HelpNet

ITS PURPOSE AND NEED

We assist the elderly, widows, single parents, and others in need--regardless of creed, race, color, or religion.

WHAT IT PROVIDES

Our mentors help to identify the financial, social, and spiritual needs of the individual or family in crisis.

    Financial Counseling

Before assisting anyone, we develop financial accountability with the person we try to help. A trained counselor will help them to set up a budget.

We counsel in all areas of God's principles of handling finances, from stewardship to savings to working with creditors.

    Home Repairs & Maintenance

We do minor repairs. For projects beyond our ability, we suggest certain building contractors.

    Car Care

We do automotive maintenance and minor repairs. When larger repairs are necessary, we try to secure the best price and the best repair shop.

    Miscellaneous Services

We volunteer to baby-sit, plow driveways, and give haircuts. We also assist with transportation, food, housing, utilities, repairing appliances, finding jobs, etc.


HOW TO START / WHAT TO CONSIDER

    Most important, first commit your HelpNet into the Lord's Hands. Invite Him to guide and lead this project. Much time should be spend in prayer.

    Pray for guidance and that the right people will join you to cover each ministry adequately. For some you may need professionals.

    Start with one ministry and add others later.

    Define the scope of services you want to provide for each ministry.

    Network with others. Know the resources in the church AND in the community.

    Be realistic about what you can do. Even so, when an overwhelming need arises, look for a miracle.

    Organize a "Chain of Communication." Very Vital! HelpNet tries to connect a person in need quickly with one that can help.

    Learn how to refer clients to agencies when needed, BUT follow-up regularly to establish relationships.

    Provide training for all ministries, especially for financial counseling and general mentoring.

    Evaluate each ministry periodically.

RESOURCES

Basic interviewing & social work skills for community service volunteers: instructor's guide [book] Monte Sahlin / Hagerstown, MD. / North American Division Church Ministries Department / 1988

Christ-centered caring [book] Ronaele Whittington / Hagerstown, MD. / North American Division Church Ministries Department / 1990

Ministry of healing [book] Ellen G. White / Pacific Press, 1942 (or any other edition)

Sharing our faith with friends without losing either [book] / Monte Sahlin Review, 1990

Welfare ministry; instruction in Christian neighborhood service [book] Ellen G. White / Review, 1952 (or any other edition)

For financial guidance / mentoring, the best are by Larry Burkett / 1-800-722-1976.

      Complete financial guide for single parents [book]
      Complete financial guide for young couples [book]
      Establishing compassion ministries [book]
      Financial counselor training self study course [book]


        Addresses

North American Division Church Ministries Department - General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists - 12501 Old Columbia Pike - Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600
Tel. 301 - 680 - 6400; Fax 301 - 680 - 6464

Pacific Press - P. O. Box 7000 - Boise, ID 83707 - 1000
Tel. 208 - 465 - 2500; Fax 208 - 465 - 2531

Review and Herald Publ. Assoc. - 55 W. Oak Ridge Drive - Hagerstown, MD 21740
Tel. 301 - 791 - 7000; Fax 301 - 791 - 7012; Cable "Randh,"Hagerstown Maryland; Telex 705600 (Ans. R&HPA MD UD)

    HelpNet originated at the Village SDA Church. For further information contact:

      Bonnie Scull
      Village Seventh-day Adventist Church
      635 St. Joseph Street
      Berrien Springs, MI 49103
      Tel. 616 - 471 - 7795