Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Lighthouse Ministry helps those in need

An organization in Arkadelphia is helping residents of Gurdon and southern Clark County who need assistance during hard times.

Lighthouse Ministries, a subsidiary of the Red River Baptist Association, helps people from all walks of life, according to Michael Pettie, director of the organization. A non-profit organization, Lighthouse helps families who lose their homes to fire, abused women, pregnant women, low income families or even families who have a brief financial shortfall.

One of the most common things Lighthouse distributes is food, but those seeking assistance are first required to apply for food stamps at the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services, Pettie said. Once food stamps have been applied for, Lighthouse steps in. This allows the ministry to work on a referral basis and ensures their services are only a short-term fix. This method helps Lighthouse help more people.

They come to us for food while they are waiting, she said.

If a person comes to Lighthouse first, Pettie and her team of volunteers are able to help them determine what government benefits they qualify for and provide some applications for the programs. Programs affiliated with DHHS are not all Lighthouse works with, Pettie said she refers clients to more than 15 other agencies for assistance with things not available at the ministry such as housing, utility payment assistance and transportation.

If theres something we cant halp them with here, well put them in contact with someone who can.

Pettie said the services provided by Lighthouse are meant to be a means of lifting people up when they hit hard times.

Our whole goal is to help them get self esteem and on their feet, she said. We dont want to be part of the problem; we want of be part of the solution. Were pretty much a first aid station.

Pettie said approximately 200-300 pounds of food is distributed to families in the Gurdon area each month. The group often works with Tommy Potter, who manages a food pantry in Gurdon, for distribution.

In 2006, more than 21,000 pounds of food was distributed by Lighthouse in the six counties it serves. They also distributed 210 packages of diapers and more than 1,000 sets of clothes.

Lighthouse also has a thrift store at their location in Arkadelphia, and Pettie says they have the lowest prices in the area. All profits go back into buying food and diapers for distribution, she said.

The thrift store is open to the public and is stocked with good clothes, Pettie said.

If we wouldnt wear it, we wouldnt put it out, she said. We treat everyone that comes though that door with dignity and respect.

Pettie says one thing to keep in mind is that the clients Lighthouse has helped over the six years it has been in operation are not looking for hand outs. She said many of them come to Lighthouse as a last resort and even return to volunteer or make donations once their conditions improve.

So far, 2007 has not been a busy year for Pettie and her volunteers. She said that although months can fluctuate between 70 and 300 clients served, there has not yet been a big rush on services. The slower pace has been attributed, in part, to a lower number of house fires and the mild winter weather.

There are no income requirements to meet to become eligible for the services at Lighthouse Ministries. Their office is located in the rear of the Red River Baptist Association building at 905 Highway 67 S. in Arkadelphia.