Long County now is home to the From the Pit to the Promise Foundation, which recently was created to help the community in a variety of ways. Charity founder Robert H. Smith III said everyone needs help at different times in their lives.

“We realize in life that everyone goes through hard times or a pit, but we also realize that a brighter day is coming and that’s the promise; that’s what we want to do — uplift and build people up so that they can stand on their own and live successfully as individuals,” Smith said.

The nonprofit group is designed to strengthen individuals so they can contribute to the community, making it a better place to live. Though the foundation was started only two months ago, with the help of its supporters, it already has given $1,000 to the Long County Relay for Life and $200 to the Long County Wildlife Festival. Smith said the group also plans to help with the Special Olympics in the future.

In addition to helping organizations, Smith said he also wants to assist individuals with their needs. During the past month, foundation supporters have helped senior citizens with yard work and sponsored a youth soccer team. In the future, Smith said the charity will feed the hungry, care for the sick, assist people who are struggling with financial difficulties due to uncontrollable circumstance, provide scholarship programs, offer resume-building classes and help with job searches. The services will be available to anyone in need.

“We want to empower individuals so that they can become productive members of our community,” he said.

From the Pit to the Promise Foundation is looking for office space in Ludowici. Smith would like to find a central location so people in need of services won’t have far to go. The foundation will have a group of officers and a board of directors who will meet monthly.

For more information, call Smith at 912-294-1639 or email Promise.29@aol.com