Article by Michelle Blackmon

bmblackmon@cableone.net

Sharing Life Community Outreach (SLCO)

http://www.sharinglifeoutreach.org

As a non-profit, benevolent organization their primary goal is to come along side individuals and families who need help obtaining the basic necessities of life. They offer a food pantry, a clothes closet, a holiday program, financial assistance for rent to those who are near homelessness, utility assistance for those who are subject to disconnection of water, gas or electrical services, assistance in purchasing necessary prescriptions, assistance to single parents in obtaining child care and assistance in getting gasoline to search for a job or get to work. In addition to these tangible helps, SLCO also offers educational programs to enrich the lives and futures of clients. They offer job skills training that includes basic computing skills and standard business applications, job interview skills classes which include resume writing and dressing for success, parenting classes, a twelve step class for those struggling with addiction and a mentoring program for young, single mothers.

Finally, they believe every person is worthy of respect.   Every client is treated as if they are a guest.   By maintaining an attitude of respect and cheerfulness, clients take on those very characteristics.  This can make a vast difference in their fight against poverty.  If shown respect and honor, they believe they are worthy of such and their self image is changed from a negative one to a positive one.  They are empowered.  A person with a positive self-image fares well in the search for employment.

Visit them on the web at http://www.sharinglifeoutreach.org

Article Copyright Michelle Blackmon 2004