Thank you, one and all, for your support throughout 2003. Your gift(s) in December helped bridge the gap and balance the budget.

You may not appreciate how unusual this actually is, as MOM just recorded is 7th positive balance in a row. The fact is, as of December 1, 2003,YTD income was at 87% of the previous year and lagged current expenses by $109,000. Incredibly, December giving did not run at that same 87%, or we would have finished $50,000 short. Instead, giving ran 45% ahead of the previous December. Praise God and thank you.

Some 86 new corporate supporters joined MOM. That’s 218 corporate supporters in 2003—including 29 churches, 19 service agencies, 9 foundations, 116 local businesses, 15 service clubs, 15 Scout groups, 15 area schools, 20 food businesses. You gave funds, or your time, your in-kind donations, food, clothing, furnishings.

Truly, it takes a village to raise MOM! Your gifts help us provide more “full service” in the delivery of food, clothing, housing, counseling, and emergency care to thousands of low-income households. I vow to uphold the vision and values that this village holds out for MOM. We can all hope for, and work toward, ten aspects of that full service in 2004….

First, this caveat: “Full service” will not happen right away, but will be under construction throughout 2004. Just as new bridges are being built for the Hwy 12 project, but which will also entail certain inconveniences or congestion in the short-term while traffic is re-routed, so also MOM donors and volunteers and staff will be asked to stretch, while we reallocate resources to help may suffer some inconveniences, while we help clients to bridge the gap and build a better future for our clients.

Second, in 2004, the Distribution Center will become “full service,” as well as self-service—that is, full shelves (spend more designated $$ to make up for seasonal food pantry shortfalls), full-time coverage (no short-shifts, 11-1pm and 1-3pm), and one full-time equivalent staff dedicated to maintaining the DC. Such full service will be possible with more: (a) intern coverage; (b) core volunteers who can multi-task and train others; (c) court-appointed “muscle” to help move, load and unload furniture; (d) recruiting and matching more volunteers from various networks—the Chamber of Commerce, area service clubs and schools, as well as our churches.

Third, with “full service” at MOM, the number of clients served will not necessarily grow, nor will our service area, but the depth and breadth of our services will grow, and the number of service transactions per client will increase. Most clients will get one-time help, and be back on their feet and well on their way. But we will work with some clients more fully, intensely and over longer periods of time—to provide the tools and resources that will help people help themselves break the cycle of poverty.

Fourth, “full service” means we will grow the number of volunteers who will meet clients one-on-one—that is, via Stephen Ministry, Financial Mentoring, and Case Management.

Fifth, “full service” implies follow-up care and wraparound services: As before, 75% of those who receive a grant of Rental Assistance will have remained in their housing 6 months later, as enabled by collateral services and as verified by follow-up calls.

Sixth, “full service” will mean increased subsidies for families with fewer resources and under financial mentoring— contingent on our grant-writing success and clients doing their action plans.

Seventh, “full service” means that MOM will seek to be fully underwritten by donations in 2004, even though the Board has just passed its third “deficit” or “unbalanced” budget, spending down a prior year’s surplus.

Eighth, “full service” means MOM will work more closely with its full partner, the 12 core churches. Churches will be asked to “adopt” one family each for their Sunday services and for financial mentoring. MOM will refer to and rely on local church programs to encourage MOM clients in such things as parenting, life skills, and money management (e.g., “Good $ense” seminar at High Point, Feb 21).

Ninth, “full service” for our clients will not happen all at MOM. We will collaborate with other service providers and direct clients accordingly: E.g., (a) to the Middleton Library for job searches on the Internet and resume writing; (b) to Jobs and Housing Partnerships for training in life and employability skills; (c) to various churches for classes in healthy marriages, parenting help, financial mentoring, or Stephen ministry; (d) to Lutheran Social Services, Edgewood College or other referrals for therapy.

Ten, “full service” doesn’t mean everything depends on what we alone do. And so we pray: Unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain. The Lord of the harvest is calling more laborers to join Him in what He is blessing. Will you answer that call?

© 2003 Middleton Outreach Ministry

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