C A R E

Eradicating Generational Poverty: Through the course of the year, we provided food boxes for 154 families (438 individuals); for each of these families, we include an intake that gives us information regarding the situation the family is in and resources they are currently accessing so we can ensure they are connected to concrete resources and support. Additionally, we provided school supplies for 475 students to ensure they had the tools they needed to succeed in school. 4,715 meals and snacks were served to supplement food accessible at home or school and to reduce hunger. We also partnered with a local church to package 20,000 meals that were distributed to families through 13 organizations in the community we serve. Taking care of the basic need for food additionally empowers children and families to be able to focus on learning and longer-term needs. 551 children had their needs met for Christmas and 634 individuals received hygiene supplies. Through our thrift-based facility, the John 3:16 Community Resource Center, we met needs for clothing and/or household items for 69 families in crisis free of charge, offered days that we were open to the public so that low-income families can purchase needed items at a very low price point, and another location to access services for parenting, school supplies, Christmas outreach, and community education. 15 families received financial assistance with bills, paid directly to the service provider.

Deepening Community Engagement: We worked to ensure our programs were present in some manner in each of the three counties we served, delivering food and educational materials to community partner sites for distribution. 398 individuals engaged in recreational activities through our programs and facilities. Additionally, we regularly met virtually with community organizations and worked together to meet significant needs that one organization alone could not address. 219 referrals were sent to other organizations with which we coordinate for services we do not provide.

Eradicating Child Abuse and Neglect: Fourteen parents participated in sessions of the Positive Parenting Program or the more informal "Table Talk", receiving 2 hours each of education and parenting support. 36 people received Connections Matter training in-person; this curriculum provides information on the effects of childhood trauma on brain development as well as the mitigating effects of resilience and positive connections to better prepare community members to respond appropriately to trauma. This is demonstrated to reduce the effects of trauma and the incidence of adverse childhood experiences. Training was provided to 32 staff, board members, and volunteers on preventing child sexual abuse. We planted three "pinwheel gardens" in recognition of child abuse prevention month in April and assisted with two additional pinwheel plantings. One of our community gardens included 484 pinwheels to draw attention to the number of substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect reported in that county during the prior year. We provided information on prevention of child maltreatment via social media, parent support through phone calls and social media, and coordinated with local agencies to meet needs in our community. We provided concrete supports described in other program areas to reduce stress and lower the likelihood of maltreatment.