The Carmels and Porras make a dynamic family team when it comes to growing and harvesting garden produce and giving it to the Corner Harvest ministry, taking extras to PERC, and sharing extras with the entire CBC church family on Sundays.

Leslie Carmel-Porras also has time to tutor English, reading, and science for the GED program because Ruthi Carmel (her mom) and Emilio (husband) and Franco (son) take care of the household while she teaches.  She especially enjoys her science group of about five people as well as reading and writing with a student one-on-one. About working with GED, Leslie says, "The GED program is a blessing to me as I get to share how I learn with others so they may better their future through further education."

The newest goal on the family agenda is a gently-used clothing closet, especially targeting the provision of proper professional winter attire for women in women's shelters throughout the Pickens and Anderson area.  Ruthi and Leslie are doing the minor mending, cleaning, and pressing, as well as acquiring hangers, racks, and storage.  "Most of the things we do are as a family-Emilio, me, Franco, my mom Ruthi and my dad Gene. I could never do this alone!"  Contact any member of this family if you want to help with Corner Harvest, GED and tutoring, or their gently-used clothing closet.