fixed incomes, find respite from rising costs at DOC-UP. Since these are people who built our great nation, we are honored and humbled to help them.”

Since Dalton recently received the dubious honor of being the nation’s hardest hit by the economic downturn, DOC-UP’s need for funds has risen sharply.

“We are limited in the number of clients we can help simply because the monies are not there. It is devastating to tell a client truly in need that we do not have the monies to assist,” Ireland said. “Normally DOC-UP sees 10 to 14 families per day, three days a week, between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. We’d like to be able to expand our hours and see more clients.”

To boost funds, DOC-UP is holding a Benefit Golf Tournament and Luncheon and the group is inviting all golfers and non-golfers to register for the Monday, Oct. 8 event at The Farm. Patsy Bargeron, Ireland, Chip Sellers, and Doug Squillario head up this second annual event. Other volunteers are asking area businesses to sponsor the event.

“We hope to exceed last year’s net profit of $30,000,” Sellers said. “Incentives include a free car from Pye Kia on a specific hole-in-one shot, grand prizes for other hole-in-one shots, a Barnsley Gardens gift package, The Farm gift certificates, closest-to-the-pin contests and tee-bag gifts for each player. The entry fee for one player is $175. For a team of four the entry fee is $600. Since The Farm installed new greens this summer, playing there should be even more fun.”

A luncheon for non-golfers coincides with the golf tournament. Held in The Farm’s clubhouse, the luncheon will feature the music of Lisa Greggs and Angie Greeson as well as Minchey, who will relate her personal story with DOC-UP. A donation of at least $25 is requested for each person attending.

In addition, a raffle for numerous gift packages for the home, garden, car, personal care and entertainment provided by generous local merchants will be on sale for $5 per ticket. Volunteer Sally Huggins heads this aspect of the fundraiser.

“We implore anyone with a passion for our neighbors in need to respond to this event, Sellers said. “As you will hear from Ms. Minchey on Oct. 8, any one of us could someday find ourselves at DOC-UP. We could be the face of DOC-UP, too”

For more information regarding the DOC-UP Benefit Golf Tournament, go to www.docup.org beginning Saturday, Aug. 25 or e-mail docup@optilink.us.

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