WHC blends basic needs and togetherness
The Wooster Hope Center (WHC) thrives on the well-being of the community. Persistent in its effort to reduce the suffering of others, the WHC has crafted a plan, alongside collaborative partners, that will impact children and families alike.
This design begins with basic needs and works its way up—moving in synchrony with the community’s greatest asset—its generous people.
The backpack of food program will be unveiled this school year at Cornerstone Elementary and Parkview Elementary during the after school programs. Each student who participates will receive a bag of nonperishable food every other Friday throughout the school year to take home for the weekend.
This pilot program is a result of collaboration between the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, Parkview Elementary, Cornerstone Elementary, the 21st Century Program, The College of Wooster’s Social Entrepreneurship program and Volunteer Network, Kohl’s department store, Parkview Christian Church and the Wooster Church of the Nazarene. Any organization interested in assisting with the program can contact Richard Frazier, administrator of the WHC, at woosterhopecenter@gmail.com.
The program will serve about 150 students and is expected to cost approximately $12,000. Frazier said the goal is to raise the money locally. The backpack of food program will be evaluated at the end of the school year. If effective, it will be expanded to other schools throughout Wayne County.
“All of the services that we provide are only possible because of the great support from the community and the unique collaborative efforts with some of our local churches and organizations. And all I can say is thank you,” Frazier said.
In addition to the backpack program, the WHC continues offering hygiene distributions, food distributions, clothing, an emergency food pantry, free meals, free haircuts and a workshop, Stretching Your Food Dollars, for the community. In total, the WHC provided for 1,600 needs in the month of June with 250 volunteers.
Further, the WHC has diagramed a future of more than just the basic needs. While they are important, the WHC recognizes the impact of togetherness and quality time as a family. This dynamic approach ensures that people are climbing that ladder—moving from a place of dependence to independence.
To drive this concept forward, the WHC is offering a free movie under the stars on Friday, August 17, from 8-11 p.m. at the OARDC Amphitheater. The movie, E.T., will be shown. Currently, the WHC is looking for a family entertainer from 8:15-8:45 p.m. Local churches and organizations will be providing food and drinks for sale, and all of the proceeds support the backpack of food program.
“The purpose of this event is to promote family togetherness by providing a safe and fun activity that the whole family can enjoy,” Frazier added. “If we get a good turnout for the movie on August 17, my goal is to offer a community family movie under the stars every month next summer.”
For more information, call 330-683-2242 or visit the WHC’s Facebook page.
This design begins with basic needs and works its way up—moving in synchrony with the community’s greatest asset—its generous people.
The backpack of food program will be unveiled this school year at Cornerstone Elementary and Parkview Elementary during the after school programs. Each student who participates will receive a bag of nonperishable food every other Friday throughout the school year to take home for the weekend.
This pilot program is a result of collaboration between the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, Parkview Elementary, Cornerstone Elementary, the 21st Century Program, The College of Wooster’s Social Entrepreneurship program and Volunteer Network, Kohl’s department store, Parkview Christian Church and the Wooster Church of the Nazarene. Any organization interested in assisting with the program can contact Richard Frazier, administrator of the WHC, at woosterhopecenter@gmail.com.
The program will serve about 150 students and is expected to cost approximately $12,000. Frazier said the goal is to raise the money locally. The backpack of food program will be evaluated at the end of the school year. If effective, it will be expanded to other schools throughout Wayne County.
“All of the services that we provide are only possible because of the great support from the community and the unique collaborative efforts with some of our local churches and organizations. And all I can say is thank you,” Frazier said.
In addition to the backpack program, the WHC continues offering hygiene distributions, food distributions, clothing, an emergency food pantry, free meals, free haircuts and a workshop, Stretching Your Food Dollars, for the community. In total, the WHC provided for 1,600 needs in the month of June with 250 volunteers.
Further, the WHC has diagramed a future of more than just the basic needs. While they are important, the WHC recognizes the impact of togetherness and quality time as a family. This dynamic approach ensures that people are climbing that ladder—moving from a place of dependence to independence.
To drive this concept forward, the WHC is offering a free movie under the stars on Friday, August 17, from 8-11 p.m. at the OARDC Amphitheater. The movie, E.T., will be shown. Currently, the WHC is looking for a family entertainer from 8:15-8:45 p.m. Local churches and organizations will be providing food and drinks for sale, and all of the proceeds support the backpack of food program.
“The purpose of this event is to promote family togetherness by providing a safe and fun activity that the whole family can enjoy,” Frazier added. “If we get a good turnout for the movie on August 17, my goal is to offer a community family movie under the stars every month next summer.”
For more information, call 330-683-2242 or visit the WHC’s Facebook page.
Published: July 30, 2012
