Project HOPE needs your help.
We're Offering ESL Classes to the Community

As part of our continuing efforts to provide opportunities for our community, Project HOPE is seeking to expand our ministry into adult education by offering "English as a Second Language" classes. What better way to show love to our community than to help them improve language skills so they can find meaningful employment and effectively communicate with their neighbors and coworkers.

Volunteers are needed to help non-English speakers develop conversational English skills in a non-threatening small group of 8-10 students. You don't need to be a teacher; you don’t need to speak Spanish -- you do need an ability to befriend and encourage students to speak English. Visit our Thursday class that meets 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the brick building in N-113. Training is available. Contact Gordon Geddes at (562) 650-4451 or geddesgp@mindspring.com if you are interested.

Emmanuel’s Hope Ministry is driven by Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  All people encounter seasons of pain from time to time that hinder spiritual and/or emotional growth.  These problems may result from a number of causes.  Whatever the cause, God calls the church to be an agent of healing and support for those going through times of crisis or need.

Project HOPE, which is Helping Others Provide Essentials, is seeking to assist individuals and families by aiding in the following areas:

Food ministry   

We have free food available to low income families/on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.  Please contact Mike at Mike.McKown@erc.la or (562) 272-7647 for exact distribution dates and income qualifications.

Health ministry    
We identify and support people with health needs, provide health education to children and adults, and help people gain access to health, dental and vison services.  Outreach activities to the Church and community include blood pressure and blood sugar screening and health care referrals at the food distribution on Fridays, and blood pressure and blood sugar screenings once a month on Sunday mornings. We are dreaming and planning to open a faith- based medical clinic serving Compton and Paramount within the next 2-5 years.

Special events   
We have outreach events helping to provide for people’s needs at four specific times of the year:

1. Back to School Days        
The congregation of ERC provides back packs with school supplies to kids in Paramount and surrounding cities.

2. Share Thanksgiving        
We provide a frozen turkey, potatoes and vegetables to low income families.  This is done in conjunction with our regular food distribution program.  

3. Share Christmas Store    
A one day event where low income families can choose one gift for each of the children for pennies on the dollar.  We also provide a free gift wrapping service and child care.  

4. Share Easter            
In conjunction with our regular food distribution program, we provide a ham for the recipients’ Easter meal.

5. 2nd Chance Ministry    
A ministry to assist in transforming formerly incarcerated persons into a Christian lifestyle.  

Would you like more information or are you interested in helping out?  Contact Mike.McKown@erc.la or (562) 272-7647.