Bartow Bio Carter helps homeless families become selfsufficient

As a case manager for Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter's Transitional Housing Program, the Rev. Annie Carter is delighted to help its participants reach their full potential.

"I joined Good [Neighbor's] Transitional Housing Program in October 2016," Carter said. "I had heard good things about that shelter and wanted to be a part of the positive input into the community that they provide.

"Persons coming out of the shelter have moved into housing, gotten jobs and became productive citizens of this community. I felt with my background and experience I could contribute something to this program, and hopefully assist homeless families in moving towards their [goals]."

Since forming in 1996, Good Neighbor has served more than 6,500 people. On average, its 4,600-square-foot shelter - located at 110 Porter St. in Cartersville - that was built in 2001 assists about 700 individuals per year. While they are housed, Good Neighbor's guests are required to find a job within four weeks, and the shelter's staff helps them establish savings, focus on problem-solving skills and chart out future housing options.

The nonprofit's Transitional Housing component launched in July 2013. While being sheltered for a maximum of two years, participants are required to work a minimum of 20 hours per week and attend a post-secondary school nine hours each week, enabling them to attain higher-paying jobs in the future.

Name: Annie l. CarterOccupation (title): Case manager for Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter's Transitional Housing ProgramCity of residence: RydalFamily: Husband, John CarterEducation: Master degrees in Social Work from Stony Brook University, New York; Master's degree in Theological Studies from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Jersey

DTN: Share some details about Good Neighbor's Transitional Housing Program, and how this benefits its participants.AC: The Transitional Housing Program places families in homes. It allows them to function independently in a home environment - giving them the opportunity to complete their education, work and save money that will help them to succeed in developing a lifestyle that will benefit them and their children.The case managers work with families to help them be successful, by developing life skills, based on their individual needs; directing them to resources and community services that will help them move forward and create a life that is positive and empowering for them and their families; being great role models for their children and creating a motivated lifestyle within themselves and the community.

DTN: How are the homes on Johnson Cove in Cartersville progressing, when will they open and how will they better serve participants in Good Neighbor's Transitional Housing Program?AC: The homes on Johnson Cove are progressing well and are scheduled to open Aug. 8, 2017. We are very excited for the families. Our families come from all walks of life and this is an opportunity for them to get back on their feet and look forward to something better. We, the staff, and the participating families are going to work very hard to make this a successful program. We are very grateful for the opportunity.

DTN: What do you enjoy most about your role at Good Neighbor, and what have been some of your most memorable moments?AC: I enjoy the [clients] I work with. I see the hard work they put into changing their lives. I witness the daily struggles and how hard it can be at times to change your lifestyle, to develop a different mindset. As stated, our families come from all walks of life and have developed different survival skills that some have to change and be re-evaluated, but still being able to survive. Life is different for each family. My most memorable moment was seeing a client leave the program after completing two years. She had not accomplished her original goal, but had set new goals and met them. She was able to pass a state certification, which enabled her to obtain a lucrative, paying job and transition into becoming self-sufficient.

DTN: When did you become the associate pastor at St. Luke A.M.E. Church, and what do you enjoy most about serving this Cartersville church's congregants?AC: I became an associate minister at St. Luke A.M.E. Church in 2011. ... I really love what I do. I enjoy visiting and speaking with people one-on-one. Most of the persons I come into contact with are gracious and open. But there are still some barriers to female clergy. My calling is to serve and if anyone will not listen to my words to leave and shake the dust off my feet.Cartersville is a growing area, and the population is changing. The word of God has not changed, but we as a minister, pastors, Christians have to seek other ways to reach our youth. We at St. Luke are opening our doors on the fourth Tuesday of each month to young women in the community, giving them a place to come to talk, reflect their views, speak their minds, meet other like-minded women, listen to women of wisdom and knowledge. This is church different, where they have a voice. This is a place where someone will listen with [nonjudgmental] ears and empathy. This is a place of safety. What's [said] here must stay here. No exceptions. I enjoy serving a church and community that is willing to reach out to those who need to be heard. Our new pastor, Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, is reaching out to our youth and wants to offer ... an open heart and ears to their needs.

DTN: How has your church played a role in HIV/AIDS prevention efforts in Bartow County, and why are you passionate about this topic?AC: St. Luke A.M.E Church has played a big role in HIV/AIDS prevention. Each year for the past seven years, we have offered free HIV testing twice a year: June and December. In March, we conducted a week of prayer for the healing of HIV/AIDS. Each year on Dec. 1, which is International World Aids Day, we hold a candlelight service at 7 p.m., where we celebrate the lives of those persons with HIV/AIDS and those we have loved and lost. We also offer free HIV testing and counseling on this day.I am passionate about this topic, because people with HIV/AIDS are treated better now, but this was not always so. My heart went out to those who were ostracized because of their diagnoses; how people would not hold babies or hug someone who was HIV positive. To this day, there are people who think you can get HIV by shaking someone's hand. I have lost friends and coworkers to this virus, and I miss them. I will do whatever I can to educate, stop the stigma and refer persons that are affected or infected for assistance.

DTN: What is your greatest professional and/or personal achievement?AC: My greatest professional achievement is never giving up on myself, and to share what I have learned with others. Personal achievement is developing a tough skin. I don't allow what others say stop me from what God's plan is for me.

DTN: How would you describe yourself in three words?AC: Grateful, grateful, grateful.

DTN: What is your favorite Bible verse?AC: My favorite Bible Scripture is Psalm 139:1-24. My favorite verse is Psalm 139:24 - "See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting."

DTN: What is something people would be surprised to know about you?AC: Most people don't know I have five great-grandchildren.

DTN: What is the best advice you have ever received?AC: Best advice was, don't let anyone else determine who you are. Think for yourself and stick to your convictions.

DTN: What do you like to do in your spare time?AC: I enjoy reading and spending time with my grandchildren and husband.

DTN: Where is your favorite place to be in Bartow County?AC: Bruster's ice cream is one of my favorite places, and I enjoy being at home. There are other places in Bartow I enjoy, such as the parks. I am not a beach person, but I enjoy the beautiful scenery in Bartow when you are driving in certain areas. Last but not least, I love attending Sunday school and church. We have some powerful preaching and educational lessons that gives me much insight and knowledge. You are never too old or educated to learn.