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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

A new group has formed to help those facing difficult circumstances.

The Chilton County Seeking To Empower People program was recognized by Clanton Mayor Jeff Mims with a proclamation during the Clanton City Council meeting on Aug. 10.

One of the founding members, Tony Hughes, said the program would seek ways to help those who are incarcerated, have been recently released from jail and those on a path that would lead to them being arrested. The group would also help those facing mental health issues.

Hughes said the group wants to show those who have been in jail “a better direction.”

“This will be for adults and young people who have been in trouble, maybe people have turned their back on them, and they have nowhere to go,” Mims said. “… I think this is going to turn out to be a great program.”

Hughes agreed.

“Whenever you take a step to help folks, I think you are taking a step in the right direction,” Hughes said.

The council was presented with a list of those involved in the establishment of the program.

The S.T.E.P.  program is applying to be a 501(c)3 nonprofit and looking for future partners, such as churches and other organizations. A board of directors has already been established.

The program was described as “a community-based incentive with the goal of caring for people who have faced challenges or difficulties.”

According to the proclamation, another aspect of the program would be to help people clean up their properties.

Although Mims thanked Hughes and Bob Woods, Clanton chief of staff, for their work on the program, Woods pointed out that this was something Mims had wanted to see established while he was running for mayor.

Hughes said he plans to give updates to the council on the progress of the group.