“Just Neighbors” – “Love your neighbor as yourself”.  “Those five simple words are one of scripture’s most basic commands.  People of faith have a responsibility to serve their neighbors and care for them – for any and all of God’s people in need.  But sometimes the needs are so overwhelming that it is difficult to know how to respond, how to make a difference.”

The Just Neighbors program is designed to raise our awareness of the root causes of poverty and homelessness and to move us to action to help our neighbors in need.

This program will be held ecumenically and sponsored by the LARCUM in Covenant committee of Bristol.  Sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings at the Bristol Public Library 6:30pm – 8:00pm

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Session 1:   Who Is My Neighbor? February 12, 2008
          Encounter the obstacles faced by low-income families each day.

Session 2:   Making Ends Meet February 19, 2008
          Experience the constant financial juggling act of living in poverty.
           Try to balance the budget of a low-income family and face the painful
           financial decisions they must make daily.

Session 3:   What Would You Choose? February 26, 2008
          Tackle the tough decisions that one faces, learning first-hand the         
           struggles of life near the poverty line.

Session 4:   Does Working Work? March 4, 2008
          Full-time employment does not guarantee a climb out of poverty. 
          Step into the lives of three working families and experience how
          trends and changes in employment affect the working poor.

Session 5:   Housing Matters March 11, 2008
          Learn about the journey of low-income families searching for,   
          affordable housing.  Examine the nation’s housing crisis and myths
          about housing.  Experience community responses and the outcomes
          of successful housing initiatives.

Session 6:   Prejudice, Privilege, and Poverty March 25, 2008
          Examine the relationship between race and poverty.  Consider how
          race relations and public policy limit educational, employment, and
          economic opportunities.

Session 7:   Our Children, Our Future April 1, 2008
          One in six American children lives in poverty.  Explore reasons why
          children who are poor are deprived of the essential building blocks of
          a healthy life.

Session 8:   Justice for All? April 8, 2008
          Take on the roles of people of varying economic status to grapple with the ways that current economic trends impact themselves and other.

Session 9:   Stepping Out in Faith April 15, 2008
          A springboard for further action with ideas for community initiatives, volunteer action, and advocacy.