Mentoring Program Will Benefit Families Struggling Financially

Thu., Oct. 7, 1999

Nina Culver Correspondent

Whitworth Presbyterian Church has started a new faith-based mentoring program for families who are struggling financially. The program matches teams of volunteers with each family, helping them become self-sufficient.

The program is state-wide and is sponsored by Freedom Foundation. The foundation provides guidelines and structure for participating churches.

“The object is to help that single mom, single dad or welfare family become self-sufficient,” said volunteer coordinator Lyle Crecelius.

The volunteers must meet with the family at least once a month and essentially serve as resource locators, helping connect families with day-care providers or other services. Each must commit to a year in the program.

Each team of volunteers includes three to five people who receive several hours of training before they begin work. Having several people work with the same family means that no one person has to carry the whole load, says Crecelius.

“That way we can sort of guard against burn out,” he said. “It provides flexibility.”

Since the program is a ministry of the church, Crecelius works with each team. “We don’t just cut the teams loose,” he said.

Whitworth currently has two teams working with families that were referred to the church and is looking for more volunteers to form additional teams. For more information, call the church office at 466-0305.

Women’s fall retreat

Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 1926 W. Chelan, is planning its annual Women’s Fall Retreat for Oct. 16 at Camp Caro in the Dishman Hills Natural Reserve. The theme of the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is “A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine.” Guest speakers will lecture on topics such as healing of mind and body and the importance of laughter.

The cost is $9.50, which includes lunch. Scholarships are available. Reservations are due by next Thursday. Call the church office at 326-1252 to register or for more information.

Garage sale helps build church

Unity Church of North Spokane will put on a garage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the church office, 220 E. Wellesley. Proceeds from the event will be used to help build the congregation’s new church on Lincoln Road.

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