Bluffton Self HelpProud of what we do, what we have done and what we will do in the future

Something to talk about

Robert D. LuptonToxic Charity: How churches and charities hurt those they help

Who is Robert D. Lupton?Founder and president of FCS Urban Ministries (Focused Community Strategies) in AtlantaAuthor of a number of books on “Urban Perspectives”Lives in the community he serves and has for the past 20 yearsInitiated a wide range of human services in his community

One-way giving

• Give once and you elicit appreciation;

• Give twice and you create anticipation;

• Give three times and you create expectation;

• Give four times and it becomes entitlement;

• Give five times and you establish dependency.

Betterment vs Development

Betterment does for others. Development maintains the long view and looks to enable others to do for themselves.

Betterment improves conditions. Development strengthens capacity.

Betterment gives a man a fish. Development teaches man how to fish.

Community Reaction

• Community Foundation of the Low Country purchases multiple copies of the book and invited agencies to have board and staff read the book – late last year

• Community Foundation of the Low Country hosted the author and invited agencies to hear Robert Lupton speak at Temple Betham – Spring 2013

• Community Foundation of the Low Country passes out OATH OF COMPASSIONATE SERVICE to all attendees

• Agencies across the low country, in reaction to the premise of the book, start looking at how they provide services (Deep Well, Help of Beaufort, United Way, Community Foundation of the Low Country and a number of churches) – this year

• SCANPO hosts Robert Lupton at 2012 Conference on “Toxic Charity”

Community Reaction

• CSO agencies explore “Charity Dollars” concept – in planning stage

• Deep Well changes holiday program to toy shop – this holiday season

• St. Andrew by the Sea calls a meeting and invites BSH to attend to discuss “Toxic Charity” and holiday giving – Spring 2013

• St. Andrew by the Sea to open “toy shop” in Bluffton for holidays – this holiday season

• Community Foundation of the Low Country offers $5,000 consulting grant with Robert Lupton to agencies - 2013

• Community Foundation of Low Country board is reviewing policies to add proof of participation in grant process – September 2013

• Community Foundation of the Low Country hosts representatives of agencies to visit Robert Lupton’s operation in Atlanta – October 2013

Our mission

• Help Bluffton neighbors in critical need of food, clothing and short-term financial assistance, while supporting them to become more self-reliant.

Our dignity goals

• Reduce client dependency on social service and financial assistance programs through education, client contribution and volunteer opportunities while increasing self reliance.

• Provide our services to clients in a consistent, compassionate and responsive way in a setting and location that ensures dignity while increasing their investment in meeting life’s challenges.

Our dignity strategies

• Offer and promote workshops on financial literacy, budgeting, parenting, anger management, accessing benefits and employment to improve self-reliance and financial sustainability.

• Support the educational goals of our client…..• Strengthen our partnerships with other non-profits to best

serve our clients with synergistic support….• Demonstrate, advocate and become an expert on those

facing poverty and hunger in our community

What we have done

• New building – eliminated long outside lines• Shopping experience – client selects the food• Private interview rooms • Benefit Bank Counseling• Education Assistance• Toy distribution to Jasper and Hampton agencies

What we will do

• Annually review our goals and strategies• Collaborate with agencies to challenge and give hope• Seek funding for new programs that are needed• Listen to those we seek to serve• Listen to our donors and what they support• Follow the guidelines of our partners• Be open to change when we need to change

What we won’t do

• Charge for food and clothing – that’s not our current mission

• Charge for toys – again, that’s not our current mission

First-course-changing

• Discuss how to support and strengthen service to the poor

• Engage in an evaluation process to identify the greatest strengths and weaknesses of the current programs

• Research how others are increasing effectiveness

• Strategize ways to become more personally, relationally involved in the lives of those we serve

• Explore new options, new paradigms of service (without devaluing current programs)

• Identify new leadership to go on point for new initiatives (without devaluing those already in leadership)

• Once new paradigm is secured, the door has opened to move ahead with change.

What we can do in the future

• Seek ways to reduce client trips to BSH –telephone interviews

• Charity Dollars – partner with other agencies to reward “giving back”

• Client Advisory Group • Advocate for overcoming poverty through understanding,

communication and programs• Offer workshops that work by partnering with other

agencies

More Ideas for Dignity Service

• Contract with clients who move one step forward – limiting waiting period for additional assistance

• Offer volunteer opportunities at BSH• Create programs and seek funding to invest in self-

sufficiency (education, etc.)• Swipe Card based on family size• Listen, Learn and Advocate

Valued, Empowered and Challenged

“I didn’t need to be fixed…I didn’t need handouts. I needed to be challenged and to take control of my own life.” I was fortunate to have someone embrace these principles.”

She asks that we• Recognize the dignity of who these people are.

• Not be a part of “I have what you need and I can fix you.”

• Recognize our clients have something significant to offer

• Recognizing that individual person!!!

Words of Cheryl Miller, executive director of Perpetual Help Home ( a PovertyCure Partner) and a former welfare recipient, with two children who were born into the system. (Video on Youtube)