PROJECT HOPE USES RESOURCES OF AREA CHURCHES

Mentoring has become the buzzword in most every social-service endeavor. The dictionary describes a mentor as a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.

A new faith-based mentoring program called Project HOPE is reaching out to those in need in our community. This program is designed to help people moving from welfare to work. HOPE is an acronym for Helping Other People Excel.

Project HOPE is funded by a $77,250 grant from the Caring Communities program. The funds come from the Department of Social Services. It is a wonderful partnership. Churches don't receive direct funding, but church members get involved by volunteering to be a mentor or committing other resources.

In years past, it was the churches that cared for the needy in local communities. That level of service to those who need help has been replaced, in part, by government programs.

People have found that breaking free of government handouts is difficult. Mentors can help make the transition smoother.

The program has a step up with the choice of a director. Dennis Ridgon brings years of experience in community service. For many years he has been involved with community ministry programs through his church, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Through a variety of programs, the church offers assistance to people in need. Ridgon feels that community assistance and support are the key to making the welfare-to-work program successful. He hopes to eventually involve 85 churches.

Many people are frustrated by the welfare system both by the tremendous cost to taxpayers and the generations of dependents it creates. This is a tangible way that people can help others who are trying to better their lives and break free of the welfare cycle.

A caring community, through such programs as Project HOPE, can make all the difference in these people's lives.