Sen. Bill Cook Announces State Grant for Purpose of God Annex | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Washington, N.C.     Senator Bill Cook (R-District 1) announced earlier in the week that Purpose of God Annex will receive a state grant of $50,000 for Project New Hope to assist adults with job readiness, work ethics and skills.

    In 2007, Purpose of God Annex started Project New Hope as a service to help those in need of assistance in getting their life back on track as well as people who were chronically unemployed in Beaufort County. Project New Hope is in partnership with: Law Enforcement, Judicial System, Adult and Juvenile Parole and Probation, City of Washington, United Way, Beaufort County Community College, NC Works, Social Services, Vocational Rehabilitation and local and surrounding area businesses.

    "A match can light a fire which can fuel a passion - both Project New Hope and the Purpose of God organizations start the fire in teaching the importance of giving back to the community, which leads to finding the passion of those who participate in their program," Cook said. "For me that match was helping young students learn how to read which lit my passion for public service, and together we all can make a difference in our community."


Senator Bill Cook (center) presents a check on behalf of the state of North Carolina for $50,000 to Bishop Samuel Jones Jr. and Mother Regina Jones, directors and founders of the Purpose of God Annex.

    For the past nine years, over 1200 jobs have been provided, of those 1200 jobs, 35% have been retained. Eighty-five percent of participants served have not re-offended. Classes are held weekly Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30am-12:30pm. All are invited to attend class, whether you have criminal history or not. There is no fee to participate in the program - it's open to the public.

    "This program has been able to successfully help combat crime and decrease repeated offenses because it offers options for those in and out of the courts and provides a way to succeed and function as a productive, law-abiding citizen," Bishop Samuel Jones Jr. said. "We want people to come out and receive the help they need. We're here for them, and we want to constantly keep Beaufort County a safe place to live, work and visit. Mother Jones and I would especially like to thank Senator Bill Cook for securing these funds for Purpose of God Annex."

• Contact: Jordan Hennessy
•     jordan.hennessy@ncleg.net