The Herald-News - News Story

Danielle LaCoe tapped on Miss Clark's door and waited with a bowl of goulash and cupcakes. After a few moments, the elderly woman opened the door, her face beaming.

"I was praying when you knocked on the door," said Clark. "I'm always praying when you come by."

Miss Clark is one of more than 100 Rhea Countians who are fed by volunteers at H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People meet Everyday needs) Ministries every Tuesday.

The nonprofit, non-denominational organization was founded five years ago by Jeff and Myra Congioloso, and it didn't take long for the couple to find locals who were in desperate need of help.

"A lot of Rhea Countians don't understand the concept that some people don't have any money," Myra said.

One of the Congioloso's first food recipients was Mildred, a "little old lady" weighing no more than 80 pounds at 5-foot-8, according to Jeff. When his family visited Mildred's residence to give her soup, they searched her kitchen and found only a can of Pepsi.

"That birthed a desire to do more," said Jeff.

Since the ministry's genesis, they and other volunteers have hosted Family Fun Day, partnered with The Heartland Grill for Thanksgiving meals, furnished the needy with food boxes and given away fans and air conditioners to the elderly.

Due to today's tough economic times, however, H.O.P.E. is now only able to provide the weekly meal and donate emergency food boxes when resources are available.

"I told my wife, 'I know it's our hearts' desire [to do this ministry], but God's going to have to provide funds or we'll have to close down,'" said Jeff.

Nevertheless, volunteers have been faithfully serving the poor, sick and elderly of Rhea County on a weekly basis. Every Tuesday morning, a handful of people typically buys and prepares an afternoon meal and delivers the food to various low-income senior living residences before noon.
Although the beneficiaries don't often have much to give back for the free food, some do all they can to express thanks.
"This precious little lady Elizabeth always sits in her chair and looks out the window and waits for us to come," said volunteer Jack Brown. "She said, 'I want to give something to H.O.P.E. Ministries.' She held up a coin purse and said, 'This is all I have.' There was $41 dollars in it. It blessed me that someone could be so humble."
Since the ministry is Christian-based, the volunteers give more than sustenance for their bodies ï¿1/2 they share Christ's love as well.
"If you meet their needs, it opens up the opportunity to talk about God," said Myra.
Another volunteer, Joyce Greer, said when relationships are built, those that are fed begin to share their troubles, and the volunteers are then able to pray for their specific needs.
"We're not trying to convert anyone to our particular denomination," said Greer. "We just bring Scripture to someone who might need an encouraging word."
Despite the waning funds this past year, Jeff said he still has a vision for expansion of H.O.P.E. Ministries.
"Besides feeding more days, we would like to have a community center for kids, something you can come to anytime," he said.
Jeff added that his ultimate goal is to take a group of disadvantaged seniors on a trip to Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountain.
"That would be the most fulfilling thing I could do," said Jeff.
He also said he is always looking for more volunteers and supporters. Among those who already donate time and money are St. Bridget's Catholic Church, Dayton Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Spring City quilting guild, Yellow Creek Baptist Church and several other community members.
In order to minimize abuse of the donation system, Jeff suggested that all participating churches in the area channel people and resources through one ministry. This would provide accountability and organization, he said.
H.O.P.E. Ministries is located next to Huddle House in the backside of the Cash-N-Go building. For more information on the organization, contact the Congiolosos at 423-208-6112.
Michelle Friesen can be reached at michelle.friesen@rheaheraldnews.com.