Submitted photoCommunity of Hope volunteer students, from left: Shiolyn Brown, Jessica Chisolm, Adora Norman, Tyler Clark, Sophia Calderon, Zion Roberts and TiQuisha Grace.

The Community of Hope is a non-profit organization associated with Jubilee Mennonite Church that helps meet the needs of the Meridian Community.

In the spring of 2011 COH Inc. created a service program for teens that would involve each student volunteering in a specific organization in Meridian for a total of 100 hours, and in return, they would receive assistance with college planning and scholarship. The students are also required to attend five leadership seminars throughout the year that focus on college preparation, financial management, career preparation, self-awareness, and team building. All of this is made possible by the community foundation and the Jubilee Mennonite Church under the guidance of Pastors’ Duane and Elaine Maust.

Each spring, one volunteer scholar class graduates and a team of 10 are selected for the next year. The students apply by visiting the Community of Hope website www.cohmeridian.com and downloading an application and following instructions. The 2017-2018 class was selected this May and include high school juniors and seniors from our community that are former Leadership Lauderdale participants, athletes, drum majors, published writers, and fantastic leaders in the making. The program is under the direction of program director Adrian Cross, and mentors Thomas Parker and Kimberly Cross. All are Meridian natives that bring experience in community involvement, mentorship, community service, education, and leadership.  

“As program director, I hope to encourage learning and growing for our students through serving,” Cross said. “We desire to educate our students on the importance of being well-rounded and self-aware. Through the outstanding Jubilee Mennonite Church, we have been given the chance to serve our community by investing in one of our best assets – our youth.”

Cheryl Owens coordinates Worship Site Profile. Recommend your site to cowens@themeridianstar.com.