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PHOTOS: Lorron Cottrell
The non-profit organization uses document
shredding as a way for people with disabilities
to work and make money of their own. The
organization will pick up documents from
companies or individuals to shred, or they can
take their documents to be shredded to the
Clinton office. “That has allowed conversations
to be had,” says Lauren. “More often than not,
people add a little extra donation to the fee
we charge when they find out what we are
doing.” Other donations come from churches,
civic organizations, grants, and various other
sources.
Lauren lives in the first ever home that has
been remodeled to be wheelchair accessible
by One Shred of Hope. “The organization
purchased an older home in good condition
because it was cheaper,” she explains. “What
so many people don’t realize is that one in five
people are affected by disabilities, and people
affected by disabilities experience some of
the highest rates of homelessness. As a group,
people affected by disabilities are the largest
group to be unreached by the Gospel, due in
part to the lack of disability ministry and the
lack of understanding from churches and
church members.”
Lauren’s personality is so bubbly and
inviting that people can’t help but notice her
and get to know her. That has made getting
her message across easier. She also had the
platform of being Miss Wheelchair Mississippi
in 2015. Lauren has spoken at churches,
Rotary Clubs, and anywhere else she can get
people to listen to her message about One
Shred of Hope.
“I have seen problems that people with
disabilities face, and I knew something needed
to happen. We hope to acquire more land and
build two more accessible homes near this house,
creating a community where able bodied and
disabled people will both live. Our goal is to
create multiple communities in college towns
throughout Mississippi, and eventually,
around the country. The options are limitless!
The college partnerships we could establish
would give able-bodied students the opportunity
to work, volunteer and intern with our
neighbors affected by disabilities. We believe
college students who are passionate about the
medical field and/or ministry could gain
valuable experience from spending time in
these communities. Our neighbors with special
needs would have the opportunity to be
involved on the college campuses through
attending classes, working, attending events and
more. God’s house is full and complete when
people affected by disability are present.”
Lauren is a native of Madison and graduated
from Mississippi College. She is currently
working on her master’s in counseling at the
Reformed Theological Seminary in Clinton.
For more information, visit
www.oneshredofhope.org.
Hometown CLINTON • 43