P E Community Outreach

The Reverend Doctor Roger Lee Smith, the dynamic Morehouse College trained ordained preacher, with his gifts of ministry, has dedicated his life to providing distinguished service to others in need. His influence and approach in helping “Homeless Veterans” by acquiring vacant or abandoned homes and restoring them into suitable living quarters has highlighted his work within the community. There has been much praise and high regarded by the multitudes of those who have benefited from his Foundation of Helping Ordinary People Excel (H O P E) that serves as a Community Outreach. His program extended to the plight of our veteran heroes that gave them access to earn their G E D, acquire better jobs and get much needed medical care. Through his H O P E Foundation, Rev. Smith sponsored competitive reading contest in elementary schools that increased the reading scores for all students and The Seed N’ Feed project of planting vegetables seeds for growth into an eatable produce that promoted good healthy eating habits and reduced hunger in homes. This program gave way to establishing community gardens in areas that were considered food deserts where the residents were dependent upon food give-ways.

As a Bank President, The Wall Street Journal made note of Reverend Smith’s reputation for restoring profitability to failing Minority Banks, namely, Freedom National Bank of New York where he received The Harlem Interfaith Distinguished Award for fostering and developing minority businesses in the area. The First Bank of Cleveland, Ohio where his work earned him the Bank’s President status. His exceptional notoriety and acclaim in banking success have caused several other bank officers to become bank Presidents. His leadership in a number of areas has been highly recognized and has influenced the lives of many others in their pursuit of Christian Ministry and other career choices. As a consultant, under the administration of Mayor Bill Campbell, Rev. Smith received accolades for his superlative work as the Loan Officer for the City of Atlanta’s Empowerment Zone awardees for reaching and exceeding its goals for enabling small minority businesses to expand, increase employment and rebuild inner city neighborhoods. It was through his financial creativity and ingenuity that he became the catalyst by which the administration could bring much needed redevelopment into SW Atlanta that was needed yet had been absent for many years. His creation of A Nursing Home Ministry provided gospel sermons and communion and grief counseling to its residents and during special events, free haircuts, manicures and gift packages.

Rev. Smith is always looking for avenues to demonstrate pursuits of excellence through the impact of example. As a community activist, during the early stages of the turbulent Civil Rights movement and in spite his own peril, Rev. Smith joined with others with acts of Civil Obedience to the betterment of all people.

The life and work of Reverend Doctor Roger Lee Smith today continues to illuminate many new paths, foster new visions and the keeper of many dreams alive and flourishing.

Thank you very much,