Program uses recycling to help end poverty cycle
This article was published March 1, 2009 at 2:31 a.m.
LITTLE ROCK — Hidden in the rows of forgotten water heaters, microwaves, ceiling fans and washing machines there is hope for those trying to break the cycle of poverty.
New Focus of Benton is using old appliances and other items dropped off at its recycling center in an attempt to provide employment and faith-based life skills and training for Saline County residents.
The program, started by local pastor Nate Bienhoff, is in its beginning phases, and he said the program should be ready to accept trainees by July.
"There is just a cycle of people who want to break through poverty but can't," Bienhoff said. "They are just doing the same thing they have alwaysdone and they are not getting anywhere. People are going to churches for handouts, and it's just enabling."
Bienhoff said his desire to help others came from his church's food pantry at Benton First Church of the Nazarene.
"I'm just not the type of person to give you food and send you on your way. I want to know why you need it. So I knew there was something we could do with those who were knocking on our doors."
So instead of " just giving them a sack of food" Bienhoff found a way for trainees to better themselves and give back to the community.
He said those interested will meet with a counselor, then the counselor will plan out a road for their suc-cess.
"They really have to ask themselves 'Am I willing to take this road to success?'," Bienhoff said. "So if they are, then we enroll them and provide them with a job at the recycling center."
Bienhoff said New Focus chose to pursue a recycling center because the city does not have one now.
"I think especially people that have lived other places and moved here notice there is not any type of recycling center," Bienhoff said. "But the community is excited."
Since funding is limited, Bienhoff said the number of those accepted and provided with jobs will also be limited.
The recycling facility, located across the train tracks from the county jail, was given to New Focus by Gary Beck. Beck will also serve as New Focus' executive director.
"People need jobs," Beck said. "A city is like a bicycle wheel, if you take the spokes off, it doesn't move. That's what happens when a city doesn't have jobs. I just want to see something good happen."
Beck is now operating the facility, and it is open to the public to bring their recyclables from 3 -5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Beck said he is accepting aluminum and steel cans that are washed out and paper-free. The center also accepts newsprint, cardboard and water heaters. The moneyNew Focus receives from the recyclables is how it is being funded for the time.
"People just don't realize what goes into something like this," Beck said.
"We have rules and regulations we have to follow, and we have to make sure we have insurance. I have done what I've had to do, but it's been a tough battle."
Bienhoff said he already has future plans for the program, which includes expansion of the recycling facility.
"This thing has the potential to go in a million different things," Bienhoff said. "But I do want to add on to the facility we have now by adding another building and bays where trucks can just pull up and drop off materials. I would also love to start the curbside service, which would be an every day job."
Bienhoff, a transplant from California, said after being in Benton for four years he sees that the community is tight-knit and "full of giving people."
"The people here love their community," Bienhoff said. "There is hope and there is always something more we can do."
Tri-Lakes, Pages 133, 134 on 03/01/2009
