CLM History -
The Center for Lay Ministries has been incorporated since May 1970, but the early days of the Center go back to the 1960s. It was then that downtown Jeffersonville churches banded together to form the Inner City Ministry. This ministry would be used to “pool” together valuable resources to provide for people in need in Clark County. Over the years, CLM’s programs and services have grown and expanded. The early objectives for the Center were to offer food and clothing distribution, and referrals to other human and social service agencies.
The Center continues to be operated by a Board of Directors comprised of church and community representatives. Actual work at the Center is performed by 35-40 volunteers and an Executive Director. Other staff include a part time Bliss House Director, a part time bookkeeper, a part time Resident Manager and a part time After Care Facilitator.
As a result of the growth experienced over the years, the Center is now a major agency. Our programs serve the residents of Clark County. In addition, the Bliss House is our one program that serves clients from outside Clark County. The Center also acts as a major referral agency, a distribution point for government commodities, and a provider of the FEMA Program. CLM is also a Metro United Way agency and a distribution center for the Dare to Care program.
