Churches team up to aid community

Several North Idaho churches have banded together with one common goal: helping children, adults and families in the community who are hurting and broken.

The Christian Community Coalition is planning a two-day event in March to provide information on mentoring opportunities in the community and provide training for those interested in volunteering.

Janet Poorman, of Athol, has spent nearly two years as a mentor to Angela, a 30-year-old recovering methamphetamine addict. The two were paired through 24/7, an outreach program of the Hayden Lake Friends Church that aims to support recently released inmates.

The relationship began when Angela, who asked that her last name not be used, was released from prison in April 2005.

“My life has changed in so many different ways from having a relationship with Angela,” Poorman said. “I just love her. She’s become a part of our family and so have her kids.”

Poorman said when she first volunteered to be a mentor, she wasn’t sure what to do. But she knew it was what God wanted her to do.

During the mentor training planned for March 9 and 10, Poorman will share her experience with others and encourage them to become involved.

“If you know God is asking you to step forward in that capacity, just step forward and do it,” she said. “There’s no equation. There’s no right way to do it.”

Angela said Poorman has been a good friend. She has let Angela use her car and has bought clothing and Christmas gifts for Angela and her children.

Most of all, Angela said, Poorman hasn’t judged her for her past.

“She’s somebody I can call when I’m having a hard time or when life just gets rough,” she said.

Gar Mickelson, community outreach pastor for the Hayden Lake Friends Church, said the Christian Community Coalition needs mentors in several areas. One possibility is becoming a “coffee buddy” mentor – or a friend – to a struggling child or teen or an adult recently released from prison.

Mickelson said volunteers can become even more involved by making their home a “mentor home” and bringing someone who is in recovery or transitioning from prison into their home.

Information and training also will be provided for those interested in providing emergency shelter for at-risk children or becoming foster parents.