Haywood Christian Ministry Inc

This new and extended transformative initiative for HCM is in partnership with local Haywood County congregations, Haywood County social services organizations, local community service clubs, and community volunteers.  This collaboration and cooperation is not new but rather a fifty-year track record of meeting crisis needs of Haywood County families. Various agencies have restrictions, but a Haywood County cooperative initiative can overcome and develop synergy in meeting deep poverty and transformational needs. Any funding will help this initiative extend its outreach to more individuals and families who have been vetted, assessed, and qualify for enriched, customized, and sustained assistance.

Below is an outline of “Stepping Stones” adapted from other national proven programs and initiatives backed by more than 20 years of research.  This grant will enable us to get started. We propose a case management approach that discovers individual and family needs, backgrounds, living culture, health, life skills, and psychological well being.  Then, a path will be charted with the necessary “Stepping-Stones” to overcome poor health care needs, life skill requirements, basic educational deficiencies, financial literacy, goal setting, mentoring, peer-to-peer learning, and child/youth development. Next, employment is secured thus building toward permanent job placement based upon the skills and talent of the individuals. “Stepping Stones” combines best practices in several disciplines to achieve on-going capability and to successfully promote a sustainable life style.

Stepping Stones Outline of Structure and Practices

 1.    Orientation of “Stepping Stones” 

a.    Counseling for identification of needs

b.    Providing background assessment

c.     Diagnosing health needs and check-ups  

d.    Developing faith stages and self-advocacy

e.    Learning basic life skills for household management (time, money, habits, and relationships)

f.      Mentoring for psychological well being where appropriate

 2.    Charting the Path and Necessary Steps

a.    Setting goals for the future

b.    Determining natural abilities and learned skill sets

c.     Practicing healthy solutions and behaviors

d.    Determining education and/or apprenticeship potential

e.    Learning basic employment requirement (resume writing, appropriate appearance, interviewing behaviors)

f.      Establishing connection to the nearest place of worship

 3.    Securing Long Term Employment

a.    Connecting to educational and/or on-the-job training

b.    Creating ownership for success – “self buy-in”

c.     Following up with measured improvement evaluation including wellness, financial stability, job performance, and individual/family well being

d.    Seeking permanent job placement

e.    Developing a schedule for mentoring and accountability

The impact of our “Stepping Stones” will be developed individual-by-individual and family-by-family, beginning with step ‘2a’ above.  S.M.A.R.T. goals will be set in four dimensions, including financial, emotional/psychological, relational, and spiritual guidance. National studies and research demonstrate health, wellness, financial stability, and relations are interdependent and must be assessed holistically.  Deep transformation is sought through mentoring, accountability, peer-to-peer relationships, and superior program practices.  National programs (CIRCLES USA) cite improvement of personal income growth of 39 percent after six months, 51 percent after one year, and 78 percent after 18 months along with improved nutrition, improved hygiene and dental practices, improved preventative medicine behaviors, financial stability, ability to pay bills on time, and relational growth and faith practices in congregational settings. Regular assessment and feedback will be provided and self-charted to know where one stands on their “Stepping Stone” implementation. The program leadership will be ready to celebrate achievements and recognize life- sustaining behaviors and job security. Testimonies and videos will be developed to share in individual and family growth accomplishments.

 Home visits by pro bono volunteers from mental health and social service fields will be conducted.  These volunteers will mentor and hold individuals and families accountable so that better health and safety conditions may be realized.  

Grant funding will underwrite our initiative to make this a reality. HCM currently has no debt and is in a good and sound financial position. Funding from the Foundation will enable us to move forward. HCM currently does not have the funds to renovate our facilities, purchase needed equipment and furniture, and create a transportation system to implement this initiative. This has historically been our situation and dilemma over the years.