are you struggling and need help 

Are you a parent with a child or children under the age of 17? Are you struggling emotionally and/or financially? If so, The Salvation Army in Kent County has a program that may be able to help. 

The free program is called Pathway of Hope and its purpose is to help families break the cycle of poverty. Once a week, families meet with Pathway of Hope case manager Sarah Edgington, to discuss their situation and set goals. Goals that may include finding and keeping a job, going back to school, and budgeting.  “Once people learn how to make a budget, they can teach that to their children." Edgington says. "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” 

Along with weekly meetings, Edgington checks in with families, at least two other times a week. She helps them create a plan for success and to be inspired. Inspiration that comes from focusing on possibilities rather than problems. 

“When you’re stuck in the forest, it’s hard to see beyond the trees. We can help you work through the problem so you can see beyond those trees. We walk alongside them; we want to be there for the whole family.”

Edgington, who has two teenagers, says she can understand what many of her clients are going through. “I’ve struggled with my own issues and came out of it. If I had I not experienced that, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” But she also knows each family has different needs.  “This program is tailor made to each individual client, to help them accomplish their goals. It allows someone to become a better version of themselves.”

Edgington is extremely passionate about the program and wants to help as many families as possible. “One of my major values comes from God who said Sarah you love helping other people. So, if my community members aren’t thriving, I’m not thriving. I believe in this program with all my heart.”

Get More Information

If you or someone you know would like to be a part of the Pathway of Hope program, please contact Edgington at Sarah.Edgington@usc.salvationarmy.org or at 616-459-3433 ext. 1309. She also holds open office hours Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m., for anyone that just needs someone to talk to for guidance and support. Her office is located at 1215 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503