This feature originally ran in our Community Matters magazine.
At The Link of Cullman County, people are seen as neighbors, not just clients or numbers. This idea guides everything the organization does, from the food pantry to housing, jobs and life support.
“We call our people neighbors, and not clients, because we want that familial feel whenever people walk into our building,” said Jonathan Creekmore, supportive services manager. “We want them to feel like they’re part of the family and not somebody with a problem that we’re trying to fix.”
This feeling of belonging includes volunteers, staff and community partners, who all help create a caring and supportive atmosphere. Creekmore said many volunteers come back each week, not just to help, but because they feel part of a community. “We have a lot of people who volunteer here because their friends are here,” he said. “It’s a place where they come to refill themselves with human interaction, spend time together and give back at the same time.”
The Link does more than just meet urgent needs. Staff try to understand the bigger challenges families face, instead of offering only quick fixes. For example, when someone asks for help with rent, staff also look at what might be causing the problem, not just the immediate need.
“We’re not just looking at things from a surface level,” Creekmore said. “If someone needs rental assistance, we want to know what’s causing that need. Do they need a better job? Do they need childcare? We want to get down to the root of the issue and help them move onto a better path.”
This focus on long-term support has built strong relationships and often inspires people who once received help to volunteer themselves. One woman said that after leaving a domestic violence situation and getting help from The Link, she now volunteers regularly.
With the cost of living going up, more people are turning to The Link for help. Many families in Cullman still struggle to get enough food. The food pantry now helps about 900 families each month, giving them a way to stretch their budgets and get the groceries they need. “It’s not necessarily enough groceries to feed someone for an entire month but it helps get them to a point where they can supplement what they need and make it through the month,” Creekmore shared.
The Link’s housing programs help families stay stable and make the community stronger by working with local landlords and housing providers. Even with more people needing help, Creekmore said he stays hopeful because the community continues to offer strong support. He pointed out that anyone can get involved, whether by helping in the pantry, tutoring, leading classes, working in the office or giving monthly donations. The real difference comes from the relationships built and the sense of belonging, not just the number of meals or services given.
“Our goal is for people to feel loved and appreciated,” he said.
In a world where many people feel alone or ignored, The Link shows that real support often starts with treating others like neighbors. By showing compassion, building connections and meeting people where they are, The Link’s staff and volunteers have become local heroes for hundreds of families in Cullman County.
Get more info at www.linkingcullman.org. The Link is located at 708 Ninth St. SE, Cullman.
The Link is located at 708 Ninth St. SE, Cullman. (Anabelle Howze/The Cullman Tribune)
