Lela Rankins: Been there, done that

NEWPORT, Ky. - Lela Rankins, 42, of Newport opened a Christian gift shop in 2007 and stayed afloat on the economical wave until it crested in 2008.  She kept her shop open until late 2009 when she found that she was sinking financially.  Business had practically stopped and her husband had been laid off from his job.

"They helped me with food," said Rankins. "They helped me with [financial] assistance."

"They" refers to Newport's very own Brighton Center.  According to Bear Clifton, Director of Development at the center, the number of families needing help for multiple services has grown by more than 167 percent during the past year.  That is more than 75,000 clients using financial, food, clothing, and job services.

On Monday, Nov. 28, Aireal Breedlove was visiting the center to obtain food for her two boys and one on the way.  She was allowed 15 items from the pantry and scored big with a turkey that was ready to cook.  Last year, the center "adopted" Breedlove's family for Christmas.

"It actually brought tears to my eyes," said Breedlove as her voice broke.  "If it hadn't been for them, [my kids] wouldn't have had Christmas."

The idea is to get families back on their feet so that they can be self supportive.  

"We want to help that person reach self sufficiency," said Rankins.

You read that correctly.  Rankins said "we."  She was eventually hired to streamline clients needs into "bundles" as she called it.

"The financial opportunity center is a manifestation of a philosophy that Brighton Center has as far as the bundling of services for financial assistance, food, clothing assistance," said Rankins.

Lela is a prime example of what the center is trying to accomplish through its clients.

"I found that this was really an organization that I really wanted to be a part of," Lela said smilingly.  "I like to give, because when you're hungry it's not a good feeling.  So for me, I don't want somebody else to feel that way.  So If I can [give], I will."

WCPO has partnered with Brighton Center and four other local charities to assist with holiday gifts for families in need.  If you would like to learn more about this opportunity to share, click here .