For individuals or families that seem to have gotten crossways with life, there is hope and caring for them at the Real Life Center.

The faith-based organization will schedule an appointment for you and learn of your difficulties. It will then make arrangements for counseling, whether it be legal, financial or just getting your car repaired so you can go to work.

Executive Director, Cathy Berggren, said that many people have said that the organization has made a big difference in their lives, mostly by loving them and encouraging them during a tough time. Its programs and opportunities are provided because it wants to help and make a difference.

Additional programs provided include general assessment counseling,mentoring, career help, and, of course, clothing and food.

In 1998 Braelinn Baptist Church, then located in Peachtree City, began a food and clothing program. Several years ago the congregation relocated to Tyrone, and changed its name to Dogwood Church. A separate organization was created, the Real Life Center, to function as a mission in the county. The church covers the administration costs so that all donations go directly to those who seek help.

It has four paid employees, the executive director, and three part-time employees. There are 100 volunteers throughout the month who answer the phone and act as facilitators.

Forty individuals/families are accepted a month, and a general caseload consists of 500 persons.

These clients are helped throughout a year and at the end of their year, the majority are helped and on a new path. The first thing they must do is set goals and they are helped towards those goals without fail.

The Real Life Center is located at 382 Senoia Road in Tyrone. The phone number is 770-631-9334 and the e-mail address is www.reallifecenter.org.

The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, and evening hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Its staff and volunteers look forward to serving you.

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