Finding Solutions that Stick - Loaves & Fishes
The Client Engagement Model has been going strong for a little over 90 days now. We have learned a lot about our clients as a result. Poverty has many faces, names, stories and cultural backgrounds, but our clients have so much in common. They want the best for their families, whether they have been struggling all their lives or recently have had some very bad luck. They want good jobs, they want their limited funds to go as far as possible and they want positive relationships that matter.
From the empowerment interviews, we have gotten a closer glimpse at hope in the eyes of clients. They realize we can help them get a job or we can help them save some money on food or heating, so they can get essentials for themselves or their children. They can learn computer skills or finally get health insurance. We can point them in the right direction to get more affordable housing or safe, economical child care. It is a great opportunity to support people in moving their lives to a more stable place.
Our program participation has significantly increased now that we are sitting and talking about our client families’ needs and how we can help them meet those needs. People are glad they have had an opportunity to take steps to make positive things happen. Empowerment interviews are the reason these situations have occurred. I like to look at it as double support: we’re providing food, which is the immediate need, and we’re providing programs and services for long-term needs.
When it comes down to it, our Empowerment Team volunteers believe it’s a great way to serve.
Our next task to address is outcomes and tracking. We believe it’s important to see progress, check up on clients, and let them know we are always here for them. Every 90 days, volunteers will contact clients who we served, inquiring about programs and referrals that were recommended to them. It’s one thing to say, “yeah I gave Ms. Jones a referral here and a referral there,” but it’s more important to show Ms. Jones that we not only care about her immediate needs (food), but we also care about her becoming self-sufficient. We want our actions, not just words, to show her we truly care.