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Community Ministries
- Advocacy
Not
everything in Community Ministry happens within the
confines of Trinity. True Christian action
involves more than just opening doors, it involves
being there as our kids walk their life's journey,
and to help them do that we offer a number of
services that go beyond traditional programming.
Mentoring
Building relationships by listening and being a
consistent presence are the most important things we
offer. Many of our teens have a mentor assigned to
them. A contact is made at least 2 times per
month. Many mentors plan outings with their
student, support them at sporting events, and assist
with “life’s questions”.
Tutoring
Tutoring can be and is available if the students,
parents or school requests our assistance.
Court System
Many times our teens find themselves in trouble with
the legal system. They often request our presence
with them at court hearings. When we hear one of
our students is in detention we attempt to make
contact with their family and their probation
officer. It is not our intention to be “nice church
folk” that pardon everything a child does, but it is
our intent to walk the journey with our kids and
give support and information as requested. We have
established relationships with many probation
officers and other court officials.
Schools/Education
Many students struggle at school or even struggle
getting to school. We attempt to stay on top of
attendance issues, grades and behaviors. Often,
personnel will call to discuss issues and decisions
regarding suggested consequences for choices kids
have made or simply to update us on the problems,
issues or successes of our kids. Our students love
to see a familiar face in their school buildings.
Simply by showing up once in a while, we let the
youth know we value them and their education. We
hope it makes a difference.
Housing
Issues
Often kids struggle with housing issues. They may
no longer be welcome in their homes, or they have
chosen to leave due to unmanageable situations, or
their families have been evicted. In any case, we
provide resources to them. We network with many
local agencies and try to stay current with such
things as Department of Human Services or where to
find the most up to date apartment listings. If a
child is homeless, we suggest and sometimes deliver
them to temporary housing, such as The Bridge at
Arbor Circle.
Family
Support
Family support is a big piece of what we offer. We
connect with many parents over a variety of
situations in which kids find themselves. Our
parents try to be the best parents they know how to
be and are open to suggestions. Some choose to call
or connect on a regular basis. Some call when there
is a crisis and others respond very positively to
calls made to them when we feel kids are struggling
for whatever reason, .i.e. behavior, health, etc.
Substance
Abuse
If we feel any of our kids are “using” we typically
confront them and offer support in getting the help
they may require. Although it is hard for students
to understand the long term implications of using or
understand the consequences of participation in the
use or sale of illegal substances, we do not
hesitate to discuss or seek help. Many kids are
open to this.
Counseling
Trinity is a place kids can feel heard. Many of our
students simply need a safe place to discuss issues
they face at home, school, or with friends. Some
need time with a counselor if issues are deeper. We
offer what we feel we can support. If we feel we
are not equipped to handle specific situations, we
refer them to outside agencies in the community that
specialize in their type of problem. We offer
whatever support we can throughout the process.
Activities of
Daily Living
Many times kids are not taught survival skills;
things like how to do laundry, do budgeting, cook,
sew, or how to get a job. We provide training as
necessary either through group or individual work.
We discuss social skills, hygiene, human sexuality
to name just a few. Significant time is spent
problem-solving around issues such as how to get up
on time for school or how to handle cooking without
a stove..
Taxes
Volunteer assistance is available upon request for
tax information or the filling out of student’s
1040’s.
Vocational
Many times teens are looking for jobs or making
work/career decisions. Time is spent in discussion
regarding the goals of the kids, what their
strengths and interests are, geographic boundaries
as they relate to transportation or comfort levels,
scheduling availability and job seeking skills.
Once they are employed, support is available ongoing
to be successful. This can be on site or take the
form of “coaching” outside the work environment.
This is provided so kids can learn the hidden rules
of middle class society and assist employers with an
understanding of our kids.
Computers
Four computers are available for our teens to use to
access information for school papers, generally
broaden their world, provide typing tutorials or
preparation for SAT’s or ACT’s, etc. Of course,
there can also be time for games and fun.
Spiritual
Development
Throughout our programming, we weave lessons from
scripture and tie it to real life situations. Youth
are open to these discussions and often pose very
important questions and issues.
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