Did you know that more one-third of households in Lebanon County are unable to meet their basic needs.

This includes households below the poverty, but also households considerd to be “ALICE,” which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.

During the first week of October, Support Connections of Lebanon County will be launching a new class aimed at increasing the number of people achieving self-sufficiency.

“Incorporating weekly meals, childcare, training and intentional friendships across economic class, our work matches low income individuals (Team Leaders) with middle and upper class volunteers (Team Mates),” said Lee Smedley, volunteer Executive Director of SCLC, in a press release.

“After completion of a 12 to 14 week training class, each Team Leader is matched with 2 or more Team Mates, who have also received training on how to support the Leaders on their journey toward a more stable life.”

Support teams will then go on to meet twice per month for an additional 18 months, with the focus of the meetings being on the Team Leader’s goals.

Additional activities will include weekly meals and both educational an recreational activities which will help foster a feeling of community.

According to the press release from SCLC, the typical results of those who have completed the 2-year cycle of support include improved health, a reliable car, better pay and promotions, new jobs with insurance coverage, management of a budget and involvement in the community as volunteers.

The orientation session for the program will be held on October 1 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and will begin with dinner at 5:30.

For more information on the program, visit the SCLC website.

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