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HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. - Taking care of personal healthcare needs can be an intimidating process for anyone, but for the underserved in the community, this task is even more difficult. That's part of what The Solomon House - a new health outreach ministry in Huntersville hopes to conquer when it opens in May.

The Solomon House, which is partially funded by grants from The Duke Endowment and Presbyterian Healthcare, will help navigate the healthcare process, from helping people understand disease processes to finding the appropriate community resources and support.

"Through congregational support and our own location on the grounds of Huntersville Presbyterian Church, we will provide advocacy, information and referrals to community health resources," said Cyndi Jo Brady, executive director and health ministry coordinator for The Solomon House. "We will work to link area churches with the community resources needed to serve groups that might not have full access to healthcare."

Funded by a $98,500 grant from The Duke Endowment and with support from Presbyterian Healthcare, The Solomon House will serve as a clearinghouse for physical and spiritual health, addressing the idea of wholistic health - body, mind and sprit - for each individual.

The Solomon House will offer personal health education, classes and support groups, assistance in monitoring ongoing health issues, health screenings, exercise programs, Bible studies, prayer walking and patient information in English and Spanish. Additionally, The Solomon House will serve as a resource center for congregational health ministries and Latino outreach ministries.

During the center's first year, it plans to focus on becoming a community resource, expanding volunteer service opportunities for members of congregational care ministries at area churches and educating the community about preventable diseases, lifestyle modification and other health concerns.

"Establishment of The Solomon House fills a large void in bringing care to the underserved populations of Huntersville," said Lisa Sinclair, who recently joined Presbyterian as manager of parish nursing and health ministry.

"By channeling the energies of many congregations, we can magnify the benefit of what each congregation could do on its own," said Sinclair, who most recently spent five years as a medical missionary for United World Mission in Mali, West Africa.

Located at 200 S. Main Street in Huntersville, The Solomon House will be staffed by a health ministry coordinator, pastoral counselor, community social worker and a bilingual assistant. A staff member will be onsite 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. As part of its outreach mission, various health events, screenings and exercise programs will be offered in community settings such as local churches and community centers.

If zoning details are resolved in time and construction of a wheelchair ramp is complete, the ministry will open May 10, following a blessing ceremony on May 2. Call 704-875-7727 if you think the services at The Solomon House might help you or if you are interested in volunteering.