“Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
From our Beginning in 1982, Religious Community Services was born from the realization of several local pastors and their congregations that a collective effort of churches would be a more dignified and efficient way to assist families in crisis, rather than each church separately attempting to respond to emergency needs.
Our Mission
As a community-based organization, RCS seeks to unify local religious organizations in their commitment to minister to the basic and emergency needs of individuals and families through various forms of assistance and support; we are dedicated to the love and reverence of God through reaching out faithfully and respectfully to serve people in times of need.
Our Theme
Serving People… Changing Lives!
Our Vision
To be recognized as a truly passionate service organization of faithful Christian witness and demonstrated excellence in serving the emergency needs of homeless and financially struggling persons and families, while meeting all covenants and partnerships with local churches, agencies and organizations and boldly transforming the region’s stubborn cycle of poverty.
Our History
Years ago in New Bern, families with emergency food, clothing and shelter needs would go from church to church seeking assistance – there was no central or comprehensive place for families to go.
The founders understood that by pooling resources they could alleviate duplication of services and make resources more readily available to people and families in need. Accordingly, dedicated volunteers from eleven local churches pursued their vision, and in October of 1982 they opened at RCS’ first location, a small storefront building on Tryon Palace Drive near Barbour Boat Works.
Within two years of opening the Emergency Center on Tryon Palace Drive, through generous gifts from the community, the volunteers moved – with food and clothing in tow – to their brand new building at 503 Guion Street
Hunger needs in the community became more and more apparent, and a Soup Kitchen was added to the ministry in 1984. The kitchen originally operated out of the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church on Bern Street, but that space quickly proved inadequate, and an addition was added to the Guion Street building to house the kitchen.
By the mid 1980’s, homelessness was becoming a serious and complex issue in the New Bern area. In response to that need, RCS bought and renovated a small building on Broad Street in 1988 to house the Emergency Shelter.
By the late 1990’s, with programs growing in scope, RCS’ buildings were once again proving inadequate. In 2000, after searching for two years throughout New Bern, a suitable location was discovered on George Street that was large enough to allow RCS to bring all programs and ministries into a single campus site, and add warehouse storage for the first time.
The building was purchased and leased-back for two years while RCS pursued the necessary permits from the City of New Bern. Local churches and individuals pledged funds to get the project started. BB&T, considering the strong history and community support of RCS, offered funding for the purchase and renovation. After two years of demolition and renovation, RCS held the Open House and Dedication of its new home at 919 George Street in October, 2004.
With constant support from local churches and the community RCS has grown to meet the ever-growing demand for its services.
Our Purpose
Religious Community Services of New Bern, Inc. is incorporated as a nondenominational, not-for-profit corporation to provide, in Christ’s name and in the name of His people, immediate and dignified relief to needy persons and families in Craven, Jones and Pamlico Counties.
RCS is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization supported entirely by philanthropic, in-kind and consumable gifts and contributions, providing services to individuals and families without regard to age, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion or the nature of their need.
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