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Helping others so they can help themselves. It’s a noble job and one that too often is overlooked as we go about our day to day lives.

Today we want to turn the spotlight on two new programs in our area that are designed to raise people up, to help folks who need a bit of extra help get that assistance and much more. These programs are simple yet, when successful, can quickly lead to a better life.

Not a hand out, but a hand up, that’s what these programs and the people who staff them are offering for our community and it can only make it better.

The first is from the Hamlet Housing Authority, working hard to help its residents become more self-sufficient. It’s doing so through the Choosing to Make a Difference in Life, Community, and Family Self-Sufficiency Program. The Hamlet Housing Authority is a federally-funded program that provides equal opportunity housing to residents.

The self-sufficiency program is designed to assist residents of the Authority by providing valuable resources such as money management skills, budget counseling, job search assistance, job placement assistance, and GED classes.

Doreen Reid was hired last fall to rebuild the old self-sufficiency program. Launched in October of 2012, Reid said she began to see progress immediately.

Residents of the Housing Authority have the opportunity to utilize on-site Economic Literacy training and job training; learning how to save money on groceries and household products through couponing and other money-saving programs. The residents also learn how they can fix their own credit instead of going through a credit repair company. Residents can also receive guidance on financial issues, budgeting, and resume writing.

Through collaboration with the Richmond County Department of Social Services Work First Employment Services, the program has already helped a number of residents become self-sufficient.

The second program deserving praise is from a new organization, Trinity Family Services, offering Richmond County residents classes on everything from computers to dancing.

Trinity Family Services introduced its programs on Jan. 17 at the Falling Creek Gym in Rockingham. The address of the organization is 471 Hood St. in Rockingham.

The organization will offer a variety of classes and services, and most are free. On Tuesday and Thursday there will be an open gym for ages 8 to 12, and later in the day for ages 12 and older. There will also be the Project Leadership Mentoring Program for young men ages 12-18; health, fitness and dance classes; 3-on-3 basketball tournaments for boys and girls ages 8-17 years-old; and tennis classes for boys and girls ages 5-10.

All of the classes are free, except for the tennis class which is $60 and the computer class which is $65. Residents who qualify for assistant can receive free computer classes.

“It is our goal to empower families as a whole and to build prosperous and productive lives through a variety of programs and services,” said a Trinity representative.

Sometimes, people just need a little wind in their sails to begin a wonderful journey on their own.