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Associated Christian Ministries Incorporated (ACMI) made contributions to the Southwest Oklahoma Chapter of The American Red Cross, Operation C.A.R.E., and The Jackson County Free Health Clinic.

ACMI began operating in Altus in the late 1950’s to address inadequate housing needs for migrant farm workers. Although ACMI is no longer an active ministry, its mission of assisting others in the community will continue through these outreach organizations.

Shirley Mahan, a member of ACMI since its inception, has been involved in numerous ACMI sponsored activities. She was a member who worked to establish organizations that remain in operation today including Escuelita (Little School Learning Center); ACMI House, a women’s shelter and crisis support center; and Roadrunners senior citizen transport service.

Roslyn Hall is the Disaster Response Specialist at the Southwest Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross, located at 905 North Willard in Altus. Red Cross disaster relief focuses on meeting people’s immediate emergency disaster-caused needs. The core of Red Cross disaster relief is the assistance given to individuals and families affected by disaster to enable them to resume their normal daily activities independently.

Operation C.A.R.E. Ministries assists families in need in Jackson County with utilities, emergency lodging, food, clothing and prescriptions. It partners with local ministries, agencies, and churches. Last year 2446 families were assisted in Jackson County. Alicia Giron is the program director and Pastor Kevin Baker is the board president.

The Jackson County Free Health Clinic serves adults from Jackson County who have no insurance, Medicare or Medicaid coverage. It is staffed with volunteer physicians, nurses and pharmacists. The clinic operates the second and fourth Thursday evenings of each month inside the Jackson County Health Department. Dr. Randy Sheets is the Chairman of the Free Clinic board and David Pickett is the co-chairman.

Past members who contributed to and supported ACMI activities include Leatha Marie and Maurice Mahan, The Reverend James Mahan, Rachel and Sam Bayless, Jane Oden, and many others.