Published: October 29, 2009 12:44 am      

Group hoping to plant 'SEEDS' in county

LONE OAK — A new community outreach organization based in Lone Oak has been formed to help those in need in Hunt and Rains counties.

Community SEEDS was created earlier this year to combat poverty and provide opportunities for those less fortunate.

According to the organization’s mission statement, Community SEEDS was created to operate as a clearinghouse for area churches to serve the economically disadvantaged and underserved people of the community with emergency assistance and programs to empower and encourage them to become self-sufficient.

According to the American Community Survey released by the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 14 percent of Hunt County’s population was listed as living below the poverty line in 2008. That percentage equates to more than 11,000 residents living in poverty.

According to the survey, approximately 13.2 percent of the U.S. population was listed as living in poverty in 2008.

“Sadly, too many of our neighbors fall into the category of being disadvantaged, poor or underserved,” said Bert Cooper, executive director of Community SEEDS. “This non-profit organization will provide programs and services to less fortunate residents of our area. By combining the resources of surrounding communities, Community SEEDS will help people get back on their feet by planting hope and creating a strong root system that will withstand the storms of life.”

The program is primarily staffed by volunteers and operates from the old high school campus, located at 602 College. Members of the Board of Directors are Robert Cook, Sam Calk, Bryan Yarnell, Carol and Oliver Mowat, Jennifer Wright, Joe Perkins and Mary Thomas.

The services provided by the organization are currently limited, but Cooper expects a variety of services to be available next year, including a food bank, resale shop, programs to help with utility payments, educational classes, job training classes, health care screenings, prescription programs and recycling.

“We aim to increase the possibility of children and adults in our area to live stable, secure and prosperous lives,” said Cooper.



Those seeking more information can contact Community SEEDS at 903-217-7208.