Raised by a single mother, Pastor Michael Jones of Village of Faith Ministries knows how women heading households struggle.
For nine women, he's reduced some of their burdens.
"We give these single mothers something a lot of Americans don't have, that is a car without a car note," Jones said. "For these ladies to get a vehicle that runs and is in good condition and they don't have to have a car note, its awesome."
Criteria for the new owners is a job and work history. Recipients have either applied or were nominated. Cars are donated or bought by the church.
The working mothers received the cars on New Year's Eve last year and in 2007, when the program started.
"It's a great way to start a new year. I can't think of anything else [better] than starting off with a great opportunity," Jones said.
Raven Johnson, who received a 1992 Buick Century Special, couldn't agree more.
"Shoot, it meant everything to me! I didn't know I was getting it until my name was called," said Johnson, one of four women awarded cars during last month's New Year Eve service.
"My daughter goes to day care in eastern Henrico and I work in western Henrico so the car has helped a whole lot."
Another appealing aspect of the ministry is "it gets men involved in the ministry using the skills they have, from towing to repairing," Jones said. "It shows them God can use men to work on cars."
The program is a blessing, he said. "I hope other churches do the same."
. . .
The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation awarded a three-year, $300,000 grant to support the Science Museum of Virginia's Carpenter Science Theatre Company.
The grant will expand theater experiences throughout the center's exhibit galleries and engage guests with science education, said Richard Conti, the Science Museum of Virginia's chief executive.
The foundation has been supporting the Carpenter Science Theatre Company for 12 years. The company opened its first play at the science museum in October 1996.
. . .
Busch Gardens Europe in James City County made its largest donation ever -- $162,248 -- to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The donation benefited four Ronald McDonald Houses in Virginia, including $36,228 for the organization's Richmond chapter. Raised through a promotion with the McDonald's restaurant chain, the contributions will support families across central Virginia.
. . .
Struggling to buy food in western Henrico County?
The Glen Allen Church of Christ's 12 Baskets food pantry program begins Jan. 24.
The pantry, at 11064 Staples Mill Road, will provide nonperishable food every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Pantry visitors must show identification and a utility bill or other proof of residency.
For more details, call (804) 756-2030 or visit www.glenallenchurch.org.
. . .
Dog owners struggling to pay medical care for cancer-stricken pets may be eligible for help.
Fetch a Cure, a Richmond-based nonprofit working to improve quality of life for mature and senior dogs, has unveiled its Canines in Crisis program, which provides aid for the care and treatment of ill canines.
Cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs, with the average treatment costing about $3,500.
For qualifications and to apply or to make a donation, go to www.fetchacure.com or call (804) 525-2193.
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The Richmond Kiwanis Foundation recently announced it will increase its grant support for the Youth Education Fund at the Virginia Historical Society from $1,500 to $5,000.
This is the fifth year the foundation has supported the society's efforts to bring history programs to Richmond's and Petersburg's economically disadvantaged students. The society markets the Youth Education Fund's availability to Virginia schools, as well as to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Richmond and the Girl and Boy Scouts.
Contact Robin Farmer at (804) 649-6312 or rfarmer@timesdispatch.com.
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