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Lowndes County native Latasha Robinson graduated from Hope Inspired Ministries’ program in May. Now the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (BBUWP) welcomes her as the newest member of their team.

Executive Director Sherry Bradley said Robinson’s addition will make possible the opening of the organization’s Hayneville office in about two weeks. From the location at 120 Lafayette Street, Robinson will work behind the scenes towards solving the area’s wastewater disposal crisis.

“When I first met Latasha, she seemed very quiet,” Bradley said. “But I was really blown away when we had our team meeting. We have a custom-made computer data system. She opened it up, asked questions and caught on quickly. Then, I knew I had made the right decision [hiring Robinson].”

Robinson works as the organization’s receptionist. Previously, she worked at American Apparel in Fort Deposit before the business closed. She is a graduate of The Calhoun School.

“She’s willing to learn and I told her, ‘Now I’m going to take you from her on up. I’m going to show you the mistakes you’ve made.’ I am steering her to be the best she can be,” Bradley said.

After her sister’s death, Robinson said she learned about Hope Inspired Ministries. Battling her grief, health concerns and joblessness, she came to the program feeling hopeless and found purpose for her life.

“I had seen a commercial for the ministry on TV,” Robinson said. “I was calling [Site Coordinator Jessica Fails] every day. She called me one day and told me to come over at 8:30 a.m. to start class.

“Its just like all my doors started to open up. It was like everybody was family. Everyone just came together, like they had always known each other.”

Robinson said her daughter Shantavia is also a graduate from Calhoun and completed the Hope Inspired Ministries program for high school seniors in May. At age 41, Robinson said the program has helped them both find support and to see all the possibilities before them.

“Anyone who is going through anything, needing any kind of help, should go see them because they will help you through whatever life crisis that you may have,” Robinson said. “They offer counseling, whatever you need.”

According to Bradley, the BBUWP office will be open all day Monday through Thursday and half days on Fridays.