New Around the Mission

When Feeding People Isn’t Enough

October 15, 2010

Finding a job can be difficult for many in today’s economy, but it’s even harder for those who are homeless or have spotty job history. In Colorado, two Anglican Mission congregations partnered to serve as “people of peace” for those who may otherwise be without hope.

Wellspring Anglican in Englewood and Resurrection Anglican Fellowship in Centennial are utilizing tools from Jobs For Life, helping people get back on their feet through a ten-week transformational training program that is Bible-based.

A core group of 30 volunteers serve their community in word and deed at The Well, a food bank and weekly outreach of Wellspring Anglican Church, but many want to do even more to help their struggling friends. The Jobs for Life program pairs each student with a mentor for accountability, offering an atmosphere for volunteers to build deeper relationships with the students beyond a hot meal.

Julie Mihevc, Program Director, first heard about Jobs for Life through the book When Helping Hurts by Corbett and Fikkert. She explains, “It is an effective program, utilized around the country that can be easily implemented by a church. I knew we would need significant prayer support embedded in the program for success. I am thankful for the partnership with Resurrection and for Father Phil Eberhart leading prayer for the program. I see prayer as being the most important part of what we do.”

Attendance, completion of homework and approval by a mentor ensures graduation and an interview for a job in a desired field of work. As Business Relations Leader, Jason Nelson provides a bridge between employers in the community and students in the program to provide stable employment. So far, there are seven employers on board and ready to work with graduating students.

“The mentors are spending time with the mentees outside of class and the group has fostered an atmosphere of love and support for one another. The job search is hard and we want to walk alongside the students, even after graduation,” shares Julie.

Resource link www.wellspringcolorado.com

Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
Categories: Faith in Action