Empowering Hispanic families: Giving a hand up, not a hand out

Sept. 26, 2010 - PRLog -- One local church, on the borders of Union City and West New York, NJ in North Bergen, NJ is putting their money where the mouths are—mouths to feed that is. Gospel Tabernacle church in North Bergen, NJ recently launched a feeding program to serve the Growing number of families in financial need.  While many social service agencies are cutting back, Gospel Tabernacle is increasing its service and commitment to the community.

“Giving hope to the hopeless is what we’re all about” said Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Santos, senior pastor of the church, “one way of putting our faith into action is by helping families with groceries during these tough economic times” he continued.  The food pantry is currently feeding 160 local families in the predominantly Hispanic community.

Richard Valdes, the churches Director of Community and Public Affairs, stated: “It’s about empowering people to succeed, not merely charity”.  Richard Valdes continued saying: “the church is not trying to give a hand-out, but more so, a hand up.  Allowing the parents of these families an opportunity to use the part of their income they would have spent in groceries, and to invest it in their children’s education down the road”.

The food pantry is managed by a team of committed volunteers that give their time to make their faith actionable in their local community.  Plans for financial literacy workshop, a free ESL program, and other valuable community services are being considered by the churches leadership as well.

In addition to social action, the church is home to vibrant worship services for toddlers, teens, and adults in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.  For more information on Gospel Tabernacle church and its various community-oriented programs log onto www.GospelTab.org or call the church office at (201) 863-1000.