Group Brings Hope to Local Women

Kennesaw resident Sherrie Rodriguez believes in the truth of Proverbs 11:25: "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

Put a female spin on that verse and you get the meaning behind Helping One Woman, a local group Rodriguez started in Kennesaw after her sister founded the organization in southern California in 2008. Its mission states that "we believe that when we help one woman, we are helping one family and, through that family, we are helping our community."

The Kennesaw chapter meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the on Chastain Road. Women who attend each contribute $10 towards a woman who has been nominated to receive the contributions.

"Since we started HOW a little over a year ago in Kennesaw, we have helped several women who have had cancer, a mother who lost her daughter to a brain tumor, a woman whose husband was in a serious motorcycle accident and now has the mind of a child, and a woman who was losing her sight," said Rodriguez.

She adds that HOW focuses on women who have or are experiencing irreplaceable loss—things that cannot be replaced, such as a death in their family, a terminal illness, or loss of quality of life. "Under our definition, a loss of a job or house would not qualify," said Rodriguez. "This group is specifically designed to help support and encourage women who are grieving over losses that are not material."

Recently the group helped Andrea Reid, a middle school science teacher at in Kennesaw. Reid's husband, Michael, became gravely ill and was diagnosed with three autoimmune diseases. With rising medical bills, they nearly lost their home. This night, the HOW group presented her with $2,000 cash to use in whatever area it is needed.

"This was such a surprise," said Reid through her tears. "God has been so good to us. This is an absolutely beautiful group that is serving others through their faith."

Since the inception of HOW, Rodriguez said a scholarship fund has been started to provide for college books for the children of recipients. A kids' version of HOW has also been started and is called HOP (Helping Other People), and a one-day HOW conference will be held in September in California.

Rodriguez said her goals for 2012 are to see more women come to the monthly dinners to meet friends and learn to encourage other women who are hurting. "It's not only refreshing, but it is healthy to think of others, rather than focus on our own problems or needs," said Rodriguez. "All through the Bible there are examples of how God is compassionate."

For more information on Helping One Woman, visit their website at www.HelpingOneWoman.com.

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