Beyond Welfare

CPC MINISTRY WITH "BEYOND WELFARE"

Beyond Welfare is an organzation which works with people of Story County who are seeking to leave poverty. Their goal is that all families in our community are out of poverty and have satisfying jobs that pay enough money to take care of their families. They provide assistance with transportation, food subsidy, housing, job development, child care, advocacy, leadership development, and building friendships.

At the recommendation of the Church & Society Committee, our congregation has established a relationship with Beyond Welfare that takes several forms. First, they are using our building on a weekly basis on Thursday evenings for the support/advocacy gatherings of people seeking to leave poverty and their supporters.

Secondly, Collegiate Presbyterian is a pilot congregation for trying a new model of "Circles of Support." One of the things which persons in poverty say they most need is "someone in their corner" who will believe in them and encourage them to reach their dreams. A Circle of Support is one of the several ways we can be partners with families leaving welfare. These ways include:

Primary Family partner : a friend who serves as an ally to the family, helps connect them with resources in the community, and builds a peer relationship so they can use their gifts and contribute in the community. About a two hour per month commitment.

Circle of Support Member : part of a group of 3 to 5 people who join the primary family partner in meeting with the participant once a month to listen supportively to his/her goals and dreams and offer encouragement and sometimes suggestions.

Family Partner Assistant : part of a team of assistants to the primary Family Partner who help in specific ways such as with rides, child care, home repairs, computer assistance, help on moving day, car repair, legal advice, job hunting tutoring, etc.

Elizabeth Smith is a Family Partner Assistant. About a dozen other CPC members have shown interest in some role. If you are interested or have questions in working with this much-needed, meaningful ministry, please contact Cynthia Fletcher 292-0478.
 
Collegiate Presbyterian Church
159 N. Sheldon Ave., Ames, IA 50014
phone: 515-292-2063
fax: 515-292-2065
email: cpcames@cpcames.org