Hope Roswell Unites Local Congregations

Since the Convoy of Hope rolled into town during 2009, local congregations have united for one day a year with the goal of bettering the community - now, they want to do more.

"The pastors of the Hope Roswell churches wanted to host ongoing outreaches instead of just one day a year," said Brenda Orlans, a Hope Roswell organizer.

Expanding upon the "Day of Hope" event held in April every year, Hope Roswell moves toward the idea of an ongoing partnership between local churches motivated to better serve the Roswell community. To do this, a collective group of 11 churches organized into a non-profit during April to hold outreach iniatives throughout the year. The group is open to new members churches.

The Hope Roswell organization has partnered with other local non-profits to participate in volunteer events that are already planned or ongoing, including service projects within local apartment complexes, along side Roswell's Foster Care Support Foundation and short-term housing provider .

According to Orlans, the new focus allows for relationships to be built with community members in need, instead of simply interacting with them once a year to offer a bag of food.

In addition to specific events held jointly with other non-profits, the organization will host neighborhood "block parties" to provide lower-income residents with needed services that often get cut when money is tight, such as eye care and auto tune-ups.

Because the group is still too young in its 501c3 non-profit status to request grant money, it relies on donations from volunteer participants and community members to fund outreach projects. In support of Hope Roswell, several local businesses have begun to offer free services during special events.

"Currently, we have a car care company, chiropractors, eye exams, pet care [services] being offered for free," said Orlans. "If there is a local business that would like to be involved by offering their services in the neighborhoods, we would welcome them."

Anyone wanting to donate to a Hope Roswell event may do so on the website via PayPal. For information on becoming a Hope Roswell member church, volunteering or donating business services, e-mail Brenda Orlans.