Manna Ministries, Inc.

Released on = January 19, 2005, 11:09 am

Press Release Author = Burnesee Hill

Industry = Non Profit

Press Release Summary = Manna Ministries, Inc.
Hosts Manna Community Empowerment Day Forum Saturday, February 12, 2005

Press Release Body = Manna Ministries, Inc. announced today that they would host Manna Community Empowerment Day Saturday, February 12, 2005 between the hours of 9 and 11 a.m. at Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church located at 1180 Bartlett Street Macon, Georgia. The purpose of this event is to gather data on important issues and concerns of the residents of the Bartlett Crossing and Cherokee Heights neighbor for the development and implementation of programs and projects that will improve the quality of life in the community. Government officials and other agencies, church leaders, business, organizations, and residents have been invited to participate
making available opportunities and resources that may be used by both those who are effected or affects the community by forming partnerships that will continue through the years enabling the community sustainability as a vital part of the City of Macon. Our theme is “Empowering Our Community: Knowledge is Power.” We need adults, c hildren, teens, senior citizens, church congregations and business owners. A free Continental Breakfast will be available.

As a catalyst for community development in our local community, Manna Ministries, Inc. partnered with Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church congregation to acquisition land to used for developing portions of Bartlett Street and Napier Avenue. However, the plan is approaching the final acquisition stage for the development of this property. Success will only come by including all the community residents, government officials, and other agencies to come together enter into and continue a dialogue, plan and work together. We understand that whatever Manna Ministries, Inc. and Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church do to improve our surrounding has an affect on those not a part of our organizations. To realize our goals and objects for the quality of life for this community, we must solicit and employ input and resources from the community stakeholders. This includes, but is not inclusive, government officials and agencies that have the responsibility for the integrity and care of all citizens

in the City of Macon. We realize that we are a very small part of the City of Macon located in the western part of the city, but our actions has a strong impact on the vitality of this small area and the city as a whole. We have waited long enough for something to just happen in this area that will make improvement here. The time has come for those of us who spend most of our time in this neighborhood to step-up, initiative, and lead the way for bettering the neighborhood not for Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church congregation, but for all residents. It would be a crucial mistake for Manna Ministries, Inc. and Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church to prosperous and not share the wealth with the rest of the community. We believe
that how we share with our community is one of the ways we are perceived and known in the community.

We have ongoing programs that cater to the needs of the community residents. These services are made available to residents of Bartlett Crossing and Cherokee Heights, other city residents, and Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church congregation in this order. Most services are free, but for some we do require a very minimum fee for service. Our after-school program targets children/youth in grades kindergarten to twelve. The summer youth enrichment program is designed for children and youth between the ages of 6 and 18. The technology center offers computer classes, open access, technology awareness training, and income tax filing. The technology center is a service for all ages. Manna Community Day is a community pride day. This event is designed to bring the total community together for a day of free entertainment, and is family friendly.

Manna Ministries, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization founded by Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church for the purpose of developing and implementing programs that will address the needs of youth and families. We are located in an economically disadvantaged
neighborhood made up of approximately 90% African-Americans. Our organization is uniquely suited to meet the needs of the residents living in our area, and in this, we are African Americans with rooted tides to the neighborhoods that we serve, and not similar to many other organizations because we live or work in the neighborhoods,