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Local PRI continues to serve community
Gaylord, Mich. - On June 18, Department of Human Services Director Ismael Ahmed made a stop in Gaylord to give a presentation to the public busting the myths behind welfare. One of his first comments during this presentation was a thank you to the many individuals responsible for the strong Poverty Reduction Initiatives in this area of Northern Michigan.
Lorraine Manary, coordinator for the Charlevoix Emmet Poverty Reduction Initiative, was on hand and felt the myth busters’ message is timed perfectly to fit in with local efforts to reduce poverty and homeless in our area.
"The stigma of welfare only increases the pain of poverty which is being felt by increasing numbers in Northern Michigan during this time of economic downturn," Manary said.
There are unprecedented number of families and individuals living in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties who seek help paying their bills or putting food on their tables. Many of these families make difficult decisions everyday regarding their expenses - often choosing between a meal and a doctor’s appointment.
The Charlevoix Emmet Poverty Reduction Initiative recently coupled with the Continuum of Care group to better serve the surrounding communities and address the issues surrounding poverty and homeless in our area.
PRI has aided many of our neighbors who find themselves in poverty or are homeless. In April, the group held a very successful Opportunity Conference, in which over 150 people attended. Guest speaker Donna Beagle discussed how to overcome living in poverty.
Those who attended the conference gained valuable experience and knowledge of the services available to them.
"The Opportunity Conference was such a success," Manary said. "Conference attendees left knowing there are services and resources available to them. But, more importantly, they left knowing they aren’t alone. A key component of the Opportunity Conference is matching people up with local ‘Navigators’ who can be called on to help when needed. These are community members reaching out to help in a concrete manner, supporting people in their efforts to escape poverty."
The Opportunity Conference is just one element of what the PRI plans to do for the community. With the recent economic downturn in the area, the group realizes now more than ever that our neighbors need aid and their cries of help will not go unnoticed.
In the future, PRI hopes to hold poverty simulations to help reduce the stigma surrounding those who live below the poverty line; the group will be conducting neighborhood meetings and they will be continuing on their mission to aid those who need a little extra help in this struggling economy.
For more information or to get involved log onto www.char-empri.org or contact Lorraine Manary at 582-9863 or lmanary@charter.net
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