‘Thanks’ from CCMC

Dear editor:

Before we’re too far into 2019, I wanted to express deep appreciation to First Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church, both in Hot Springs, for being part of CCMC’s Bridges Out of Poverty Getting Ahead programs. They not only provided the venue for those in our community who participated, they also provided meals, child care, and support. This program was also offered at the Garland County Detention Center and Ouachita River Prison Unit in Malvern — Getting Ahead While Getting Out.

In 2018, a total of 13 Getting Ahead classes were offered and we saw 108 people graduate! Participants in the program first completed an application then went through an interview process. Once accepted, they attended weekly classes for three months where they developed their own plans for a more sustainable future. These graduates are to be commended for taking ownership of their lives and putting in the hard work of learning to make better choices that will help them to create a more hopeful tomorrow.

Since beginning this program in 2015, we’ve seen 310 people graduate! It is an honor to work with these courageous men and women and a joy to work with our partners who diligently provide opportunities for people to better themselves. We, and those we serve, are blessed to live in such a generous and caring community. We have great things planned for 2019, including a continuation of our Getting Ahead programs with our partners and are now offering these same tools to students at Cutter Morning Star High School and parents of students in the Hot Springs School District. Thank you, Hot Springs! Lynn Blankenship Executive director Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic