Longtime community partnership celebrated

FCC Behavioral Health and Mt. Calvary Power House Church in Poplar Bluff recently celebrated their longtime community partnership.

On Tuesday, church staff fried fish for employees at FCC Behavioral Health to show support for the organization and to come together to talk about current affairs as part of the church’s ongoing “Bridge the Gap” program.

“We’ve had a longstanding partnership, and this is a part of Bridge the Gap. We wanted to be the first to reach out and prepare a meal for them,” said Ron Webb, pastor of the church. “We thought we could have a luncheon and have some respectful dialog, and we’re excited about it.”

The Bridge the Gap program, Webb said, was started by himself and Police Chief Danny Whiteley about four years ago.

“With all the problems going on around our country, especially with race issues, we’re trying to do something to promote race relations,” Webb said.

Webb called it a proactive approach.

“We’re building race relations, so that if something occurs, we already have a plan in place,” he said.

During the luncheon, FCC staff surprised Webb with a plaque.

“We’ve been working hand-in-hand with them for several years, and we just wanted to return that favor,” said Craig Jameson, director of public relations for FCC Behavioral Health. “It’s an honor to be in the partnership.

Mt. Calvary church, Jameson said, is a “big part of our housing department. A lot of individuals who don’t have housing go through their department.”

The church also has helped lately with produce boxes for its clients.

“We’ve been getting about 12,000 pounds a week,” said Jameson.