The Franklin County Education Retirees Association most recent program topic was “The Homeless of Franklin County” with guest speaker Betsy Green, who coordinates the Russellville Coalition for the Homeless.

Betsy stated for almost 10 years she and her husband, Doug Green, have worked through the Free to Praise Ministries, traveling to multiple churches and denominations, teaching, preaching and counseling about God’s word. Through this ministry, God redirected them to focus on helping the homeless in the area.

As a result, in November 2019, the Russellville Coalition for the Homeless was formed.

Mrs. Green stressed that RcH is not a shelter and does not provide housing. It’s an emergency assistance provider.  The main objective is to help provide those who are homeless with the tools they need to survive, to heal, to recover, to procure jobs and housing and to become active assets to the community.

RcH partners with multiple entities in the community, such as businesses, individuals, churches and city, state and local government, as well as law enforcement.

Some of the services include providing emergency food and backpacks full of supplies to ensure survival in the woods. Some of the items in the backpacks include toiletries, work clothes, rain and thermal ponchos, bottled water, pocket Bible and roll up blanket. The cost to put together each backpack is $90-100.

RcH is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Everything that comes into this ministry goes to the homeless community. For more information call Betsy at 256-815-5249.

The Franklin County Education Retirees Association membership supports RcH by providing various items for survival backpacks and donations monthly.

The March meeting was held at the Russellville Methodist Church Ministry Center. Sandy Gibson, president, called the meeting to order. I presented the invocation, “Count Your Blessings.”

The luncheon was potluck, with members providing delicious casseroles, salads, chicken, barbecue, cakes and pies.

A short business session included reading of minutes and treasurer’s report. Following discussion, members voted to return to the regular club meetings in October.

Guest speaker for the Alabama Education Retirees Association Annual Meeting is Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., president of Troy University. Delegates from Franklin County Education Retirees Association will be finalized by April meeting to attend the annual meeting in May at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa at the Convention Center.