Hope for Northwest Georgia

ADDC Faith & Finances Training

2012-02-17T09:47:00.001-05:00

ADDC will be holding a Faith & Finances Facilitator Training! If you are interested, contact Jerilyn Sanders to RSVP at jerilyn.sanders@chalmers.org. Hope for NWGA highly recommends this training. Director Heather Prettyman attended last year (see widow)!

Saturday, 2/25 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Lunch is included!

Location: St. Andrews Center, 1918 Union Avenue, Chattanooga 37404

58: Fast. Forward. A Big Mess

2012-02-10T13:08:00.002-05:00

I recently stumbled upon a movement called 58: Fast. Forward. The End of Poverty.

Okay, I'll admit it. I was wasting time on Facebook, once again, when I noticed a non-profit linked with Isaiah 58. At first, I got excited. Here at Hope for Northwest Georgia, we are constantly arriving back at the Isaiah 58 passage in our many dialogues regarding how to help the poor effectively in our communities. However, when I clicked on the link and learned more about the 58 movement, I was anything but pleased.

Scott Todd, the leader of this movement, shared in a 8 minute video (see facebook if you wish to watch the video for yourself) about a vision to eradicate poverty. He cited the Matthew 26 passage where Jesus is anointed with expensive perfume by a woman. In the passage, the disciples express anger and frustration at this seeming waste of finances. Jesus replies "The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me." Scott Todd interprets that it was actually Judas, the greedy tax collector who was angry, and that Jesus was not talking generally, but just to Judas. In so doing, he eliminates the validity of Jesus' claim that the poor will always be with us. Mr. Todd says that God does not wish for people to die of disease and hunger, but that Christians should give of their finances.

Here is the problem. In looking over the 58 website, I was unable to find any instances of relationship or contextual giving of oneself to people living in poverty. It was all about finance. Yes, there were plenty of stories of individuals who raised money and gave to 58 to make a difference. ...but did they have any interactions with the poor people living in their own community? Did they reach out to the single mom living on their street who they knew was having a tough time making rent each month? Did they wrestle with how to spend their time -with friends with whom they were quite comfortable, or with a group of somewhat smelly strangers with whom they had almost nothing in common?

In countless passages, the Bible calls us to care for the poor. YES, financially, but with so much more of ourselves! To give of our vast financial resources is only the beginning, and for most, it is a cop-out. What is easier, putting a dollar in the hand of the homeless beggar, or stopping on the cold street for a conversation? 1 Corinthians 13:3 tells us that, if we give all of our finances and put ourselves through much hardship.... but do it out of something other than love, IT IS WORTHLESS.

Additionally, I cannot ignore the short-sightedness of a mission that throws finance and material possessions at those living in poverty. Yes, I agree that someone living in an area with high levels of malaria needs a mosquito net. But am I really solving their poverty by flying half way across the globe to hand them one? When I turn my back on them to return home, what message am I sending? If I ignore all the other vast and complicated aspects of their poverty, what good will it do? And if I walk away smiling at my own generosity, what damage have I done in ignoring my own poverty?

So when I look at the mission of 58 with its call to giving, to prayer, and to fasting, I am left wanting more. I applaud what I see as the beginning of something beautiful. Yes, God calls us to give, to pray on behalf of those in need, and even to fasting... but He also tells us that these are worthless without the love that comes from God. I believe this great love that we have in Christ begs to be shared in tangible, meaningful ways. It will be difficult, time consuming, frustrating... and yet so, so rewarding. Because the love we share... even in the smallest of ways- this is our chance to love as He first loved us. And that love, after all, is really what it is all about.

Training at Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian

2012-01-30T13:23:00.001-05:00

Pastor Dan Gilchrist begins with devotional

"To help is messy, and hard, and time intensive, and will probably expose the poverty of my own heart."

The above is a quote from a participant in Hope's Mercy Ministry Training at Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church this past Saturday. Interested in having a Hope Mercy Ministry training at your church? Contact the Hope offices.

CVPC Training Participants

Mercy Training at Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church

2012-01-13T12:36:00.001-05:00

How do I minister to the poor…

…Effectively?

…Holistically?

…Biblically?

Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church

Mercy Ministry Training

Saturday, January 28

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Breakfast at 8:30

Childcare Provided

Hope for Northwest Georgia Director Heather Prettymanwill lead in a time of group discussion, training, and fellowship.

Email cvpcsecretary@gmail.com

Or call the church office at 706.820.2833

Hope Spotlight: Dan Gilchrist

2011-12-23T15:17:00.001-05:00

Name: Pastor Dan Gilchrist

Time with Hope: 4 years. Dan has been at Hope since before it was Hope!

Bio:Dan is the pastor of Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church in Flintstone, Georgia. Married to Mako, his wife of 16 years, Dan is also the father of 3 beautiful children. Dan also serves as Stated Clerk of the Tennessee Valley Presbytery.

Currently Reading: Southern Cross: The Beginnings of the Bible Belt by Christine Leigh Heyrman

Interesting Fact: Dan speaks Japanese and is locally known as the "Ken Tanaka of Flintstone."

Jobs for Life at Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian

2011-12-09T13:46:00.001-05:00

Join us at Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church for Jobs for Life this January!

If you or someone you know is underemployed or unemployed,

call us at 706-820-2833 to register.

Classes will start on January 9^thand will go until March 26^th

6 to 8 pm

Child care and Dinner provided

Love.

2011-12-02T11:16:00.001-05:00

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Loving someone is hard. It doesn't take a great deal of imagination to realize that being patient, kind (not boasting, not dishonoring, etc.) is really, really hard. Because this doesn't happen in a bubble. In day to day life, this means washing the dishes. Again. It means being faithful to a husband or wife, even when they have broken certain promises, denied trust, or simply been unkind. Love means protecting a friend, even if it hurts, or puts you on the line. Love means choosing to hope for the best, pray for best, and seek the best of another, even when the world tells you that is crazy.

But are we capable of this? No. Of course not! To think so is just silly. If we believed ourselves to be good, kind, generous, and humble all on our own... well that would be a mistake. A big one. When we fail at doing these things -we pick a fight because we are in a bad mood, we avoid a difficult situation with a friend, or we simply shut ourselves off from those who need us- we are simply being our fallen, sinful selves. We have forgotten that the story starts and ends with Jesus. Jesus is the one who lives in our hearts and makes it a happy home. Jesus is the only one who can soften our prideful heart and make us to weep with those who mourn, even when we just don't feel like it. Jesus gives us compassion, hope, and courage to do that which is right. Jesus gives us wisdom, strength, and the ability to die to ourselves.

Jesus is the reason we can love the poor. He is also the reason we can love the somewhat frustrating person on the church committee, the emotionally needy lady who sits next to us in church, and the man who won't quit asking for money every time he sees you on the corner of 4th and broad. You are not a good person. You are not even an alright person. But Jesus is patient (with you) and he is kind (with you). And guess what? We can celebrate our massive failures because Christ lives in you (and me) and equips you... to be just like Him!

Care about Your County

2011-11-18T14:32:00.001-05:00

The Georgia Family Connection Partnership has recently released data regarding child well-being in your area. Look up statistics for your state, county, and community by clicking here. Whether you currently work with children in Georgia or just want to be a good neighbor, this is a great resource!

Here are just a few facts about Walker County that I found helpful:

Out of 45,912 adults living in Walker County, 5,307have a bachelors degree or higher.

About 74% of adults in Walker County have their high schooldiploma or some form of higher education.

In 2005, 2990 children lived in a home where neither oftheir parents was employed. That number rose to 4028 in 2009.

In the last 5 years, the number of children eligible forreduced price lunch at their school has risen by over 1000 (to 6827)

The rate of child abuse has doubled in the past five years(38 to 75)

…And yet…

Over 72% of Walker County residents own their homes.

High school graduation rates (graduating on time) are up 10%in the past five years, at roughly 76%.

Mercy Ministry Conference in Chattanooga!

2011-10-31T14:55:00.001-04:00

Enriching the Kingdom: the next step... going deeper. Taking mercy ministry to another level.

When: March 15-17 2012

Where: New City Fellowship. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Who: speakers include Amy Sherman, Steve Corbett, Randy Nabors, and many more!

Cost: $175 to register before March 1.

Free Training!

2011-10-24T10:45:00.001-04:00

ADDC is co-sponsoring a training event with the United Way & Consumer Credit Counseling services to help nonprofit & church staff be more comfortable with financial literacy principles both for their own benefit and for knowing how to counsel clients.

When: Monday, November 7, 2011 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Where: New Covenant Fellowship Church, 1326 N. Moore Rd

Lunch is provided!

This event is appropriate for ministers and church leaders, church staff and laypeople, deaconsand benevolence committee members – anyone involved with directly assisting those withfinancial difficulties.

To register or find out more information, click here.

CCDA Indianapolis 2011

2011-10-21T11:03:00.001-04:00

Last week, Hope for NWGA was privileged to participate in the annual Christian Community Development Association conference in Indianapolis, IN. What a time we had! CCDA hosted workshops, networking and plenary sessions, and countless other activities. It was a wonderful opportunity to fellowship with and learn from fellow development workers.

Check out a few of the photos below:

Downtown Indianapolis

JW Marriott, where the conference was held

3000 in attendance!

Saving Mary... Saving Nancy

2011-10-03T11:31:00.002-04:00

There is a great article in The Chattanooga Times Free Press from September 18 entitled "Saving Mary". You should read it here before reading my comments on it!

I propose that the real title should be "Saving Mary... Saving Nancy," because the real story is not just about one woman who needed saving. It is a story about two women, both created in the image of God. Both women had the power to change one another. Both had value. But one woman had the power to change the circumstances of the other, while the later remained powerless if left on her own.

Nancy, the woman who sought to change the life of Mary, had her own struggles. She had a disease that many would say left them powerless, and yet she chose to stand up for a stranger, and fight for a woman no one would fight for. She didn't hand her $5 and wish her well. She didn't buy her a meal and go home feeling slightly better about herself. Instead, she chose to struggle daily to walk with a broken woman... until she had "fixed" what was broken. And she found that it wasn't just Mary who was broken. It was the system itself, the world, the people in it. At every turn, Nancy was met with frustrations and failures -and yet she didn't give up. She didn't say "this is asking too much of me" or "someone else could do this better." She made it her business to love recklessly.

And with that reckless love, she gained the trust of a broken woman who had completely lost her ability to trust. She gained the joy of giving without expecting anything in return, and the wonderful surprise of gaining a friend in the process. But she too was also "saved". The moment she chose to live for other than the all important self, she saved herself from... herself. Of course, as a believer in Jesus Christ, I would argue that true saving can only come through Him. (If we think we can save ourselves through saving others, we are in trouble!) Although it isn't clear in the article whether Nancy loved Jesus, it is clear that she grasped something rare that unfortunately, many of us Christians don't.

Nancy knew that 10% effort just would not cut it. She allowed Mary to become a part of her life... and did so not simply by compartmentalizing her life, but by inviting Mary into every facet of life. Yes, she gave financially, but she also gave of her time. She shared her gifts of management. She stood as a connector and advocate. She introduced Mary to her friends. She went forward, knowing that this would be a long-term relationship, and a taxing one at that. And lastly, she allowed Mary to have a place in her heart.

So let us applaud Nancy. But let us learn from her too. Could you do it? Could you open yourself to a Mary? To be honest with you, I'd have to say NO! Thanks be to God He has not left me to do this by my own power. (Philippians 4:13, Zechariah 4:6)

Let Mercy Limit Mercy

2011-09-26T11:15:00.001-04:00

"Let mercy limit mercy. ...Sometimes we may have to say: 'Friend we are not withdrawing our mercy, just changing its form. We will continue to pray for you and visit you, and the minute you are willing to cooperate with us and make the changes that we believe are needed, we will resume our aid. Please realize that it is only out of love that we are doing this!' Let mercy limit mercy"

Tim Keller, Ministries of Mercy

Get Active!

2011-09-19T14:21:00.002-04:00

Looking for a creative way to get more involved in your community? Check out this inspiring article from the September 15 Washington Post!

Good Reads

2011-09-09T11:58:00.001-04:00

Check out these poverty-related articles of note! I couldn't decide which to post, so read them all!

Big banks offer payday loans by another name
By CANDICE CHOI, AP Personal Finance Writer Aug 23, 2011

Payday loans may be coming to a bank near you.

Trusting Families to Help Themselves
By DAVID BORNSTEIN in the New York Times, July 19 2011

Modern Poverty Includes A.C. and an Xbox
By Ken McIntyre in the National Review July 18, 2011

What is poverty? Americans might well be surprised to learn from other government data that the overwhelming majority of those defined as “poor” by the Census Bureau were well-housed and adequately fed even in the recession year 2009. About 4 percent of them did temporarily become homeless.

Deacons Training at Rock Creek Fellowship

2011-08-26T10:22:00.001-04:00

In September, Hope for Northwest Georgia will be facilitating a Deacons training at Rock Creek Fellowship, one of our Hope Partner Churches! Join us in praying for this time, that it would be one of encouragement and growth for all.

If you are interested in Hope coming to your church, please contact Heather at the Hope offices.

St. Elmo Ave. Baptist Church

2011-08-22T14:34:00.001-04:00

Hope for Northwest Georgia recently facilitated a congregational training at St. Elmo Ave. Baptist Church. Check out the pictures below!

Interested in finding out more about St. Elmo Ave. Baptist Church? Click here to visit their website!

Hope Spotlight: Pastor Travis Hutchinson

2011-08-19T10:12:00.002-04:00

Name: Travis Hutchinson

Time with Hope: Three and a half years, founding board member

Bio: Travis has been a Pastor at Highlands Presbyterian Church in LaFayette since 2000. Travis is married to Kimberly Hutchinson, his wife of 20 years this November. Travis and his wife live in St. Elmo Tennessee with their two sons. Travis is a graduate of Covenant College, as well as Beeson Divinity School, where he received his Masters of Divinity.

Fun Facts: Travis loves to surf, drink really good coffee, and read. One of his favorites is the Lord of the Rings.

Hope Spotlight: Heather Jones

2011-07-25T20:50:00.002-04:00

Name: Heather Jones

Time with Hope: first board meeting was today

Bio: Heather recently joined the Hope for Northwest Georgia advisory board. Heather is a Social Worker with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chattanooga and brings a great deal of professional experience in case management, volunteer
development/management and youth development to Hope for NWGA. She also brings with her experience in educating individuals about factors that influence impoverished communities, specifically in regard to the concept of the Culture of Poverty.

Currently Reading: Adam Bryant's Corner Office column in the NY Times and National Geographic

Interesting Fact: she learned to read/write in Japanese when she was in elementary school

Find out more by stopping by our Hope office! We'll be more than happy to give you a tour and a cup of coffee.

Hope Spotlight: Heather Prettyman, Director

2011-06-16T09:37:00.003-04:00

Over the next few months, we will be introducing our Hope staff and volunteers. If you don't already know us, here is your chance!

Name: Heather Prettyman

Time with Hope: three and a half years

Bio: Heather has been Director at Hope since its beginning. She joined Hope while finishing a degree in Community Development at Covenant College in 2008. Heather lives in Northwest Georgia with her husband Thomas and attends East Ridge Presbyterian Church.

Currently Reading: Beyond Charity, by John M. Perkins, and The Lord of the Rings

Find out more by stopping by our Hope office! We'll be more than happy to give you a tour and a cup of coffee.

Good Time for All

2011-05-27T11:07:00.000-04:00

If you joined us at the CCDA regional conference in Chattanooga last weekend, then I am sure you will agree- what a great time!

Hope for NWGA joined lots of folks from our region to listen to top Development speakers and professionals, network, fellowship, and eat! The weekend was packed with information and encouragement.

Check out some photos from the event:

Hope to see you this weekend!

2011-05-18T14:12:00.004-04:00

Join Hope at the Christian Community Development Association Regional Conference this Friday and Saturday in Chattanooga Tennessee.

Come find our booth, eat a meal or two with our director, Heather Prettyman, or run into us in one of many of the workshops and plenary sessions. This promises to be a time of encouragement, fellowship, and blessing. Will we see you there?

Register at the door for $50. This includes meals for each day. To find out more, click here.

Aftermath

2011-05-16T14:56:00.001-04:00

Many of you have asked how we are doing after the storms that passed through our area. I have posted a few pictures above of storm damage. I am excited, however, to report that this difficult time has brought us together as a community in a way that never could have occurred otherwise.

Immediately following the storm, neighbors were checking on neighbors. People opened their homes, pantries, and families to those in the community who had once been strangers. We watched with joy as several churches in the Flintstone community teamed up to provide hot meals and a safe place to those without power. Day after day, we watched as teams of individuals poured into the neighborhoods, cutting down trees, removing debris, and providing much needed support.

One family from one of our Hope partnership churches lost everything. Their home was completely crushed, their possessions scattered. But in a joint service the following Sunday, they gave testimony to God for his protection, wisdom, and power.
As we clean up and set things right, pray with us that God would continue to minister through his people in our community. Pray too for those suffering from loss. Pray that God would not only provide for physical needs, but that He would surround the hurting with those who love Him.

If you are interested in helping in the Northwest Georgia area, please contact the Hope offices. We would be happy to connect you with one of our Hope Partner churches that is already working in their community.

One City

2011-04-19T16:38:00.001-04:00

Please go to chattarati.com to read Dr. Brian Fikkert's Editorial, Form One City Out of Two, on poverty in our community.

Dr. Fikkert will also be speaking at the CCDA Regional conference in Chattanooga this May 20-21. For more information on this event, go to CCDA.org.

In the News

2011-04-08T14:16:00.002-04:00

Check out the article in Chattanooga's new online new source, Nooga.com.

Church-based project seeks to alleviate poverty
By Mary Barnett
Published Thursday, March 17, 2011 12:47 pm EST ( Updated 1 week ago )

The Chalmers Center for Economic Development at Covenant College will soon launch Asset-Driven Development of Chattanooga (ADDC), a pilot project developed to train and support church-based individual development accounts (IDA's) in the greater Chattanooga area.

IDA's are matched saving accounts for the working poor, similar to an employer-matched 401K account. Asset-driven development means the people who sign up for an IDA will be saving for a specific need or asset, such as a home, car, or home-based business equipment.

"Some people who are in poverty could get out of poverty with the right help. But they don't know that they can," Jerilyn Sanders, director of the program, said. "They don't know that they might be able to create their own wealth, and incrementally things could at least get better. If I am a person who is going to a title pawn when I have an emergency, will I ever consider investments or savings?"

Heather Harris, right, a volunteer with the ADDC, helps director Jerilyn Sanders, left, plan out their new offices at the St. Andrews Center.

This summer the ADDC program, one of the first launched by the Chalmers Center in the U.S., will train church leaders interested in a longer lasting impact to start an IDA program in their congregation or community.

Participants in the training program will be tasked to do extensive homework within their congregations to find their target audience, set the budget, determine the match rate, and adapt the program to the needs of people in their organization.

Heather Prettyman, with Hope for Northwest Georgia, is looking forward to the group training approach and learning with others. She will be part of the first 5 groups already enrolled in this summer's pilot program.

"It is going to be a big deal to partner with someone and help them look to the future beyond next week or next month. We will learn how to help them budget and manage their own money as they save," said Prettyman. "This program will allow us to do a match savings programs - so people who couldn't buy a car, or a house, or go for higher education, will now have that possibility by working with a church. I think people have been looking for this kind of answer for awhile."

The Chalmers Center, whose work has been primarily focused overseas in developing nations, is piloting the program in Chattanooga to learn from the model over the next three years before they introduce it to other communities around the United States.

"Ultimately, we'd like to see communities around the country working together to address poverty in this way," Sanders said.

Isaiah 58:6-8

2011-03-25T11:15:00.001-04:00

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard."

Sometimes it is just easier to fast. I have fasted only a few times in my life, but can recall each instance in vivid detail. I was hungry. I was easily annoyed. I sinned greatly. It was not an experience that left me feeling holy. On the contrary, it left me feeling very much in need of my Savior!

But that is the point. Fasting is not about being holy, in and of ourselves. It is about facing temptation and the ugliness that is our own sinful heart.

But even so, sometimes fasting is easier.

In Isaiah 58, it is not difficult to see God's frustration with His people. He did not want their empty rituals, their auto-pilot suffering. He wanted true, heartfelt love! And not just love for Him, but actions of love and devotion for others, out of love for Him. The examples in the passage ask, "but how can you say that you love me when you ignore the cries of those around you?"

If we truly love God, we will open our hearts to the people he has created -and with whom he has surrounded us.

I cannot go downtown without being asked by at least one person, if I have change. I must have a sign on my forehead, because I am that person. And when I say no, I am wracked with guilt. I think, "but I am supposed to love poor people! How can I say no?"

But is this what God really desires of me? To give my spare change, and in so doing, shake off any uncomfortable guilt? Does he desire that I then go on my way and leave this behind? Of course not.

The people of Israel did just this! They checked off the rituals -doing exactly what they were 'supposed' to do, and no more. And then they continued on their way, blind to the needs of those around them.

Sharing food with the hungry, providing shelter, and clothing the naked all require two things (well, 3 really): time, and seeing. It takes time to address true need. It takes seeing to even know there is a need! Our eyes must be open (okay, hearts) to see that we are constantly surrounded by individuals who cannot possibly provide what they need. It takes time to give enough to help them make this change.

And the third thing? That is the Holy Spirit. Don't forget the Holy Spirit. Because if we do, and love, and give... but without the Holy Spirit, without the love of God in our hearts and the understanding that we ourselves have received, it is all worthless.

So go out into Northwest Georgia, Southside Chattanooga, the North Shore... wherever you are, and let your light break forth! Pray that God would open your heart and schedule to reach out to those in need. Fear not. The glory of the Lord is your rear guard.

2011-03-18T10:18:00.001-04:00

Join thousands of others in learning the best ways to serve their community for Jesus! The Christian Community Development Association National Conference will be in Indianapolis this October 12-16. Be there. Sign up this April.

2011-02-21T16:04:00.002-05:00

If we look at poverty head on -face to face- it can be completely overwhelming. In fact, it should be overwhelming.

But our God commands us not to be overwhelmed, but to call upon His name. Romans 12:21 says, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." If you see injustice, confront it. Uphold the orphan and the widow. Be the voice for the voiceless, the strength for those who are weak. (See Exodus 23:6, Psalm 140:12, Proverbs 29:7)

Still overwhelmed? Don't be. Philippians 4:13 tells us that through Christ, we can do all things -and not through our own strength, but through His. When we make it about us, we will always fall short. But when we make it about our perfect, powerful Savior, we cannot lose. We may feel broken and discouraged by our experience, but we will not have failed if we have truly put our faith in Him and allowed ourselves to be used as His vessel.

By the world's standards, we may look like fools when we give our time and our hearts to those in need. To God, this is a sign of our love for Him! 1 John 3:16 says that "this is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

If you are ready to lay down your life on behalf of the hurting of this world, I assure you, there are unending opportunities to do so. Not sure where to start? Contact the Hope office. We are more than happy to serve along side you in your community.

Hope Spotlight: Asset-Driven Development of Chattanooga

2011-02-14T10:54:00.002-05:00

ADDC assists Christian ministries, churches, and community organizations in the North Georgia and Chattanooga region to create their own IDA programs. ADDC is a program of the Chalmers Center, created in order to encourage churches to use IDA programs that they might better serve the poor in their communities.

What are IDAs?

IDAs directly target the economically poor in a manner that is specifically designed to empower (and equip!) them for success. The savings of an individual participant is matched by a church or organization at a predetermined ratio. These funds are used to purchase an asset of the individuals choosing, including education, a home, or car. This process of saving is accompanied by financial literacy courses, counseling, and mentoring.

Click here to see an example of how one organization has utilized the IDA model.

The end goal for IDAs through ADDC is not just the attainment of the asset, but relationships, becoming a part of a church community, and knowing Jesus Christ!

If your church or organization would like to participate, contact Jerilyn Sanders at the Chalmers Center at jerilyn.sanders@chalmers.org

For more info, see the following links:

Chalmers Center Goes Local

Jerilyn Sanders at ADDC

Racial Reconciliation... and Jobs for Life

2011-02-14T09:37:00.001-05:00

Sound too good to be true? ...but it is! Enjoy pancakes and fellowship as you listen to David Spickard, President of Jobs for Life, speak February 26 at Hope for the Inner City.

TICKETS: $15 per person, or $150 for table seating 10
REGISTER: Online with a credit card at www.Hope4theInnercity.org/breakfast
or by mail with a check to Hope for the Inner City, P.O. Box 11584, Chattanooga, TN 37401
QUESTIONS? (423) 698-3178, x104 or despey@hope4theinnercity.org

Saturday, February 26, 2011 ● 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Hope for the Inner City, 1800 Roanoke Ave.

RACIAL RECONCILIATION PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Keynote Speaker David Spickard, CEO, Jobs for Life

Eat delicious food with family fellowship.
Celebrate unity in Jesus Christ across racial lines.
Pray for those seeking employment in troubled times.
Support Hope for the Inner City's job-readiness program for inner-city residents.

The Doctor Is Always In.

2011-01-31T14:17:00.000-05:00

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Jesus

(Matthew 9:12-13)

Sometimes, in trying to help those who are financially poor, it is easy to lose sight of this little thing called our own sin. In the effort to help people effectively, salving wounds and rescuing bodies from the wreckage, it is all too easy to forget that we ourselves need rescuing. Our savor desires mercy from those who love Him- mercy that is full of compassion and empathy. This mercy should say 'hey, I have been there.' and not, 'Look at what you have done!' This mercy should be chock-full of abundant grace that says 'I gladly give to you, without plans for your IOU, even though you have done nothing to deserve this- and may never do anything. I give, because I myself have received.'

Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice when he gave up his physical body... but this sacrifice came from a love we cannot comprehend! His love called out to us sinners, advertising 'free medicine for those who ask!' and promising a life full of chances to do the same for others.

There will be times when we will be completely frustrated with someone to whom we are trying to minister. We may think, 'Why is he not getting this?' ...but are we not really saying 'Why can't he be more like me!'?

Let's all make this our goal:

More like Jesus, less like myself.

Hope Welcomes...

2011-01-28T19:27:00.001-05:00

Hope for Northwest Georgia is proud to welcome Rock Creek Fellowship as our newest Hope Partner Church!
Rock Creek is located in Rising Fawn, Georgia and is situated atop Lookout Mountain. The view from the church is quite beautiful. ...if you don't believe me, you should definitely check it out for yourself!

CCDA in Chattanooga

2011-01-03T13:07:00.001-05:00

The Christian Community Development Association regional conference is being held in Chattanooga this May 20-21! The theme is Building Bridges...Fulfilling Your Call to Help Hungry, Hurting People. Interested in volunteering? Contact the Hope office. More information to come!

Mercy Ministry at East Ridge Presbyterian

2010-12-13T11:00:00.000-05:00

The Mercy Ministry Sunday School at East Ridge Presbyterian Church is wrapping up its first semester- and what a semester! Deacon Terry Turner and Hope Director Heather Prettyman have been co-leading this class on Biblical foundations and practical applications of Mercy Ministry in the church. ERPC members have actively engaged in the subject and are taking what they have learned out of the classroom and onto the streets (homes, schools, shopping malls, work places, community centers...) of Chattanooga.

We will be continuing this class through the Spring 2011 semester.

Interested in having Hope lead a Mercy Ministry Sunday School or evening class at your church? Contact Heather at the Hope offices.

Hope for Northwest Georgia Spotlight: Rossville Georgia

2010-12-03T13:04:00.000-05:00

Just outside of Chattanooga Tennessee, Rossville has seen a lot of change since its foundation in the early 1800s. Although the city was not incorporated until 1905, it was known as Poplar Springs going back 120 year previous to that date. Rossville was named for John Ross, the man who established a Ferry across the Tennessee River as well as the Trading Post that would one day become the city of Chattanooga. In 1838, settlers began to replace Rossville's previous residents, the Cherokee Indians who had just vacated the area via the Trail of Tears.

In 1905, Peerless Woolen Mills was established in the newly incorporated town. This would be the first of many textile mills which would eventually turn the small town into a prosperous city. During World War Two, Rossville boomed due to Peerless being the primary manufacturer of blankets used among the armed forces. It became the largest single-unit textile mill in the world! The town was known for its nice shops as well as a dance hall across from the Peerless Mills. The Peerless plant burned down in the 1967 fire that would go down as one of the largest industrial fires in US history. The 1.5 million square foot building went down, costing 1,400 jobs and over 2 million in damages.

As happened across the United States in textile mills everywhere, drastic downsizing occurred in the mills of Rossville and the population experienced the devastating effects of rampant unemployment. While older residents of the area still reminisce on the good old days of Rossville, many younger ones struggle to keep their family afloat in the fragile climate of Rossville's main streets. Some of the old businesses still exist. Sherrill’s TV, Brody’s Jewelry, Best Jewelry, Rossville Bank, Brock Insurance, Roy’s Restaurant, and Dream Cream can still be seen with their lights on and cars in their parking lots. Stores like Hixson’s Men Store, The Jo Ann Shop, Vassey’s Men Store, Personality, and the LaDean that once made Rossville the place to shop are long gone. They have been replaced with Pawn shops and Second Hand Merchandise stores. Vacant lots are often filled with men and women selling items out of their cars on on card tables. Empty mills and factories press in from every side, an all-too-obvious reminder to residents of past glories and prosperity.

When one looks at the current statistics of Rossville, it is hard to take heart.

The estimated median household income in Rossville in 2008: $27,375

Rossville:		$27,375
Georgia:		$50,861

Concerning the population 25 years and over in Rossville:

High school or higher: 60.7%
Bachelor's degree or higher: 8.4%
Graduate or professional degree: 3.1%
Unemployed: 3.4%
Mean travel time to work: 23.4 minutes

In May 2009 there were 41 registered sex offenders living in Rossville.
The ratio of number of residents in Rossville to the number of sex offenders is 83 to 1.

And the statistics go on from there. ...But what are we willing to do about it? Rossville was once a wonderful place to live that promised its residents prosperity and success. There were many opportunities for employment. The streets were beautiful. Are we willing to say that this is a thing of the past, never to return? In Deuteronomy 15:4, God told His people that there were to be no poor among them! In Isaiah 1:10-17, God tells His people he is tired of their meaningless sacrifices, and that He wants them to care for the poor, to take up their cause and defend them!

Finally, 1 John 3:18:

"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

Will you join us in loving Northwest Georgia in action and in truth?

Come Visit Us!

2010-11-08T15:26:00.000-05:00

Join us at Hope Mondays and Fridays in November & December!

Our Professional Clothing Closet & Computer Lab will be open to the community. We would love to show you around!

Feel free to stop by to get help on resumes, interviewing, job research, or development of work-related skills. Hours for the clothing closet and computer labs are Mondays and Fridays from 9am to 3pm.

Hope to see you soon!

Things we love about Northwest Georgia

2010-10-29T14:37:00.001-04:00

Help Hope celebrate Northwest Georgia! Stop by our offices and let us know what it is you love about Northwest Georgia.

Urgency After Reflection

2010-10-22T11:18:00.000-04:00

This week I faced a rather difficult situation: Do I help? ...and if I walk away, did I do harm by walking away... or did I truly help?

Through various complicated events, I came in contact with a young woman who needed help. She came from an abusive past, and was living in an abusive present. It was evident that she needed to escape, but not so clear as to where she might go. Where is safe? How could she leave the past behind when she seemed to be bringing it along with her?

Even in my attempt to do right by her, it was clear that she had not left destructive patterns behind her. Yes, she was now separate from the abusive man in her life; but had she truly freed herself from her own bondage?

At times we can feel pressured to act -either by the person asking or by our on conscience- before we have a chance to stop and think. I encourage you to do just that! God has given us His wisdom so that we can do what is right -even in circumstances that are difficult and may appear to be "gray".

The following might be a good checklist to run through before responding:

If I do not act, will this person be in physical danger?
If I do act, must I act in the way they ask, or is there a better (more holistic) way to help?
What are possible outcomes of my help?
Could materials given be used to do harm to the person or others?
How am I/am I not loving this person in my action or inaction?
In my response, I represent myself, my church, my Savior. Did I do I good job at that?

Of course, there are about 10,000 more questions you could ask yourself... but really, with someone standing before you and asking for your help, there is great need for urgency after reflection. You should also evaluate whether the situation is a crisis or requires rehabilitation or development.

Additionally, set up boundaries for yourself before hand.

ie. I will never give money to an individual.
I will always help a woman who wants to get off of the street.
I will always offer to purchase a meal and sit with the person who asks.
I will always pray for/with an individual who asks for my assistance.

This can be helpful when you find yourself in a bind, and may assist you in making decisions that are thought out and loving instead of ones that are selfish or made out of guilt.

Jobs for Life @ Highlands Presbyterian Church

2010-09-27T10:03:00.001-04:00

Check out these photos from our Jobs for Life class at Highlands Presbyterian Church! I had the privilege of spending last Wednesday visiting with the class.

How Can I Help?

2010-09-20T15:11:00.001-04:00

Responding in way that does no harm

The following are three responses for three specific situations of need. It is important to
know which is appropriate –and which is not- as this is the most common reason poverty-
alleviation efforts lead to harm.

1. Relief: the urgent and temporary provision of emergency aid. This is administered
in order to reduce immediate suffering from either man-made or natural disasters.
Dynamic: Provider-receiver (provider gives assistance to the receiver)

Seldom. Immediate. Temporary.

2. Rehabilitation: seeking to restore people and/or their communities to the positive
aspects of their pre-crisis condition
Dynamic: working with (victims participate in their own recovery)

3. Development: the process of ongoing change, moving all involved, via a promoting
and empowering process (helpers and those helped) closer to being in right relationship
with God, others, self, and creation. The goal here is that those involved are better able to
fulfill their calling to glorify God by working and supporting themselves.
Dynamic: working with (all involved become more of what God created them to
be!)

Questions to ask:

1. Is there really a “crisis” at hand? If I fail to provide immediate help, will there be
serious, negative consequences?

2. To what degree is the individual personally responsible for the crisis? (use
compassion and discretion here!) Allowing people to feel some pain resulting from
irresponsibility can be some tough love -and lead to an individual seeing a need for
lasting change! The point here is not to punish, but promote healthy learning and growth.

3. Can they help themselves? If so, a handout would completely undermine their
capacity to be a steward of the resources and abilities God has already provided them!

4. To what extent has this person already been receiving help –from you or others?
How likely are they to be receiving help in the future?

What is Love?

2010-09-03T10:45:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday, I was privileged to take part in teaching a Sunday school class at one of our Hope for Northwest participating churches, East Ridge Presbyterian Church. The class is basically a study on how we should pursue relationships with those who are hurting, needy, and oppressed. On this particular study, we were looking at what two Scripture passages have to say about working with (and loving) the poor. One of these passages was 1 Corinthians 13. Let me just stop right here and say that what I am about to share greatly effects not only the poor and those working with them, but all human relationships.

It is ridiculously hard to love someone when you are both sinners. That said, it is impossible to love someone if neither of you are a sinner. We are all fallen creatures, incapable of living a single day without sin. Our hearts are full of all sorts of things we'd rather not let anyone see ...and lets not even mention those things that come out of our mouths! Maybe it is because of the very sin in our own hearts (yes, it definitely is), but it is so easy to see the filth in the heart of someone we love and know intimately. This makes us want to turn our backs instead of turning our cheek.

I must confess that it has taken me all of 5 days to realize that I myself have failed to do the homework that I assigned in closing Sunday's class! I asked the class to read and pray through the passage, as well as pursue a relationship with someone they did not know. I did not mention (although I hoped) that this homework also included some valuable "life lessons" for those in the class- that we might all be both humbled and convicted (and in the process, changed) by reading and praying through 1 Corinthians 13.

Oops.

While reading through the passage this morning (somewhat un-prayerfully) I was slammed by the phrase "keeps no record of wrongs". ...I mean, really? How!? Relationships hurt! They burn. Sure, we "heal", but what about that scar? What does it take to remove that ugly mark? It takes Jesus. I tell you with great confidence that there is nothing in me (nothing at all) that is capable of forgetting wrongs. But Jesus -who is in me- has the power and all-capable presence to take the very worst of wrongs away.

Fear not, for He is with you , empowering and equipping you to go out into a sinful world and love people with His love -even scary strangers- far beyond our miserable capacity to do so. Trust God, and obey. And read Isaiah 58.

Southern Rural Poverty

2010-08-27T11:11:00.000-04:00

It is all too easy to imagine that poverty exists only in the inner-city. Television and movies often portray deep poverty as being a thing involving a poorly kept tenement building or over-populated apartment, full of rodents, roaches, and all sorts of shady characters.

But what about the country? It is a little known fact that a majority of those living in poverty actually live outside of the city. In 2002, 7.5 million people living below the poverty line were living in non-metro areas throughout the United States. In the same year, 1 out of every five children living in rural areas was considered to be poor. That is 2.6 million children. These children live at a great disadvantage as the school systems in these areas tend to be less than adequate, as do opportunities outside of the classroom including employment after graduation. For example, a county is considered to have a low employment level if less than 65% of its adult population are employed. 2002 statistics show that the most urban areas had approximately 6% of their population living in low-employment areas. In the most rural areas, 32% of the population was living in low-employment areas.

As a part of the Rural South, the northwest Georgia area must begin to address this problem. 280 rural persistent poverty counties are in the South -compared to 60 in the West and Midwest. There are none in the Northeast. The non-metro South makes up for 40% of the United States' non-metro population -and more than 1 in 4 people in this region live in counties of persistent poverty.

So what can we do? ...and what can YOU do?

Take an active part in your local public school. -become a mentor or volunteer time in supporting teachers in whatever they find most helpful!
Become a community advocate by showing up to local community meetings.
Volunteer for local non-profits who are making an effort to help those in need.
Talk with leaders in your church about reaching out to the poor of your community. Your church could start a program ...or simply build relationships with those around you!
Support Hope for Northwest Georgia. We are here to connect churches with the poor in their communities.
Pray. God is more than capable of redeeming any and every community for His glory!

For more info, check out the following link or contact the Hope office.

Change of start date for Jobs for Life

2010-08-16T14:30:00.001-04:00

Highlands Presbyterian Church has pushed back the Jobs for Life start date to Wednesday, September 1st. Class will run from 6:30 - 8:30 pm every Wednesday and will run through mid-December.

Please contact the Hope office for more information or contact the Highlands office to sign up at 706.638.8940.

Thank You!

2010-08-13T09:32:00.000-04:00

Thank you to Mercy's Chosen Children for donating two computers, a printer, and office furniture to Hope! We are thrilled to share these with our Hope participants and look forward to starting the new season with these much-needed supplies.

Look for future updates on the following Hope Fall Initiatives:

Jobs for Life at Highlands Presbyterian Church, starting August 18th

Restoring the Breach: Mercy Sunday School this fall at East Ridge Presbyterian Church, starting August 22nd

Jobs for Life at Highlands Presbyterian Church

2010-07-30T14:30:00.000-04:00

Are you unemployed or underemployed? You can begin your journey to a better job -it's up to you!

Jobs for Life will begin August 18th at Highlands Presbyterian Church in LaFayette, Georgia. Class runs from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm and will be held every Wednesday until December 1st.

Class is free!

For more information, call 706.638.8940 or contact the church office by email at pcahighlands@gmail.com.

Join Us!

2010-07-02T11:00:00.001-04:00

Is your church looking for a way to reach your community? If you or your church wants to help the poor in your community more effectively, or even if you would like to start a brand new initiative within your church to meet specific needs, please contact Hope! We would love to assist you in helping those in your community. We are available for seminars, Sunday school classes, Jobs for Life, and various other services. Please feel free to contact us at the Hope office.

Just One

2010-06-25T10:59:00.001-04:00

Sometimes, when we look at poverty, we can feel nothing but the overwhelming largeness of it all. We cannot wrap our minds -or our arms- around it. We hear statistics like 660 million people living without adequate sanitation... and that they live on less than two dollars a day. We are slammed with a barrage of images: children with flies on their faces, men digging through garbage, and women selling themselves just to put food on the table. If we have a heart to begin with, it is broken.

And so we have a choice: do we spend ourselves entirely, giving of our time and money in a desperate effort to fill the bellies of the world, or do we close ourselves off in bitterness and disenchantment? Because if we do give of our money, sending it in via the number on the screen or the offering plate, how do we know that it ever does any good?

Here is my proposal: give, and give, and give some more. To one person. Invest yourself in poverty you can see- and become a part of their world. I do not mean to say you should quit tithing, or even give up the child you a currently supporting in the Philippines. On the contrary, give to someone you see every day, and begin to understand poverty by making it a part of your world.

While the giving of financial support can make a change in certain circumstances, the value of true, deep and lasting relationship cannot be denied. For example, there is a church here in Chattanooga who has, for the past 5 years, invested heavily in a homeless woman who came to the church for help. I should correct myself -she was homeless. This woman had drug problems. She was vulnerable, wild, and capable of harm. She was unlovable. But she was loved. Several individuals from the congregation made her a part of their lives- and they a part of hers. Countless hours were poured into phone conversations, doctor appointments, counseling, coaching, feeding... you name it. After years of this, the woman changed. Slowly. But surely. She has now been picking up others for church- those who are homeless, helpless, and in a world of trouble. She has come to every church event for years, and attends church regularly, and with a joy and excitement that is contagious. She even got a place of her own to live as well as a job.

But you know what is the greatest part of all? This woman, Kim Davis, became a valuable member of her congregation- someone needed and loved! Kim passed away this week. And she is mourned and will be very much missed. When she left this world, she left as someone who was a part of a community. She was a contributor, a leader, a servant, and a true believer in Jesus, her savior.

So try it- just one person. Be Christ to them, and give, and give, and give some more. The Lord may just bless you with a Kim.

Taking A Break?

2010-06-14T12:35:00.000-04:00

Having only been in the world of non-profits and volunteerism for a few years, I have already noticed the broadly accepted and frequently cited summer "break". I am not talking about kids being out of school and Old Navy doing better business in their beach-wear department. I am talking ministry break. It is all too easy to see that bit of rest on the distant horizon, and run at it, full force, leaving behind the fragile beginnings of good intentions and high hopes.

In the Autumn, with the scent of crisp apples and recently sharpened pencils in the air, it is not so hard to get people excited. It is the beginning of new things, of new ambitions, projects, and plans. You may have noticed the explosions of sign up sheets, kick-offs, and committees. Everyone wants to be doing! -Which is great! Don't get me wrong. I am all about doing. I am also all about resting. If we committee-ed, volunteered, fund-raised our way around the year we'd be exhausted. But here is the thing: why are we resting, and what from?

I myself am a victim of this waving of the white flag, this surrender to all things work-related and volunteer driven. I would be crazy to try and start a new project in June. I would be out of my mind to put a sign up sheet out Memorial Day weekend. People just respect their vacation time and expect you to do the same.

But putting the yearly calendar aside, lets talk about spiritual compartmentalizing. Yes, that's right. I jumped to the spiritual just like that. In the same way that we often look forward to that much needed break -and sometimes leave things undone in our anticipation- it is easy to avoid giving of ourselves to others, because we are simply too "burned out" to do otherwise. Or maybe we are just so uncomfortable, it just seems like a good idea to avoid it completely. We can make it to church on Sunday, drop the kids at Wednesday night activities, maybe even go the church picnic or volunteer in the nursery every once in a while... but visit with strangers? Try to find a homeless man a job? Invite him over for dinner? ...with my family? But I don't have time, you say. Or maybe you are already maxed out and your family needs more of you. Fair enough.

Here is my challenge: (for you and for me) take the time to think through how you might skip that "vacation" this summer. Not to keep on working at the office while your family goes to the beach, but to invest in another person. This might not even mean adding hours to your busy day. This can be done by including others in the blessings you are already receiving from the Lord, like inviting someone over for dinner who doesn't have a home or family of their own. You could give an anonymous gift to your pastor so he can get that car fixed. You might bring your teenage son with you on a Saturday to fix up the house of a widow, instead of playing ball at the park. I am challenging you to live for God- and therefore, for others- by living a life that is full of giving, as well as thankfulness for He who has given. I honestly believe that, though it may seem to tax you in giving, the rewards will be so sweet. ... and definitely better than any sharpened pencil smell.

Hope Spring 2010 Update

2010-05-17T11:14:00.000-04:00

Hope for Northwest Georgia News

What's Happening

Hope for Northwest Georgia is currently partnered with several local churches in the Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia area. One of those churches, Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church of Flintstone, Georgia, just wrapped up a 17-week Jobs for Life course. Please pray for our graduates as they continue in new jobs and higher education. We could not be prouder to see the progress each has made as they pursue careers and big life changes. Pray too for their mentors as they continue a relationship outside of the classroom setting.

Where We Are Headed

Hope is excited to announce that we will be partnering with Highlands Presbyterian Church in LaFayette, Georgia, to host a Jobs for Life class this coming fall. Eric Self will be the JfL Site Leader. Please pray for us as we gather volunteers and get the word out into the community.

Rev. Travis Hutchinson and Hope Director Heather Prettyman are currently wrapping up a Financial Literacy course to be used with Hope participants as well as in Hope partnership churches. Travis and Heather have designed the course to help participants to get out of debt and take charge of their finances while discovering God's desire for them to live full and abundant lives to His glory! Hope plans to have these materials ready in the next few months.

How You Can Help

Please consider partnering with Hope as a volunteer or by joining us as a Hope congregation. We would love to come to your church, Sunday school, or small group to lead a training session or to simply share about our work in the Northwest Georgia area.

If you are able to give financially to Hope, please consider donating a one-time or monthly gift.

Pray. We greatly covet your prayers as we engage with community members and churches in the Northwest Georgia area. As we attempt to equip churches to spread the love of Christ to the poor in their community, it is only too easy to see our own sinfulness. Pray that the Lord would do above and beyond all we might attempt to do!

Sale Skills

2010-05-14T11:05:00.000-04:00

The following is adapted from materials prepared by Randy Bucher, a local Chattanooga Business Man and volunteer at Jobs C.O.R.E, a Hope for the Inner City program designed to develop, encourage, and lead individuals -to find and keep employment.

1.Become Persuasive: All great leaders have the ability to convey their visions. Skilled sales people use stories, dreams, color and humor to sway opinions. Ask God to help you use your life stories, dreams and maybe even a little humor to help gain favor in someones eyes that may hold the key of opportunity to success.

2.Focus on Serving: It doesn't matter who you are or what position you're in -you can't succeed if no one wants to work with you! All good stewards of God's gifts work on the golden rule (serve others as you would like to be served).

3.Be Honest and Dependable: If you don't build trust you'll close more doors than you'll open. No one wants to work with someone who is a known two-face. Be honest in all your dealings and God will bless the work of your hands.

4. Learn to Self Motivate: No matter what is going on around you, stay confident in Jesus, the one who can lift you up! Pray for the development of inner strength, conscious willpower, wisdom, and overwhelming desire and determination to reach any goal you personally want to achieve.

5. Love People: Ask God to help you love everyone with whom you come in contact. This will go a long way in building a good network of friends and relationships that lead you to success. Think about the little things that concern others, not just the big problems that need to be addressed. You are truly "successful" when you genuinely want to leave others better off than when you found them.

Congratulations!

2010-05-03T11:12:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to our Jobs for Life graduates! This past Sunday, May 2nd, 5 students graduated from our Chattanooga Valley Jobs for Life class. Tub, Utacha, Jeff, Barbara, and Kassandra celebrated with us at the graduation dinner, ceremony, and dessert. We are very proud!

Who is the Widow?

2010-04-02T12:15:00.000-04:00

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Christ calls His Church to care for the orphans and the widows of this world; but how do we figure out who is an orphan and who is not? Although our society is quite different from that of biblical times, the urgency of this call remains the same. Those who live in isolation, who do not have the support of a family or the connection of friends in high places, or who are permanently unable to provide for themselves- these are our orphans and our widows.

Based on this, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I currently helping the orphans and widows in my community? Is my church?

2. If not, how can I create an environment where this is possible?

3. Am I (or my church) currently providing relief to individuals who are not orphans or widows? How might this help harm those who are receiving it?

4. If I am providing aid to those who are not orphans or widows, how might this effect those who are, and are not receiving it?

Seeing the Need

2010-03-26T10:43:00.001-04:00

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye"

Matthew 7:3

Amy needs her light bill paid. Now! It is past due and they are about to turn it off. If she can just pay it, things will turn out just fine...

When someone comes to us with needs, they simply want them addressed. They know that they are hungry because they hear their stomachs growl. They know that they need a place to stay, because they are cold at night. It is clear to them that their car lacks gas, because it is on empty. But what about the needs they cannot see, those that, to them, simply do not exist?

As someone who cannot remember a time when I was not going to church, who grew up memorizing scripture and praying before bedtime, it is all too easy for me to see these invisible needs. I saw them in myself, and so asked Jesus into my heart ...about 12 times. My sins are all too clear to me. Day after day, they just keep coming back. I neglect reading my Bible. I complain about teaching Sunday school to rambunctious 4 year-olds. I harden my heart against others. I think thoughts that should never be thought. I sin against my God daily!

But you know what I am really good at? I am really, really good at seeing the "needs" of others. What they seem to miss, I am sure to see. Why can't they see that what they are wearing is so immodest? Isn't it clear to them that they should not be addicted to tobacco? If they would only work 60 hours a week, they could get out of this financial crisis.

I am all too humbled by my own thoughts. Though I have set out to help someone in need, I am debilitated by my own inability to understand them and to love them as Christ! I am so concerned with "making them see" that I do not realize that my confidence is unfounded, the blind leading the blind.

Maybe what we both need is to just know Christ, fully.

Hope for Employment

2010-03-05T11:03:00.000-05:00

Hope for NWGA and Jobs for Life were recently in the news! Check out this Walker County Messenger Article:

In Walker County: Jobs for Life gives Students, Community Hope for Employment

Hope in Your Community

2010-02-26T12:53:00.001-05:00

Hope will be at the following Resource Fairs in the Northwest Georgia area this spring. Come visit us at our booth!

Walker County Abilities Resource Fair

Where: the campus of Georgia Northwestern Technical College located at 265 Bicentennial Trail, Rock Spring, GA 30739

When: Saturday, March 6, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Catoosa County Transition Fair

Where: The Catoosa County Learning Center at Benton Place Campus (next to the Colonnade off Battlefield Pkwy 2A).

When: March 30, 4-7pm

Hope will also be conducting a Mercy Ministry training at East Ridge Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, March 10th, 17th, and 24th, from 7-8 pm. All are welcome.

For more information on these events, please contact the Hope office at 706.820.2833.

How to Interview

2010-02-15T12:47:00.000-05:00

Check out this New York Times interview with Bobbi Brown, CEO and founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/business/24corner.html?ref=jobs

...and this interview with Susan Docherty of General Motors:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/07/business/07corner.html

Questions for the Interview

1.What can I bring to this company?

2. Why do I want to work for _________________?

3. What are my top 3 character traits?

4. What would I change about how this company runs, if anything?

5. Think of at least one question you can ask at the end of the interview.

Hope Computers Ready for Use

2010-02-08T10:04:00.001-05:00

Hope is now equipped with three computers, courtesy of Chattanooga Valley Christian School! We are very excited that our participants can now access the web in their job searches as well as in their pursuit of higher education. Please let us know if you or someone you know can make use of these new additions in your pursuit of a new career, online class, or any other "life pursuit"! Heather is in the office Mondays and Fridays, and the Hope office is accessible at various times throughout the week. If we can assist you in any way, please stop by the office and let us know!

How Can I Help?

2010-01-18T12:04:00.000-05:00

Since the earth quake last Tuesday in Haiti, many people have been asking, "what can I do? How can I help?" There are so many ways presented to us- food, blankets, and water, or simply cash. But before we even ask what to give, we need to ask another question all together:

What kind of poverty is this, and how is it different from any other kind?

When Helping Hurts, a book by Brian Fikkert & Steve Corbett, presents this quite well in the chapter entitled "Not All Poverty is Created Equal".

"A helpful first step in thinking about working with the poor in any context is to discern whether the situation calls for relief, rehabilitation, or development. In fact, the failure to distinguish among these situations is one of the most common reasons that poverty-alleviation efforts often do harm.

"Relief" can be defined as the urgent and temporary provision of emergency aid to reduce immediate suffering from natural or man-made crisis... The key feature of relief is a provider-receiver dynamic in which the provider gives assistance -often material- to the receiver, who is largely incapable of helping himself at that time.

..."Rehabilitation"...seeks to restore people and their communities to the positive elements of their pre-crisis conditions. The key feature of rehabilitation is a dynamic of working with the victims as they participate in their own recovery...

"Development" is a process of ongoing change that moves all the people involved -both the "helpers" and the "helped" -closer to being in right relationship with God, self, others, and the rest of creation. In particular, as the materially poor develop, they are better able to fulfill their calling of glorifying God by working and supporting themselves and their families with the fruits of that work. Development is done... with people.

So when we look at the Earth Quake Crisis- or any other situation where there appears to be in need, it is imperative that we evaluate the situation before jumping into action; because, though our motive in wanting to alleviate that need may be right, our solution may not be. And that is how we end up doing more harm than good.

In considering how to help, you may want to evaluate your own resources as well as the long term situation. Funds and volunteers are currently pouring in to help those suffering in Haiti. But what about 6 months, 1 year, 12 years from now, when those who survived are still trying to get back on their feet, begin a successful business, build better schools, or fight corruption? Because although the crisis of the moment cannot be ignored, neither can we toss our money today, and turn our backs tomorrow.

New Year... New You?

2010-01-04T10:14:00.001-05:00

January can often be a time of new promises, plans, and purposes. We try to become new, somehow, and we often do so all on our own. Or at least we aim to change.
But think of it like this: If a man sets out to lose 30 pounds, what will he do? He'll create some kind of plan of action. He might decide to eat less and go on walks on his lunch hour. He might plan to eat only until 9pm and get up before work a bit earlier so that he has time to bike there instead of driving his http://www.blogger.com/moderate-comment.g?blogID=6037796599053332958car. Unfortunately, there are a few flaws in this plan. What will happen if the man stays up a little later at night and decides to sleep in? He'll end up driving to work, maybe even stopping at McDonald's to grab a not-so-fat-free breakfast. And January and February are often pretty cold... so walking on the lunch hour might also be avoided from time to time. If he prepares his own meals, there is no one stopping him from having a little extra, or a little late night snack. Here is the point: when we try to create change on our own, we fail. Let's face it, we humans are weak!
Just like this man could benefit from a trainer and even a nutritionist, we too need some expert accountability from time to time. Seek out a friend to keep you accountable. Spend time regularly with a pastor or wise mentor. If you are looking to improve your employment situation, find someone who is a professional and can give you direction. God desires that his people live in community with one another. Don't be afraid to involve others in your goals and dreams... or even your day to day life.

The Job Search

2009-12-18T10:18:00.000-05:00

With 10% of Americans out of work, it can be quite a battle to find the job you are looking for-let alone keep it. How do you start the process? Where to begin? Do I start searching in newspapers, through social connections, or online? Unfortunately, there is no magic solution to win yourself the ideal job. There are, however, a few guidelines that might help you on your way:

1. First impressions = everything

When approaching a job, do not allow yourself to slack in any way. Even though you may have a number of skills and be perfect for the job, your employer has no way of knowing that. Your first impression may come in the form of an application, resume, or interview. Whatever the case may be, make sure it is a good one by running down this list:

Interview:
Clean, professional appearance
Can-do attitude and eager spirit
Prepared responses, practiced interview
BE ON TIME!

For more tips on how to prepare for an interview watch the following video.

Resume:

Make sure your resume is appropriate for the job you seek. Click here to figure out what kind of resume is a good fit for you.

Resume should be clean and neat in appearance. You may only have one chance to present yourself!

Your resume should represent you. Do not be tempted to include anything but the truth. A serious employer will look into the contents of your resume, and will not hire you if they think you are not telling the truth.

2. Enroll in classes or training to give yourself an edge on the market.

In these competitive times, you cannot do enough to make yourself a marketable individual. Go back to school, take online or night classes. Take a training course offered by your employer or elsewhere. This can help you to keep a job when your company is in a pinch, or it can help you to make the cut when competing with others for a job.

3. Get help.

Sometimes it is impossible to make a true change in our lives without the help of others. If you have been stuck in a dead end job, unemployed for longer than you'd like, or simply lack direction, we'd love to help! Hope is offering a Jobs for Life class starting January 4th. Hope for the Inner City also offers a job training course called Job C.O.R.E

4. Watch for Predators

Unfortunately, things are not always as they seem. Some job postings are at best outdated, or at worst, scams. Be sure that the posting is reliable and legitimate before responding or sending any personal information. Read the following for more information.

If you feel uncomfortable in an interview because of inappropriate sexual comments or situations, leave. No matter your current employment situation, it is not worth subjecting yourself to any kind of harassment or abuse. Click here for more information.

To find out more information about the current Job situation in the US, click here.

Give Thanks

2009-11-20T09:58:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and I have yet again become so consumed with the preparation -cramming a 5 day work week into merely 3, readying the house for holiday guests, etc- that I have forgotten to be truly, really, and actually THANKFUL. But what exactly does that mean? Is it merely writing out a list of pros and cons, and hoping that, at the end I can rejoice in one list being longer than the other? Or, perhaps I should spend a few extra hours in nature, wrapped up in winter-appropriate attire, counting leaves and petting woodland creatures. After all, I am thankful for the wonders of the world God has created.

But being thankful isn't about feeling good about ourselves or our world. It's not about a warm holiday feel-good time. Let's leave that to the morning talk shows and television broadcast parades. On the contrary, the Bible is chock full of passages where we are commanded to, in our thankfulness, praise God by giving! Just as he gave himself sacrificially on our behalf, so should we give of ourselves.

In the book of Deuteronomy, chapters 14:22- 15:11, God lays out specific commands regarding care for the poor. In this particular instance, money is involved- but there is much more to it than just writing out a check. The tithes in this passage are to be used to care for the poor. When God's people care for the poor, it brings him glory. Outsiders can see that the poor are being cared for- in this passage, those who cannot earn for themselves. And these gifts are given in thanks.The landowner looks at the abundance that God has given him that year- grain, vegetables, animals, wine, oil- and gives to the Lord in thankfulness and praise. God is good! He has given this abundance. And in giving to the Lord, this man or woman has a chance to be imitators of God by sharing the abundance with others.

There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.

Deuteronomy 15:11

So taking this into 2009, this is what I propose. If we are to give sacrificially (See Matthew 5:1-2; Luke 14:12-14; Proverbs 28:27), we must see this in not only a financial context, but also in that of whatever you hold dear. Maybe this means bringing a lonely stranger into your family. Or maybe it means giving of your precious time to help a widow clean her home or rake her leaves. You might tutor children who don't have a mother or father to spend time with them. You could even make a lifelong friend of a somewhat scary person you see sitting on the street. Really. God actually commands it.

There are lots of terrifying opportunities out there this holiday season. I encourage you to take one. Be thankful. Put yourself out there. After all, didn't our Father do just that when he hung on the cross, giving His all to those he loved? God is good. For this I am very, very thankful.

Avoid the Predator

2009-11-06T13:18:00.001-05:00

With so many Americans in debt, it is no wonder that companies who promise to take it all away are enjoying a booming business. Some studies show that up to 56% of Americans suffer from some kind of debt. Many of these people are overwhelmed by the burden of debts they cannot pay. Creditors are knocking on their doors and the bank is taking a look at that unpaid mortgage.

The frightening thing is that there are plenty of companies who prey on those who are overwhelmed with their debts. These villains are called Predatory Lenders. They lend out money but on terms of very high interest rates, among other fine print details.

There are many helpful tools for avoiding such predators. Americans for Fairness in Lending has a great site with many tips for avoiding the scam. They also explain various kinds of loans and what all the technical terms mean. Don't be fooled. Check out their website.

If you are already in debt and are looking for a way out, get help immediately. Find a Debtors Anonymous group near you by emailing them at da-gso@mindspring.com. You can also visit their website at debtorsanonymous.org or mail them at letter here:

Debtors Anonymous, General Service Office
P.O. Box 920888
Needham, MA 02492-0009

If you live in the Northwest Georgia area, Hope would be glad to help you get out of debt. Heather and Travis are currently working on a financial literacy program and would love to walk through it with you. Please contact the Hope office for more information.

Take Control of Finances

2009-11-02T11:22:00.001-05:00

For many, this past year has been a rude awakening. Some have come to realize that their investments were not as stable as they may have believed them to be. Others lost a great enough percentage of their "savings" to find themselves living on quite a lower standard of living. There were the scandals and exposed intrigues and schemes -wealthy men went to jail, and poor men lost their jobs. And of course, there were plenty of us who were just "poor" enough to live exactly as we had been, with no investments, a modest amount tucked away in a savings account, and a job in a fairly safe location.
No matter who we are, or how we did or did not feel an impact from the change in the world economy, the truth is that we could all stand to take another look at our finances. Have I been responsible, or just lucky? Did I spend that as a wise investment, or in frivolous celebration of an unexpected windfall? What would happen if ____ happened? Where will we live ten years from now? What will we need in the future?

Guess what? There are some incredible resources out there that can be of help in answering these questions and more. One of these is Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. I looked up classes in the North Georgia area and found 7 that are going on right now! Click on this link to find out where you can get plugged in.

The Dave Ramsey site is also very helpful on various financial issues. Check it out here.

Another helpful resource is Crown Financial Ministries, which was founded by Howard Dayton in 1985 and joined with a financial ministry of Larry Burkett in 2000. Get in touch with a crown coach in our area.

Hope also offers financial counseling with our participating pastors. We hope to offer a Financial Literacy course sometime in Spring 2010.

Jobs for Life at CVPC this Spring

2009-10-26T09:10:00.000-04:00

Jobs for Life classes will be held at Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church in Flintstone, Georgia starting this January. The first class will be held on Monday, January 4th. Classes will run on Mondays from 7:00 - 9:00 pm through the beginning of May.

If you or someone you know might be interested in participating in the class, you can download the application here but do not mail it to Greensboro (as is stated at the bottom of the last page of the document). Instead, email or mail it to the Hope office.

Positions for volunteers are still available. Please contact the Hope office for more information.

The Characterists of a Deacon

2009-10-16T11:10:00.001-04:00

What does it take to be a great deacon? Check out 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The Bible gives us a wonderful picture of the kind of person suited to fill this role.
Because Hope does not seek to replace the work of the church -and the work of deacons, more specifically- we often work closely with the Diaconate of our participating congregations. It is a privilege to work with men who are so willing to give themselves to this work! Although it is important that the church grounds are cared for -since we are commanded to be good stewards of all the Lord has given- how much more then, are we called to care for the needy who live next-door?
This is a daunting task, especially if a deacon has always thought of their job as being custodial and nothing more. Ministering to the poor can seem like an "add-on" -but it's not! Diaconal Ministries Canada has a fantastic website with very helpful resources for deacons. Their motto is "transforming communities for Christ," and if that doesn't sound exciting, I don't know what does! This site has helpful tools like FAQs deacons might find helpful in understanding their roles, as well as workshops and workbooks. Their Guidelines for Benevolence has been extremely helpful to our work at Hope. This document is helpful in creating specific guidelines for a church's mercy ministry policies. By creating limits to the kind of help a church provides as well as a rationale for why the church does/does not do what it does, a church can minister more effectively to the needy in it's community -without doing harm!

Check out this website. Even if you are not on your churches Diaconate, it may help you to understand the importance of demonstrating mercy thoughtfully, carefully, and prayfully.

Welfare: a brief history

2009-10-02T10:33:00.000-04:00

At the Hope offices this morning, the topic of Welfare came up in conversation. I found myself wanting to know more about it, and other types of government aid. What kinds of aid are out there? Who gets what, and what are the limits? If one of our participants gets employment, is this going to be more helpful or harmful in the long run?

I never thought that I might say that work might be bad. -not that I am saying this still- However, it is not as clean cut a thing as to be able to say work=better. Unfortunately, society and those structures in which we all live do not support such statements. I do believe, as a Christian, that work is good. In doing work, we are imitating our maker. We are creating, making new, pressing on, to bring him glory through the work of our hands and minds. The Bible tells us in Genesis 2:15, God "took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." And in Genesis 3:23, after the fall, God still says that man will work. I could, of course, go on and on, because the Bible is full of passages on work. In Proverbs, again and again, we see that man should work for his food, labor with his hands- and that idleness is not to be rewarded. For the sake of brevity, I'll just say this: Work is good!

But what happens in a world that does not run in accordance with the Scriptures? What happens when the rulers and powers that be do not see the poor as image bearers? Even if their intentions are good, it is possible to do harm -great harm- by attempting to "fix" by the standards of the world.

Take a moment to read through the following link on the history of welfare. As you read, think about what God has to say about work and about poverty.

Who is responsible for the poor?

When is it good/bad for a man to work?

Why do we work?

How can the church act on behalf of the poor?

http://www.welfareinfo.org/history/

Please feel free to email us here at the Hope office with any comments or questions on this particular issue, or anything else that comes to mind.

Skill

2009-09-14T14:55:00.000-04:00

It has come to my attention that my "skill level" is not as impressive as I once thought. A friend of mine was recently seeking to employ someone as his administrative assistant. He casually asked if I might be interested in the job, and then went on to list the various skill sets he was requiring in order to hire- all of which he assumed I must surely possess, having worked in such an office setting for quite some time. I don't. I can get by on the bare necessities, and if I really need to, I can [eventually] figure it out. A little doggy-paddling here and there, and I can hand you a nice piece of work. I type a very average 50 words per minute on my 9-inch notebook. But here is the thing: if I lost my job, which -let's face it- is a definite possibility in today's time of financial unknowns, could I find and keep another? What kinds of competition am I up against?

I've posted a few office-friendly training courses. They are all free, and all worth your time. Just click on the links to the right under Develop. I found the Word courses very helpful, since you can sort through what you already know and not waste a bunch of time finding out how to cut and paste, etc. Even if you are feeling safe and secure in your present employment, it can never hurt to give your employer even more from your time under their employment!

Read This

2009-08-17T14:39:00.001-04:00

Sometimes helping the poor can be painful. You might find yourself sacrificing time, money, or other resources. It can be a draining experience or one that does not turn out quite how you might have expected. ...But did you ever wonder just what this help has done for those on the receiving end of all your efforts? What if what you have been working so hard at has actually done more harm than good? A frightening thought.

Steve Corbett and Dr. Brian Fikkert have written a book that attempts to enlighten the reader (and church, group, or organization) on this very subject. For more information, go to the Chalmers center website. The book is also available at Amazon.com.

Jobs & Debt

2009-08-07T10:17:00.001-04:00

Here at Hope, we have been working on a Financial Literacy Course based on the work of Larry Burkett as well as Jerrold Mundis' How to Get out of Debt, Stay out of Debt, and Live Prosperously. In this time of recession where so many are short on cash and out of work, credit checks could create an even graver situation for the unemployed individual experiencing financial crisis.
To find out more, check out this article in today's New York Times.

Jobs for Life at Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian

2009-07-17T14:20:00.000-04:00

Several months ago, I made mention of Jobs for Life being held at Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church in Fall 2009. That class has now been moved to begin January 201o. Hope is very excited about their partnership with this church in Flintstone, Georgia, and looks forward to this winter start date.

Karen and Gerald Collins will be Site leaders for the 16 week course. If you are interested in participating as a student or volunteer, please contact the hope office at 706.820.2833 or email heather at h.prettyman@gmail.com.

To learn more about Jobs for Life, check out their website!

Hope Intern Blogs through Summer 2009

2009-06-29T15:35:00.000-04:00

Renee Barnett, one of Hope's summer interns, is keeping a blog about her experiences this summer! If you would like to find out more, check out her blog!

Observations by a Hope Intern

2009-06-29T10:35:00.001-04:00

The following is a journal entry of observations by Hope Intern Christina Canche.

"This week I saw community development principles of ownership come out in the way the church members acted with community members. There is an apartment complex for disabled people a little ways away from one of the churches with which I am working this summer. The church is really interested in building relationships with community members of the area, and one way they are seeking to do this is through getting to know the people who live in these apartments as friends and actual people, and not as service projects. They have worked at the apartments in the past with things such as community suppers, ice cream socials and having the youth bring over groceries to the residents of the apartments, but they want to do more, and do it in ways that make the residents feel empowered. I got to sit in on a meeting about planning for another event: dinner and a movie on the lawn. This event that is getting planned for later this summer got me excited about the ways the church is interacting with the members of this community.
For one, when we showed up at the office, a woman with a disability greeted us at the desk. I was told she ran the office but also was a resident there. Seeing her handwriting, the way she formulated sentences and a few other things, I saw that although she had an impairment of sorts that perhaps slowed her down a bit, she was still really running the show, and doing a great job of it. The cool thing I noticed was that the church members didn’t come in with an attitude of “we are here to do this wonderful thing for you,” but rather they asked her to make the final decisions on things. Her ideas were actually listened to and respected, not just listened to for politeness’ sake.
In addition to this, when we went outside for her to show us where the best place for tables was, the church members continued to show respect to other residents by shaking hands and carrying on conversations with those who came to say hi. They also asked their opinion about how many tables would be needed, the kinds of tables and number of chairs. The number of chairs was reduced when some of the residents said they had chairs they would be willing to lend for the night. When one man heard we were making a meal, he said he’d like to help out by making turkey and stuffing. One of the church women said, “Wonderful! We’d never say no to food!” I think further plans were made after that for him to make the turkey. I think that if the attitude of letting the community take ownership of the project continues, the potential for good community development to take place exists in this apartment complex."

Welcome to our summer interns!

2009-05-22T13:49:00.000-04:00

This summer, HOPE is privileged to host two Community Development Interns from the Covenant College Community Development Department. Christina Canche and Renee Barnett will be with HOPE for 12 weeks.

Christina is working with Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church, which is located in Flintstone Georgia. One of our HOPE partner churches, CVPC is interested in getting out into the community. As Pastor Dan Gilchrist put it, "Our goal is not to get the community into the church, but to get the church into the community."

Christina is researching the Flintstone area and plans to survey for existing assets available in this community of approximately 1,500 households. Christina is also researching businesses and organizations in the area with the hope of developing a directory of resources to help the church to better partner with the community.

Renee Barnett is working with Rock Creek Fellowship, another HOPE partner, in Rising Fawn Georgia. Renee is conducting research in the area of the church and hopes to complete a survey and directory similar to Christina's work in Flintstone. Renee is currently conducting informal interviews and doing transect "drives" through the rural mountain areas of Rising Fawn, Hinkle, West Brow and Trenton.

Hope is very excited to host these young ladies, and we are eager to see the results of all their hard work. To find out more about their methods and practices, please contact the HOPE office.

Highlands Mercy Ministry Training: Part II

2009-04-24T11:36:00.001-04:00

Hope will be continuing Mercy Ministry Training at Highlands Presbyterian Church of LaFayette Georgia on May 2, 2009 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Please feel free to join us! Contact Heather at the Hope offices for more information.

Spring Cleaning: How can we do better?

2009-04-24T11:30:00.000-04:00

Hope is currently working with Highlands Presbyterian Church of LaFayette Georgia to take a look at how they can become committed to reaching the poor of their community. Within this question, thousands more seem to lie beneath the surface.

How poor is poor?
What is our "community"?
What does commitment really mean?

Where do we start?

This process can, and almost definitely will be, overwhelming. Bryant Myers, in his book Walking with the poor, approaches the matter as follows:

"When Christians say that they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they are also saying that they intend to to announce this fact in every facet of their lives and by every means available to them: by life, deed, word, and sign. ...The gospel is not a disembodied message; it is carried and communicated in the life of Christian people."

Our lives matter. If we are going to truly transform our community for Christ, it will take much more than added programs and projects. This is about how we treat the people we walk past every day, the grocery checker, the gas station attendant. It is about making or not making eye contact. It is about taking that sometimes very scary step of getting to know someone who is very unlike ourselves.

Here are a few questions to help you or your congregation to get started:

1. What are we already doing?
2. Where do we live?
3. Where do we work?
4. What do we consider our immediate community?
5. Who do we know?

Please feel free to contact Heather at the Hope for Northwest Georgia with any comments or questions.

Mercy Ministry Training at Highlands Presbyterian

2009-03-24T10:27:00.000-04:00

This Saturday, March 28th, Hope will be holding a Mercy Ministry Training at Highlands Presbyterian Church in LaFayette, GA from 9 am to 12 pm. Topics of discussion will include the History of Poverty, Holistic Development, and Ways to Do Harm, among others.
If you are interested in having Hope come to your church, please contact Heather Wilson at heather.hope4nwga@gmail.com.

Jobs for Life Graduation Celebration

2009-02-20T13:19:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to our Jobs for Life Graduates! The picture above was taken this past tuesday, when our Jobs for Life class concluded its final session. Graduates of the program have been putting the training into practice even before graduation. One graduate began new employment one month prior to the class finishing. Another participant is planning to attend nursing school, beginning preliminary requirements this summer. Even as early as this May, one participant is going back to school for higher education.

We are very excited to see our JfL participants putting their new found "soft skills" into practice. Each will receive a certificate of graduation as well as the benefit of adding this class to their resume.

Hope plans to begin a new Jobs for Life class at Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church in Fall of 2009.

Clothing Give-away

2009-02-20T12:28:00.000-05:00

Hope will be hosting their second clothing give-away on February 25 & 26 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. All items are free. Please come and join us for this event at Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church at 3371 Chattanooga Valley Road in Flintstone, Georgia. For more information, call the church office at 706.820.2833.

Mercy Ministry Training

2009-02-11T13:16:00.001-05:00

Hope for Northwest Georgia will be conducting a Mercy Ministry training course at Highlands Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, Georgia on March 28 and April 25. Topics of the course include Poverty, Mercy, and Community Outreach. Participants will learn how to help the needy and broken in their community in a way that brings glory to God and meaningful, lasting change into the lives of all who are involved.
If you are interested in having Hope come to your church for Mercy Ministry training, contact heather at 706.820.2833.

Clothing Give-Away

2009-01-16T15:14:00.000-05:00

From January 14 - January 16th, Hope for Northwest Georgia is hosting a Clothing Give-Away from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Items include shoes and year-round apparel for Men, Women, and children of all ages. All items are in good to new condition.

If interested, please stop by the office or contact Heather.

Interview Closet

2008-12-15T14:21:00.000-05:00

Our office in Chattanooga Valley, TN now has an interview closet for Hope participants looking for employment. We have office-friendly clothing for men and women, ranging in size and style, as well as a selection of dress shoes. Please contact us if interested in participating in one of Hope's programs or if you have a need for interview clothing. We are currently accepting donations.

Employment

2008-12-05T09:58:00.000-05:00

Employed? You can sigh in relief. Maybe. Unemployed? You are not alone. In today's New York Times, there was an article entitled "Jobless Rates Rise to 6.7% as 533,000 Jobs Are Lost."
check it out.

As someone working in an area where the job market is more than depressed, I found this article extremely helpful, even though it had almost nothing but bad news that I already knew. With four students in our LaFayette Jobs for Life class, my eyes are always open for job advice and/or opportunity. Here are some key points I walked away with:

Make your search broad. In the current market, one cannot afford to stick with the known and experienced. Take up a challenge with confidence.

Apply, Apply, Apply. It can never hurt!

The service industry is on massive decline. Stay away, if possible, as a potential job may turn into merely a several month stint until there are massive cutbacks. (see article)

Look to the Education and Healthcare fields. In the current 12 month decline, these are the only two fields on the rise.

Don't give up. Many have quit their search. Don't be one of them. Get help!

Mercy Committee Training

2008-11-14T13:39:00.001-05:00

The Mercy Committee of Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church, now the Pathway Partnership, has begun training with Hope. The Partnership began with a seminar led by Hope staff Rev. Travis Hutchinson and Heather Wilson. The committee is currently conducting an asset-based community survey as well as a church-wide evaluation, and will be meeting with Hope at the end of the month to determine next steps of action. They meet on a weekly basis at Chattanooga Valley and take part in the programs and services offered at Hope.

If you would like more information on Mercy Committee training or other Hope resources, please contact Heather at heather.hope4nwga@gmail.com

Hope for Northwest Georgia

2008-11-03T10:29:00.001-05:00

Hope for Northwest Georgia is currently running a 16 week Jobs for Life course at Highlands Presbyterian Church in LaFayette, Georgia. Steve Corbett, professor of Community Development at Covenant College, is the course instructor of the program. Classes meet every wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Although this class is now closed, Hope plans to offer the course again next fall at Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church in Flintstone, GA.

For more information on Jobs for Life, visit their website.

2008-04-20T21:55:00.000-04:00