Roby tours women's center

As U.S. Rep. Martha Roby toured through the recently completed Enterprise Christian Mission Women's Center Sept. 26, she marveled at the detail and care put into each room of the facility.

Roby, who was guided by Christian Mission Executive Director and founder of the center the Rev. Johnny Belcher and accompanied by state Rep. Barry Moore, said the work done at facilities like the Christian Mission serves as an example for everyone, including the federal government.

"This is a demonstration of what our responsibilities to each other are as Christians," Roby said.

Belcher briefed Roby on not only the work the shelter will do, but also the many other programs the Christian Mission facilitates to aid people in need of a helping hand.

Today, the Christian Mission, which was established in 1983, works to provide emergency needs, counseling for substance abuse and providing meals among many others.

Belcher said their work is designed to help people out of poverty or homelessness and give them a "leg-up" in working to start anew.

"The greatest work we do is seeing the lives of those we serve turning around their lives," Belcher said.

The 15-bed shelter, located on Geneva Highway in Enterprise, is designed specifically for women and children.

"(The center) focuses on women and children who have stayed with family as long as they can, with friends as long as they can and have nowhere else to go but the street," Belcher said. "We'll work to minister and help people in their time of need, help them see this is not the end, this is the beginning."

The shelter has several rooms with beds, closets and private bathrooms, as well as a common area with chairs couches, kitchen area and a small children's library and drawing table.

The project was funded entirely through the donations and volunteer hours of the community, Belcher said.

Roby commended the Christian Mission's efforts in seeing a need in the community and addressing it with ambition and kindness.

"We want to be as great of a partner as we can in your effort," Roby said.