May 10, 2018
Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry – the United Methodist agency that helps families prepare for the future of loved ones with developmental disabilities – has hired Elaine G. Mathis as its first executive director.
Mathis
“I am honored and excited to join the Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry family,” Mathis said. “With a background in communications and nonprofit management, I have worked with students at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind and with countless patients and caregivers through the American Cancer Society’s lodging program.
“I look forward to applying that experience in my new role and helping advance Aldersgate’s impactful mission.”
Before coming to Aldersgate, Mathis worked in non-profit management and marketing and communications. Working in administration and management with the American Cancer Society from 2000 to 2017, she oversaw and helped develop hospitality houses for cancer patients and their caregivers in Charleston and Atlanta before moving to global headquarters as a senior program manager.
With Aldersgate, Mathis will manage the ministry’s three homes, along with their personnel, as well as the ministry’s budget, communications and public relations. She also will take the lead in the planning and development of additional homes.
Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry is the result of several families and interested persons – some of whom were parents of special needs children – taking their desire to develop a place for the care of adult children with developmental disabilities to the Conference Council on Ministries. Delegates to the 2003 Annual Conference approved the Council on Ministries’ plan to create Aldersgate.
Today, Aldersgate maintains three homes for adults with special needs, giving them the opportunity to live in a Christian environment with a professional staff dedicated to providing a loving home:
- Aldersgate at The Oaks, adjacent to The Methodist Oaks Retirement Community in Orangeburg, is a home for six men.
- Aldersgate Columbia, near Epworth Children’s Home, is a home for six women.
- Aldersgate Florence (also known as Rick’s House), near The Methodist Manor of the Pee Dee, is a home for four men.
Want to help?
There are several ways to support Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry, including:
- Donating money or property. Mail donations to Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry, P.O. Box 5781, Columbia, SC 29250.
- Lending your professional expertise.
- Adopting Aldersgate as an ongoing mission project for your church group.
- Offering your prayers, spiritual and moral support.
To volunteer or for more information, contact Aldersgate at
803-376-8991 or columbiahomecare73@att.net.
