My new year’s resolutions tend to be a bit self-centered — eat healthier, hit the gym more often, learn another language, and so on. So, I’ve been wondering how I might break this habit and think outside my narcissistic repertoire.
How can I keep the spirit of giving that comes so easily in December? In fact, how do those local charities we’ve given to meet their needs the other eleven months of the year?
According to Norcross Cooperative Ministry’s Executive Director John Byerley, “The focus this time of the year is on giving, but the need doesn’t go away in March, June and August.”
The Norcross Cooperative Ministry is one of six co-ops in Gwinnett. Most provide food, clothing and some financial assistance to families in crisis. In 2014, the Norcross Cooperative Ministry assisted 34,050 individuals living in Norcross and surrounding communities. During any given month, the co-op is helping 860 families, representing about 2,700 children. Seasonal programs provide back-to-school supplies, Christmas toys, winter coats and blankets.
But according to Byerly, the co-op is “not just a food pantry anymore.” In addition to providing food and clothing, the Norcross co-op conducts job fairs each Tuesday and offers free health screenings once a month. Byerley is certain they’ve saved a few lives by catching blood pressure and blood sugar problems in patients and referring them to free or low cost medical care.
Through a new program called, “ReStore Hope” the ministry endeavors to do more than provide a quick bandaid to the problems. They offer financial planning and career assistance to help families caught in the cycle of poverty. This isn’t advice on where to put your 401K. The program works with families to start with the basics — how to economically shop at the grocery store, how to avoid title loans and other financial traps.
Through the jobs program, participants have help developing their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. They learn how to dress and conduct themselves in an interview, and are provided with job leads through staffing firms.
The Norcross Cooperative Ministry relies on local churches, businesses, civic and social organizations, foundations, and individuals to meet the needs of those struggling.
“What people don’t understand is a donation is often just two days worth of help,” said Byerley. “It’s expensive to be poor.” Individuals with poor credit pay more for their utilities and pay higher interest rates on loans. An extended stay hotel can cost a family between $1,200 and $1,500 a month. With an apartment complex requiring first and last month’s rent, sometimes this is the only option left before homelessness.
There are lots of ways to help. From volunteering a few hours to making donations, the need doesn’t go away.
My 2016 new year’s resolutions will still include losing ten pounds, but this year, I’m going to add regular giving to my local co-op as well.
About the Author
