On Sept. 24, the Newton County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) held its Annual Freedom Fund and Scholarship Gala at the Turner Lake Recreation Complex. The theme was “Our Lives Matter, Our Vote Counts,” and the guest speaker was Georgia Representative Rev. Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D-Lithonia).

Pastor Clara Lett and the Garden of Gethsemane Homeless Shelter in Covington were the honorees at this year’s event.

Lett was licensed to preach and teach the Gospel 27 years ago. She was ordained as a minister and, by 1993, had founded Rainbow Covenant Ministries in Porterdale. During her 23 years as a pastor, she received many awards and accolades from organizations such as the Newton County Ministers’ Union and was inducted into the “Hall of Faith” as one of the Top 20 leading women pastors of Metro Atlanta.

Lett opened the Garden of Gethsemane Homeless Shelter in Porterdale, which later moved to 7154 Turner Lake Circle S.W. in Covington. The Garden of Gethsemane not only helps those with housing needs, but also offers transitional resources which have helped thousands of people mentally and physically. The only homeless shelter in Newton County, it also serves surrounding counties.

The Newton County NAACP meets every fourth Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at St. Paul AME Church, 13018 Brown Bridge Road, Covington. For more information, contact newtoncountynaacp@gmail.com or (770) 882-8588.