Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) announced earlier this month that a new pilot program offers state residents a “hand up, not a handout.”
The program, called the 10:33 Initiative, stems from Luke 10:33, which says, “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.” As an effort from the state’s Faith-Based Initiatives office, the program seeks to lift residents out of poverty and improve their self-sufficiency through partnerships with faith-based entities.
Over the course of twelve months, the program will serve 300 to 500 Arkansans across Pulaski, Union, and Pope counties.
“The 10:33 Initiative isn’t another government welfare program; it’s a groundbreaking project carefully curated to give Arkansans a hand up, not a handout,” Sanders said in a statement. “By leveraging the power of technology and connecting Arkansans in need with faith-based and community partners willing to help, this initiative will strengthen families and transform lives. I’m incredibly grateful to my Faith-Based Initiatives office for spearheading the launch of this program, and thankful for our stakeholders and the White House Faith Office for their support. Together, we will build a stronger future for every Arkansan — and help create a model for the nation.”
Christian singer and For Others founder Chris Tomlin celebrated the program. “We commend Governor Sanders for her vision and leadership in launching the 10:33 initiative,” he said. “Her desire to bring the faith community together around vulnerable kids and families is inspiring, and it’s a powerful example of what can happen when government, churches, and nonprofits link arms. Together, we are showing the nation what it looks like to bring hope and lasting change to families and children in crisis.”
