A first-ever event for local “Women of Faith” has been scheduled Sunday at the Jones Family Resource Center.

Community minded women are invited to tour the center located in the old Jones Elementary School Building. The gathering is set to begin at 2 p.m.

“The Jones Family Resource Center is one of Surry County’s best kept secrets,” commented Mount Airy Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Activity Director Sonia Dickerson. “We are trying to reach out for people who can help others.”

Laurie Culler, career facilitator for Surry County eLink and Grace’s Closet coordinator, will provide participants with a brief description of the free clothing program. Center Director Annalisa Davis will offer information about the programs offered at the center and then lead a tour of the facility.

Davis said this marks the first time an effort concentrating on women of faith has been staged on the center’s behalf. She said the idea came from Dickerson and it is being sponsored by the Disciples of Grace Ministry, who is over the Grace’s Closet project, that has been in operation locally for one month.

“People are really utilizing this (Grace’s Closet),” said Davis. “Not only are we seeking women to volunteer, we are also hoping to get the word out that we can use items such as food and clothing. Family resource center can use volunteers with time to give to their community. We will match volunteers with their interests and the hours they can work.

“In a time when so many in our community are suffering because of job loss and increased food and gas prices, we need to pull together to do all we can to help provide resources for those in need,” added Dickerson. She noted that a scripture in Hebrews in the Holy Bible reads, “Let brotherly love continue, be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

“We (the center) serve people from the cradle all the way up to 100,” said Davis, laughing. “We are tucked in a lower profile location and there are people in our area that don’t know about us. We want to get the word out.”

She said that participants in the center tour would gain knowledge of the programs offered so they could point people in the right direction to get help. Programs that will be discussed will include Yokefellow Food Pantry, YVEDDI Public Transportation, Surry Community College English as a Second Language (ESL) for mothers and preschoolers, Grace’s Closet, Head Start for children, Senior Meals on Wheels, Lifespan for Children, Job Link for SCC and the facility’s conference center and ballroom, which are used for classes.

Dickerson said the event also will be a time to “enjoy fellowship with women of all faiths.” A cookie bar will be provided for participants. Groups joining in with the ladies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will be The Disciples of Grace Outreach and Mount Airy Wesleyan. She indicated that school social workers and school counselors also will be at the tour to help answer questions.

Reach David Broyles at dbroyles@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1952.