Group Forming to Help End Poverty in Oakland County

Members of the Rochester community are invited to become a part of the solution to poverty in Oakland County.

An interfaith, collaborative effort called Pathway to Self-Sustainability is under way in the county.  

An introductory meeting is planned for 6 p.m. Tuesday at St. John Fisher Chapel University Parish, 3665 Walton Boulevard, in Auburn Hills across from Oakland University. A light dinner will be served; presentations begin at 7 p.m. and the meeting will end at 8:30 p.m.

There is no cost to attend the meeting or join the effort.

"Now is the time to get in on the ground floor of a unique way to reduce poverty in Oakland County," said Susan Masiak of Rochester Hills, one of the organizers of the effort. Masiak has a background in working for service agencies in the community and has assembled a group of nonprofits for the Pathway effort.

Five organizations are involved:

• The Rochester Area Neighborhood House
• Lighthouse of Oakland County
• South Oakland Shelter
• KIVA
• Catholic Charities of Southeastern Michigan Hispanic Outreach Services. 

Masiak said those who come to the introductory meeting will have an opportunity to sign up with one of the services to provide time, talent or financial help.

RSVPs are appreciated, but not required; put “Pathway” in the subject line and email stmasiak@hotmail.com to RSVP or for more information.