Cheryl Jones-Ross knows what it’s like to go through hard times.
In Jan. 2014, Jones-Ross lost her sister, Joyce Wilson, to cancer.
“It was one of the most profound things I have ever had to deal with,” Jones-Ross said. “I was really close with my sister. In the midst of this, the Lord spoke to me and said he had a mission.”
That mission has blossomed into Greater Hope Restoration Ministries, which expanded to 528 E. Main St. in Carnegie this summer.
“The future is more growth in people, and more growth in the services we offer,” said Jones-Ross, of South Fayette. “We’re hoping to share our successes with other members and help them find their purpose.”
Jones-Ross’ goals are for the Carnegie space to offer a 24-hour childcare center, additional after-school and summer camp programs for youth, and host a worship and community center.
“It’ll be the first of its kind,” Jones-Ross said.
Greater Hope Restoration Ministries is non-denominational. It was located on Bower Hill Road in Scott for 10 years.
“The building we were in ended up getting sold, the congregation was dissolving,” Jones-Ross said. “We were without a home for about a year.”
Jones-Ross partnered with the Boys and Girls Club in Carnegie to rent space for worship. She said the majority of the ministry’s members live in Carnegie, and the rest come from all over the area, from Bridgeville to Crafton to McKees Rocks.
In addition, Greater Hope Restoration Ministries partners with 412 Food Rescue and offers recovery programs for addiction, does clothes closets and giveaways, runs empowerment programs and offers church services.
Services begin 10:30 a.m. Sundays and a community Bible study is held at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Jones-Ross said one of the ministry’s biggest successes has been its food distribution program. More than 100 families are served each month, she said.
“We have really seen lives changed. A lot of people come into our ministry and they were low income, or in government housing,” Jones-Ross said. “At this point, our people have moved on to going back-to-school, getting degrees and some owning their own business or buying their own house.
“Our biggest success has really been, seeing lives transformed.”
Jones-Ross said people can get involved with Greater Hope Restoration Ministries by visiting ghrm-online.com or by calling the office at 412-307-9897.
