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A PERFECT MATCH: HOW ROC AND HOPE CONNEXION OUTREACH CENTER HAVE PAIRED TO PROVIDE NECESSITIES FOR THOSE IN NEED

Roc Connexion Adam Perry Outreach Center

Rainbow of Challenges (ROC)is proud to announce that the ROC’n Reruns Bargain Center and Hope ConneXion Outreach Center are combining efforts to provide basic necessities to people in need around the community. The idea was presented to ROC administrators by Reverend Adam Perry, Senior Pastor with the Church of the Nazarene which represents The Hope ConneXion. The Center is located directly across from the old courthouse in the building that previously was occupied by the Southwest Arkansas Title Company. The building now has been renovated to include a church sanctuary, a learning center, a recreation area, a fully functioning kitchen and other vital areas for those who arrive at their door in need of many things from food, clothing, a safe space and many other essentials. Hope ConneXion is also responsible for the Blessin’ Boxes around town which provide easy-to-eat items and a Blessin’ Garden which is set up outside the doors of their Outreach Center.

But mainly the Center includes hands. Helping hands that offer a lift and opens doors for folks to get back on their feet. But it almost never came about. It was Perry who did an about face on whether to take a new job pastoring a different congregation in another city or return to Hope where he faced the challenge of a congregation of three. “I left and was headed toward an interview in Amarillo and was about to leave town when God said, “There’s your Hope,” Perry recounted. “And I had been praying for hope for some time after being brokenhearted. I still did the interview, but my wife and I already knew where we were going.” And Hope has been all the better since he and his wife’s decision to stay. The first need presented itself, which was assisting with the needs of the men and women who have been incarcerated in the City or County Jail, which sits literally across the street from Hope ConneXion.

“Our mission started with finding the most broken individuals in the town and that was right across the street in the jail,” Perry states. “Five years later I’m the Senior Chaplain for the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Department,” he says with a chuckle. “It took about two years for this place (Hope ConneXion) to happen and get enough support. None of us are paid and we work 60 hours week. “We work with multiple congregations and nonprofit partners because we couldn’t do it alone,” he continued. “All we are doing is working as a connectional hub for everyone to do what needs to get done.” One of those partnerships now comes with joining Rainbow of Challenges (ROC) and the ROC’n Reruns Bargain Center in providing clothes and essentials through vouchers that are given to those in need by Hope ConneXion. The vouchers entitle the person shirts or blouses, pants, shorts, or skirts, shoes, jackets or coats and a set of accessories such as ties, scarfs, belts, etc.

“So now we can give them a voucher to get an actual outfit where they might can use to get a job,” notes Perry. “All this is for is trying to get people back on their feet. We are here not to make people comfortable. We are here to help people help themselves.” ROC’n Reruns bargain center has the inventory to meet the requests of those in need. And, to think, the clothes that are utilized from ROC are donations generously given by the surrounding public. All of it simply comes down to people-helping-people to help more people. “ROC is excited to partner with Hope ConneXion in this small way and having the opportunity to continue our mission statement, “Discovering opportunities that inspire lives…Whatever it Takes”, said ROC CEO Judy Watson.

“We are blessed to have a community that supports ROC with their donations to ROC’n Reruns and providing the individuals we support the opportunities to work. What a great fit with Hope ConneXion to be able to help bless others in their time of need.” ROC has been involved with care and service for others in the area for 55 years. And now, the organization can quietly assist another organization lift itself and lift others in need. It's a given that the folks of this area are primarily good, caring, and compassionate people. And, while much of the public cannot afford to shower those who are considered “sojourners”, they do possess resources that can be utilized by them, which could lead to better days and a brighter future. Think of it this way, a wife donates to ROC a gently worn suit that’s too small for her “growing” husband. The suit is given the thumbs up after being inspected and is later donated to a person from Hope ConneXion who may be readying for a job interview. Or possibly, that person wanted to also wear that suit when he/she attended church for the first time. What a sense of pride that person may feel. And, what a source of pride for a town called Hope.

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