1800 Brewton Drive | Charlotte, North Carolina | 28206

The Harvest Center is the original vision of Barbara Brewton-Cameron, pastor of Community Outreach Christian Ministries, Inc., in the Genesis Park neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, this area was widely known as an open drug market, and was ranked as the number one violent crime neighborhood in Charlotte. Unfortunately, Barbara's husband was shot and killed, leaving her with three young children to raise alone.

Inspired by her passion for the well-being of neighborhood children, her own children, and the elderly, she led the effort to change the community. Violent crime was significantly reduced and old street names that were identified with drugs and crime were changed to Rush Wind Drive, Peaceful Way Drive, Genesis Park Place, and Brewton Drive, in honor of Pastor Barbara Brewton-Cameron.  Presently, it is a place of home ownership, hope, and a real sense of community. The Harvest Center was birthed from this rich reservoir of love, care, and commitment.

Despite Pastor Barbara Brewton-Cameron’s untimely death in December 2008, her vision continues through the dedicated staff, board of directors and volunteers at the Harvest Center who continue to serve those families and individuals who are less fortunate.

The Harvest Center Historical Timeline

1970's

• Described in the news as “an open-air drug market of heroin and cocaine.”  
• New York Times calls Double Oaks one of the most violent neighborhoods in America. 
• In 1973, Casey Brewton is shot and killed while returning from work. His wife, Barbara flees with their small children.
• She Took Back the Neighborhood by Vonda Harrell.

1980's

• In 1982, Mrs. Brewton returns to Double Oaks and transforms a former drug house.
• The Mission House is created, a ministry that distributes food, clothing and books.  No one is ever turned away.
• Through faith, prayer, and partnership, God provides a building.  Community Outreach Christian Ministries is born.

1990's

• In 1993, The Harvest Center is named.
• In 1994, Pastor Barbara Brewton-Cameron renames a street to “Peaceful Way” after transforming Double Oaks to a safe community.
• By the fall of 1997, violent crime in the community has dropped by 77%.
• City officials rename the area Genesis Park in recognition of its new beginning.

2000's

• By 2005, The Harvest Center serves almost 30,000 hot meals.
• Every month 300 families receive bagged groceries.
• Hundreds of children receive tutoring and mentoring at the After School Excellence Program.
• Countless adults break the hold of alcohol and drugs through the Overcomers Recovery Program.
• In 2008, Pastor Barbara Brewton-Cameron dies unexpectedly, but her vision continues...

2010's

• Over 100,000 meals are served in 2011.
• The Harvest Center becomes the largest recipient of donated food items from Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
• The Community Garden is started and produces over a ton of vegetables within the first year.
• Counseling services are added and offered to our guests.
• The Transformation Program is established.
• Partnership is established with Jacob's Ladder to offer job readiness program at The Harvest Center.