Cobb Nonprofit Opens New Benefits Office

POWDER SPRINGS — Nonprofit Reflections of Trinity is doing something they say "no other non-governmental nonprofit is doing anywhere."

The nonprofit previously offered such services as a food pantry, thrift store, and nonprofit eBay store at its office, located at 4037 Austell Powder Springs Road. But after partnering with the Atlanta Community Foodbank, it has expanded its services to assist families with preparing and submitting applications for the following government benefits:

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)MedicareChildren and Parent Services Program (CAPS)

Founded in 2003 by Powder Springs resident Laurie Wong, Reflections of Trinity is dedicated to providing food, educational services and basic needs for those living in poverty.

Benefits office director Bernadette Bennett said the new space next door to their food pantry used to be a trophy store. When the space became available, the building owners asked Reflections if they would like to take it.

At the same time, the Atlanta Community Foodbank contacted the nonprofit asking to become community partners on a mission to provide government benefit services to the community. Since then, Atlanta Community Foodbank has acted as an umbrella company for Reflections, providing them with training on how to help families receive benefits.

Bennett said the operating hours are what sets their benefits office apart from others.

"Because offices like this typically are only open a few days out of the week, or (have) very limited hours...many workers don't have the opportunity to actually come into an office," Bennett said.

Reflections of Trinity's benefits office is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment only.

The organization hosted a grand opening Friday with such guests as Powder Springs Mayor Al Thurman, Commissioner Monique Sheffield and Cobb Chairwoman Lisa Cupid.

"Laurie is one of the hardest-working people I know," Thurman said, noting how the nonprofit is "putting a dent in hunger."

Cobb Community Foundation CEO Shari Martin shared her admiration for the organization and their work in the community.

"When (Reflections of Trinity) are asked to do something...Laurie and her team always say yes," Martin said. "That is why she is one of my most revered people and also why this organization is one that Cobb Community Foundation is always going to champion."

Wong called the office a "God-given dream" and said the goal is to provide a human touch for those seeking government benefits.

"You could do this remotely or over the phone. But there's nothing like somebody going through trauma and having a human being in front of them where they can just hold their hand if nothing else," Wong said. "The consistency and the human touch is what we choose to bring to this community."

Most importantly, Wong said the office is just one part of the company's "complete evolution." She said her personal goal with the organization is to provide education for her community, and give community members the chance for growth.

"It's not just about giving a man a fish, it's teaching him how to fish and changing the trajectory of their life," Wong said.

Residents can schedule appointments at the new benefits office by emailing benefits@reflectionsoftrinity.org or calling 770-309-8260.