Coweta-Fayette EMC recently awarded a $6,500 grant to the Real Life Center Store in Tyrone. Proceeds from the thrift store will help provide additional financial support for clients of the Real Life Center, a non-profit organization that provides help for families and individuals who are going through an unexpected difficult circumstance.

Founded in 1993, Operation Round-Up offers Coweta-Fayette EMC members the opportunity to literally “round up” their bill to the next highest dollar, with the difference being contributed to a fund which is awarded to various individuals and organizations in need. Managed by the Coweta-Fayette Trust Board as a not-for-profit organization, Round-Up allots funds bi-monthly based on need; board members individually review applications that have been received at the EMC offices.

“This may indeed be the most important community program ever undertaken by Coweta-Fayette EMC,” says company President and CEO, Michael Whiteside. “The generosity of our members makes it possible for some students to attend college, for elderly people on fixed incomes to attain medications they need and for families in emergency situations to obtain help. Local organizations are also assisted in their own efforts to serve the community. I can’t think of a better way to be a real neighbor!”

The Real Life Center helps families and individuals by giving them a means to cope with the financial, emotional, and spiritual hardships of life. What sets the Real Life Center apart from other organizations that provide clothing, food and assistance to those in need is that the Real Life Center commits to walk alongside its clients for one full year while helping them through the trials of life with a custom-designed plan which specifically addresses the unique challenges of their situation.

Financial needs are one of the greatest ways the Real Life Center can assist its clients. Since the beginning of the year more than 1,500 families have accessed services through the organization, which include a food pantry, clothes closet, career help, financial counseling and budgeting, support groups, auto repair and mentoring. The Real Life Center distributes an average of 4,500 lbs. of food each month. The active caseload is 426 families.

The Coweta-Fayette EMC Operation Round-Up grant has made it possible for the Real Life Center to open its thrift store. Proceeds from the new thrift store will allow the Real Life Center to extend its financial resources.

The Real Life Center was founded by Dogwood Church (formerly Braelinn Church) in 1998 and partners with additional churches, community organizations and businesses. There is no charge for its services, which are available to all persons without regard to race, income, gender, or religion.

For more information about the thrift shop, to volunteer to work in the store or for assistance from RLC contact Berggren at cberggren@reallifecenter.org or call the Real Life Center at 770.631.9334.

login to post comments