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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - At the Hope Center, community partnerships add another layer of outreach. Making sure that those in need across the community have access to food, clothing, critical skills, but most importantly support.

Kenneth Bevel, Sherwood Local Missions and Connections Pastor said, “The mission came from just seeing the basic need in our community. Where men and women are struggling and how we as the body of Christ and a church can come alongside them and help them.”

Seventeen years ago, Bevel joined Sherwood Baptist Church where he found his purpose in working with other members to lead local missions.

“I came from a troubled situation at home. I grew up in Jacksonville...so from ages zero to 17 I’ve seen this, I’ve lived this so my heart is poured out for and I don’t just call them people but they’re our neighbors,” he said.

When the Hope Center is open, they help nearly 30 people as they focus on three critical areas of disaster relief, homeless population, and teaching and training working with community partners to connect those impacted with this essential support.

“There is always going to be a need for food and people are always going to have the desire to have a good meal, a healthy meal,” Bevel said. “So we partner with Feeding the Valley and Flint River Fresh to help them get fresh food to eat.”

During the days and times that they give away found to the those facing food insecurity, financial struggle, or other needs through partnerships like Feeding the Valley the line stretches from Downtown Albany leading to the old Coca Cola Bottling plant on Pine Avenue, serving over 500 families in hours.

Bevel said, “To be able to love them and help them in a way that benefits them, get them to the level of self-sufficiency is what we really want to do and love people through the gospel of Jesus Christ , that’s our desire.”

The Hope Center is open to the public from 9 am to 1 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. They are always looking for volunteers and accepting donations, including warm clothing to provide those in need during the cold months.

For more information on how you can support contact Pastor Ken by phone (229) 883-1910, email [email protected], or visit sherwoodbaptist.net/ministries/missions.

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