The Chattanooga Purpose Center graduated 17 students from its sixth and seventh Getting Ahead classes, and its third Faith & Finances class at the end of April 2024. The Chattanooga Purpose Center is the hub for the Orchard Park Church’s community engagement ministries. The Purpose Center exists to educate, mentor, and equip people in poverty to move from poverty to self-sufficiency. Their mission is to empower the local community by demonstrating God’s love through their various services and programs.
The “Getting Ahead in a Just Getting by World” anti-poverty program is an eight-week program that assists participants in transitioning from poverty to self-sufficiency. Participants focus on personal goals and learn about 11 essential resources, including social capital, emotional well-being, spirituality, and financial stability. Graduates of the Getting Ahead program continue their journey through the Staying Ahead program, a six-month program that offers ongoing mentorship, peer support, and training on how to make a positive impact in their local community.
The “Faith & Finances” program is designed to empower low-income adults with financial literacy and stewardship skills. Through the Faith & Finances program, the Purpose Center aims to address financial obstacles that keep people trapped in poverty, such as predatory lending, poor credit, low financial literacy, and broken relationships. The program integrates biblical principles into financial education and creates a safe space for learners to build relationships while learning. Participants also gain practical money management skills relevant to their circumstances. Both programs aim to uplift people, helping them move from challenging circumstances to a place of self-sufficiency and purpose.
The April graduation was held on a Sabbath afternoon. The participants donned traditional graduation caps and gowns, and marched into the ceremony serenaded by a praise team singing the Darwin Hobbs version of “He’s Able” while their family and friends gave them a standing ovation. After brief remarks from Charolette Brand, director of the Purpose Center Program, one graduate from each class gave a short speech recapping their experiences in the classes. The keynote speaker, LaGarrette Crawford, a community organizer with Faith in Action – Alabama, shared a brief message that encouraged both graduates and attendees. The graduates received certificates of completion for their respective programs, as well as other certificates for completing the Tech Goes Home course, and various workforce-ready skills and personal development training courses.
Many of the participants in the two classes were recruited during Orchard Park Church’s Winter Wonderland Christmas giveaway. The Purpose Center plans to host more classes in the fall. They will do the bulk of their recruiting during their End of the Summer Community Block Party. What the Orchard Park Church has learned is that the 20th century attractional model of ministry is no longer appealing in current American culture. People are less drawn to churches because of great preaching or a great worship experience. They want to attend churches that are community oriented and minister to the physical needs of people. Therefore, Orchard Park Church does church in such a way that turns the volume down in the lives of people, so the people can hear the Gospel clearly.
South Central | September 2024
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