Berry and Shorter athletes work with REACH ministries to help the homeless.
Madelin Ryan, Viking Fusion Reporter
The Berry motto “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister,” was taken to heart by college students in the area as they partner with local ministries to help the impoverished in Rome.
Both Berry College and Shorter University athletes volunteer at REACH Ministries, a project run by local churches that provides for the homeless and those struggling with addiction. REACH stands for “Receive Everything About Christ Here.”
Berry College Basketball became involved when Phil Wade, their team Life Coach and the head pastor at Northside Church, brought the idea to spend a day volunteering.
“Over 100 people sleep under bridges in Rome every night,” Wade said. “Surrounding areas will even drop people off in Rome knowing there are ministries like [REACH] that will feed and help them almost six days a week.”
Poverty rates are at 45% in some parts of Rome, showing that this is a prevalent issue in the community.
Coleman Ellingsworth, a Junior on the Berry basketball team, said being involved in the community is becoming more important to Berry athletics.
“Our coaches are putting more of an emphasis on community service this year,” Ellingsworth said. “It’s important for Berry to reach out to the community and help. That’s why it’s in our motto.”
Merlene Justice, a recovered addict, founded REACH Ministries three and a half years ago. The project provides a weekly meal to those living at the pavilion downtown as well as bikes, tents, and clothes.
“When you’re in addiction, you’re a taker. But, when you come out here and serve, you’re a giver. You switch roles,” Justice said.
Several churches come together to help the ministry.
“Usually when you’re addicted, you’re homeless and you just need a helping hand to tell you they care and that God cares,” Justice said.
Not only is this a place for different churches to come together and help the community, but colleges too. The Shorter baseball team has volunteered every week for two months during the off-season. A common benevolent purpose brought two rivals together in this college town.
