A local organization has re-opened its doors to once again open doors of opportunity for people in need.
One of the founders of The Dignity Project, Kim Lapan, said, "We give em a hand out to give em a hand up."
But the dignity project needed a hand after the funding dried up at the beginning of the year.
Donations have made it possible to once again give away or sell at a reduced rate, computers and vehicles. They also mentor young people while teaching them how to repair computers and vehicles. But the organization is hoping to restore much more than that.
Lapan said, "It gives them a chance to own something, to be proud of it and to be proud of the community."
Lapan said that lives are changed when people are encouraged by something as simple as a car or computer.
Since 1998, the Dignity Project has served 150 at-risk youth in after school programs and has given away 500 vehicles to low-income families. they've also provided 440 computers.
Lapan said that the founders have decided to re-open the organization and rename it "The Dignity Project- Second Generation" because they're downsizing and adopting a new funding plan.
The organization now runs on volunteer work from people like Terri Williams. She said she knows how it feels to be in need and believes the most valuable part of what they do is what happens in the process of providing vehicles and computers.
Williams said, "From working on cars to working on computers, you know it also gives us an opportunity to listen to them and give em somebody safe to talk to."
The Dignity Project- Second Generation may have a new name, but they maintain the same mission.
They welcome donations of any kind, especially vehicles, computers and spare computer or automotive parts. For more information on their work and how you can help, go to www.dignityproject.com