“Giving the community a sense of hope”

LaGRANGE – The city council held its regular work session at the Ark Refuge Ministry on Tuesday to recognize the work done at the location and to hear about the progress at the ministry that has received the support of the council in the past.

“It is really giving the whole community a sense of hope, and we are excited and thankful for that,” said Ark Refuge Chief Executive Officer Yvonne Lopez. “… Now I want you to know that Ark Refuge Ministries is an asset in the Calumet Village and in the community, and not only in the community, but in the whole state of Georgia.”

The men in the program come from all over the place with individuals from not just LaGrange, but also Florida, Alabama, other parts of Georgia and even Haiti entering and the program.

“We are really proud of the improvements that we have made, and we have made some adjustments to our programs where we’ve added (to them),” said Denise Matthews, who works with Ark Refuge. “We had a computer lab built in 2015. We’ve added financial literacy classes that were added in 2016. We’ve added behavioral thinking classes where we give the guys a moment to just try to figure out why they were where they were and in which direction they need to go in, so we’ve really improved on the educational side of the program to ensure these guys have the information that they need, so that they can go outside in society and be successful.”

In 2016, the ministry had about 15 men graduate from the program, and already have several men on track to complete the program this year. Along with the program for individuals fighting addiction, Ark also serves the community through a soup kitchen with the help of Feeding the Valley. The ministry also partners with its neighbors in Calumet Village and Rosemont Church to use Calumet Park as an activity space for local youth.

“The fact that you all (at Ark Refuge Ministry) are partnering with these partners, that is really what we want to see,” said Councilwoman Norma Tucker. “… That is what it is really about: partnering to better serve the citizens.”

The group also partners with New Ventures and Pathways to help serve the community.

“LaGrange is a community that has a lot of caring people,” said Mayor Jim Thornton. “It really has a lot of people who do a lot of good work, and it is always great to see them working together as well.”

To learn more about Ark Refuge Ministry or how you can help call 706-845-0335.

In other Calumet news, the city council tabled the vote on the rezoning of four properties within Calumet Village during its regular council meeting in order to give the developer, city staff and neighbors more time to come to an agreement on the rezoning that was agreeable to everyone.

The city council is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. at 208 Ridley Ave.

 

Reach Alicia B. Hill at alicia.hill@lagrangenews.com or at 706-884-7311, Ext. 2154.

News

PHOTOS: Hogansville Christmas Parade

News

Nutwood Winery Officially Opens for Business

News

Kids face off against parents in annual hockey game toy drive

News

Hillcrest Teacher of the Year playing a part in student’s education

News

Fellowship Deliverance Ministries continues to serve the LaGrange community for nearly 30 years

News

Commissioners approve grants that will provide increased law enforcement officer pay and increased drug court testing

News

Oakfuskee already in the black

News

Rosemont Baptist Church to host Outdoor Immersive Christmas Experience

News

Woman Crashes into LaGrange College

News

Troup County Sheriff’s Office incident reports for period ending Dec. 7

News

Troup County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Reports for period ending Dec. 7

News

Toys for Tots wrapping up this week, so donate now

News

Callaway Elementary’s teacher of the year talks passion for animals, 14 years as an educator

News

Deputies say other motorist’s safety, not shoplifting led to fatal PIT maneuver

News

More than $100K missing from Troup County State Court speeding funds, LPD investigating

News

Troup employees recognized for 170 total years of service

News

THINC’s MeLissa Hicks cares for students beyond the classroom

News

County moving forward with Hamilton Road annexation

News

One dead, two others hurt after leading police on high-speed chase following alleged shoplifting

News

Nutwood Winery to open downtown location on Thursday

News

UPDATED: Two killed in West Point shooting identified

News

Two from Troup County arrested as part of multi-county, joint drug task force investigation

News

Two killed in West Point shooting

News

From LHS to the SEC Championship: Former Grangers to represent hometown in halftime performances