A PERFECT MATCH: HOW ROC AND THE HOPE CONNEXION OUTREACH CENTER HAVE PAIRED TO PROVIDE NECESSITIES FOR THOSE IN NEED

A PERFECT MATCH: HOW ROC AND THE HOPE CONNEXION OUTREACH CENTER HAVE PAIRED TO PROVIDE NECESSITIES FOR THOSE IN NEED

Rainbow of Challenges (ROC) is proud to announce that the ROC’n Reruns Bargain Center and The Hope Connexion Outreach Center are combining efforts to provide basic necessities to people in need around the community.

The idea was presented to ROC administrators by Reverend Adam Perry, Senior Pastor with the Church of the Nazarene which represents The Hope Connexion.

The Center is located directly across from the old courthouse in the building that previously was occupied by the Southwest Arkansas Title Company.

The building has now been renovated to include a small church sanctuary, a learning center, a recreation area, a fully functioning kitchen and other vital areas for those who arrive at their door in need of many things from food and clothing in a safe space and many other essentials.

Hope Connexion is also responsible for the “Blessin’ Boxes” around town which provide easy-to-eat items and a “Blessin’ Garden” now growing outside the doors of their Outreach Center.

But mainly the Center includes hands. Helping hands that offer a lift and opens doors for folks to get back on their feet.

But it almost never came about.

It was Perry who did an about face on whether to take a new job pastoring a different congregation in another city or return to Hope and a congregation of three.

“I left and was headed toward an interview in Amarillo and was about to leave town when God said, ‘There’s your Hope,’” Perry recounted. “And I had been praying for hope for some time after being brokenhearted. I still did the interview, but my wife and I already knew where we were going.”

And Hope has been all the better since he and his wife’s decision to stay.

So, the first need presented itself, which was assisting with the personal requirements of the men and women who have been incarcerated in the City or County Jail. That was their first “calling”.

“Our mission started with finding the most broken individuals in the town and that was right across the street in the jail,” Perry states.

“Five years later I’m the Senior Chaplain for the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Department,” he says with a chuckle.

“It took about two years for this place (Hope Connexion) to happen and get enough support. None of us are paid and we work 60 hours a week.”

“We work with multiple congregations and nonprofit partners because we can’t do it alone. All we are doing is working as a connectional hub for everyone to do what needs to get done.”

Those new partners, Rainbow of Challenges (ROC) and the ROC’n Reruns Bargain Center, may now provide clothes and essentials through vouchers that are given to those in need by Hope ConneXion.

The vouchers entitle the person to shirts or blouses, pants, shorts, or skirts, shoes, jackets or coats and a set of accessories such as ties, scarfs, belts, etc.

“So now we can give them a voucher to get an actual outfit they might use to get a job,” notes Perry.

“This is about getting people back on their feet. We are here not to make people comfortable. We are here to help people help themselves.”

ROC’n Reruns bargain center has the inventory to meet the requests of those in need. And, to think, the clothes that are donated from ROC are donations generously donated by the surrounding public.

It comes down to “people helping people” who help more people. It’s a simple theory but with lots of coordination and work behind the scenes.

“ROC is excited to partner with Hope Connexion in this small way and having the opportunity to continue our mission statement which is, “Discovering Opportunities That Inspire Lives…Whatever it Takes”, said ROC CEO Judy Watson.

“We are blessed to have a community that supports ROC with their donations to ROC’n Reruns which provides our individuals with the opportunities to work. What a great fit with Hope Connexion to be able to help bless others in their time of need.”

ROC has been involved with care and service for others in the area for 55 years. And now, the organization can quietly assist another entity lift itself and others in need.

It’s a given that the folks of this area are primarily good, caring, and compassionate people. And, while much of the public cannot afford all the things for those who are considered our “sojourners”, they do possess resources that can be utilized by them, which could lead to better days and a brighter future.

Think of it this way, a wife donates to ROC a gently worn suit that’s too small for her “growing” husband. The suit is given the thumbs up after being inspected and is later donated to a person who may be readying for a job interview. Or possibly, that person may wear that suit when he/she attends church for the first time. What a sense of pride that they may feel.

And, what a source of pride for a town called Hope.