How can Faith Partners help me?

The welfare reform act of 1996 changed the way welfare works. Families on public assistance will have benefits terminated within two years and are now limited to a five year lifetime cap on assistance. Able-bodied persons are now required to participate in job training or self-employment in order to receive any assistance. The Faith Partners programs are not hand-outs, rather they are designed to help our clients to become self-sufficient. If you are looking for a way out of the cycle of poverty, we can help with life-skills education and a team of mentors who will assist and support you through the day-to-day challenges of achieving a better life for you and your family.

Who can apply for help?

Any TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) client or at-risk family is welcome to apply if they: 1. Have a stable address 2. Have a reliable and direct form of communication 3. Are emotionally ready to set goals 4. Are mentally and physically capable to pursue employment 5. Are complying with IRC (Individual Responsibility Contract) goals.

How long do the programs last?

The Crossroads educational program lasts about a month and counts for 16 hours of required job readiness and human development training. The mentoring program lasts for a minimum of 5 weeks, and often goes on for a year, or more.

If I sign up, will I be required to participate in both the educational and mentoring programs?

No, we have many clients who only participate in the Crossroads educational program. All mentoring program participants, however, go through the Crossroads educational program first.

What do the mentors help me with?

The mentoring team is there to assist you wherever you need help: getting back in school, job applications, relationship skills, budgeting, transportation, day-care arrangements - whatever it takes to ensure your success. They become an integral part of your family's support system, helping every step of the way.

Where do the volunteers who do the mentoring come from?

The majority of our volunteers come from local churches. In addition, outreach efforts to services clubs and civic groups are underway to formulate teams of mentors to provide the intensive mentoring necessary to impact families struggling economically.

How can I be sure I'll be comfortable with my mentors?

Obviously, there are no guarantees in life. At Faith Partners we take a number of steps to ensure successful relationships between mentors and the families they serve: Matching mentors with families is collaborative and the families are integrally involved in the process. Faith Partners runs thorough background checks on all mentors. Mentors complete a training program before they are assigned to a family. All mentors operate under a strict code of ethics. Mentors commit to a minimum of one year of service. Clients are never required to continue with mentors they are not comfortable with..

Is Faith Partners a religious organization?

No. Faith Partners is a Humanitarian Services Organization. Most of our mentoring team volunteers, however, come to us from various local churches, parishes, and other faith-based organizations. Although it is their faith that compels them to serve, they do not impose their beliefs on our clients.