5:20 a.m. EST, November 29, 2011

SOUTH BEND -- The St. Joseph County Bridges Out of Poverty initiative will offer a public presentation and group discussion Friday about "Sustaining a Spirituality of Service."

The free event, which is open to all faiths, will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the United Way of St. Joseph County, 3517 Jefferson Blvd.

Colleen Vermeulen will explore why there is more than just one Christian way to help the poor. She's a master of divinity candidate at the University of Notre Dame and was a summer intern with Bridges Out of Poverty.

As she explains: "We know it takes a variety of approaches, from providing direct care to alleviate suffering, to educating and intervening to prevent poverty; from reforming unjust practices and policies to facilitating transition and mentoring individuals moving out of poverty."