NETWorks Cooperative Ministry honored its valued volunteers and welcomed newcomers to the ministry at an appreciation reception and open house on May 30.
A joint venture of local churches and businesses, NETWorks partners with low-income residents in Northlake, Embry Hills, and Tucker in a variety of programs. It houses a food pantry offering nonperishable items, provides financial aid for housing and utility bills, and recently began a food co-op offering a wide variety of groceries and with a side of friendship twice a month. It also provides referrals to other area resources.
NETWorks has office space in a former bank building at 2380 4th Street in Tucker and is open for client appointments 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday. During those hours, trained volunteers talk with neighbors, fill food orders, answer phones, schedule appointments, and complete other ministry tasks.
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NETworks leaders invited nearly 100 current and former volunteers to the cake reception.
“I am so grateful for the wonderful volunteers we have at NETWorks,” explained Holly Duncan, director of the ministry. “We depend on our volunteers to make the work of NETWorks possible. We wanted to thank them for their service, and this reception was a small token of our appreciation.”
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Louise Cole, a volunteer from Tucker First Baptist Church, said the work is very rewarding. “What really makes it worthwhile is seeing the gratitude in the faces of the people we help. They’re very grateful for the assistance we provide, and that gives me a wonderful feeling.”
Pat Brady explained, “It restores my faith in humanity to work here with other like-minded individuals from various churches and businesses. Working with NETWorks takes away stereotypes of who the recipients are. There is such a need in our community, and I’m so glad we’re here to help.”
