43
Group searching for community support
Group searching for community support
YOUNGSTOWN
Organizers of a fledgling help group in the city hope to have an impact on the lives of young people and bring together other such community organizations and churches.
The group, There is Still HOPE (Helping Our People Excel), began in December and has been meeting weekly at the East Branch Library for prayer, testimonials and plans for the future, but organizers want to get the public more involved.
Elder Abdul Harris, group co-founder and a teacher in the Youngstown schools, said members have plans for various projects through August and are in partnership with city schools and Dandridge Nursing Home on the East Side, but he wants the general public to come out and meet group members.
There will be a meet-and-greet luncheon for the four current group members and the public at large from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 23 at the East Branch Library, 430 Early Road. Harris said those looking to partner with the group and learn more about its goals and plans should attend.
The group already has been active working with kids at P. Ross Berry and Martin Luther King schools in an effort to raise scores on standardized tests.
“We are helping kids with the [state tests] because the biggest problems are reading and math. That is where they seem to be having problems, and that is where we are here to help,” Harris said. “The Lord brought us together to create this organization to help our young people succeed.”
Keeping in line with the spiritual element at the core of the group, there also will be a free gospel concert, featuring several performers, at Dandridge Nursing Home sponsored by the group May 24.
Ultimately, Harris said the members of his group want to bridge any gaps with other help organizations scattered throughout the community to create one unified force.
“We want to see all the different factions come together for a common unity. Too many groups and churches who are looking to help people are split, and we want to be that bridge to bring these various groups together,” Harris said.