Community Services / Social Work Program


1. Definition & Core Purpose

The Social Work Program (categorized under Community Services within the Witness Team) operates as a benevolence and direct service ministry. Its primary mission is to offer immediate, direct support and advocacy to neighbors facing financial hardship, housing instability, or emergency needs.


It acts as a compassionate safety net, bridging the gap between immediate crisis relief and longer-term community resources.


2. Key Components & Program Description

  • Personnel & Operations:
  • Lead social workers (such as Linda Kirchhoff and Robbie Schmidt) hold dedicated hours—historically operating out of the church on Mondays—to meet face-to-face with neighbors needing assistance.
  • Funding & Structure:
  • The program historically drew support from the Pastor’s Discretionary account, but it has evolved to have its own dedicated budget line item and designated giving channel ("Community Services (Social Workers)") on the church’s online giving platform. This shift was designed to provide predictable, sustainable funding.
  • Program Status:
  • Current Assessment Hiatus: The direct financial assistance and bus pass distributions are temporarily paused until September 2026 to assess and restructure services so they can better serve neighbors moving forward.

3. Concrete Examples of Support Provided

When active, the social work ministry provides several distinct types of tangible assistance:


A. Transportation Assistance


  • Examples: Providing single-ride or daily/monthly bus passes.
  • Impact: Enables neighbors to reach job interviews, medical appointments, government assistance offices, or work shifts when personal transport is unavailable.

B. Emergency Utility & Rent Assistance


  • Examples: Direct payments toward overdue electric, gas, water, or rental bills.
  • Impact: Prevents utility shut-offs or eviction, keeping individuals and families safely housed during unexpected financial strain.

C. Resource Navigation & Advocacy


  • Examples: One-on-one consultations to connect clients with external social service agencies, food pantries, legal resources, or housing programs.
  • Impact: Helps neighbors navigate complex bureaucratic systems to secure sustainable, long-term aid beyond immediate emergency relief.

D. Integrated Church Support


  • Examples: Coordinating closely with adjacent outreach ministries, such as the Free Clothing Thrift Store and the Food Pantry, to ensure visitors receive holistic support (food, clothing, financial aid, and transportation) in one visit.