Laurens County Volunteers Transition to C4 Ministries

News Summary

In an effort to better support local families facing homelessness, volunteers in Laurens County have shifted their focus from Family Promise to C4 Ministries. This change, effective December 1, 2024, will enhance safety measures and align more closely with the community’s needs, as C4 Ministries offers assistance through food banks, clothing centers, and emergency shelters. The partnership coincides with rising eviction rates, underscoring the importance of these resources for vulnerable families.

Laurens County Volunteers Make Big Switch to C4 Ministries for Local Families in Need

In a heartfelt move that promises to bring positive changes for families facing homelessness in Laurens County, dedicated volunteers have decided to part ways with Family Promise and join forces with C4 Ministries. This important transition took effect on December 1, 2024, signaling a fresh start aimed at better serving those in need.

Why the Change?

Marylynn Tollison, the director leading the charge, pointed out that the local group simply couldn’t keep up with the new guidelines issued by Family Promise. In the past, the program worked splendidly by teaming up with local churches. They hosted families in need, creating a warm and supportive community setting where families would stay for a week at a time. Volunteers would whip up delicious meals, assist children with homework, and provide a homely touch during tough times.

But as life would have it, things began to shift. The original setup relied on churches to open their doors every week, but with the impact of COVID-19, many churches struggled to provide shelter. Family Promise had to rethink their strategy and decided to move towards purchasing shelters instead. As a result, the vital partnership with local churches began to dwindle — from almost 80% of locations using the church hosting model to a mere 2% now.

Differing Visions and Missions

The new guidelines from Family Promise introduced some significant changes that raised eyebrows among local volunteers. The organization pushed for low-barrier or no-barrier sheltering, which would allow individuals with criminal histories or substance abuse issues access to resources. For the dedicated volunteers at Family Promise in Laurens County, this created a conflict with the safety and mission protocols of the local churches that fueled their passion to help.

Staying committed to their mission of keeping families safe, the volunteers knew they had to make a change. With a solid focus on background checks and safety for both families and volunteers, the decision to disaffiliate from Family Promise and embrace C4 Ministries seemed like the right path forward.

A New Partnership with C4 Ministries

So what exactly does joining C4 Ministries mean? For starters, the organization shares a similar mission, emphasizing both support for families and comprehensive assistance offerings while sticking to safety guidelines. C4 Ministries operates various locations throughout South Carolina that function as food banks, clothing centers, and shelters, all aimed at helping those who need it the most.

In 2024 alone, the former Family Promise volunteers made an incredible impact, assisting over 280 families and providing shelter to 14 families. But it doesn’t stop there! The new partnership is laser-focused on preventing evictions before they sneak up on families. They’ll be rolling out follow-up services that help with budgeting and employment to aid families in stabilizing their situations.

Building a Stronger Community Together

Funding for the C4 Ministries initiative will depend heavily on community resources, and the team is hard at work enhancing its online presence to reach even more people in need. They want the community to know there’s help out there! Anyone curious about the services provided by C4 Ministries can check out their Facebook page or reach out by phone or email for more information.

Adding a little weight to the situation, the South Carolina Housing Justice Network has highlighted an ongoing crisis with eviction filings throughout Laurens County. The demand for rental assistance and tenant education has never been greater, which makes the mission of C4 Ministries and its dedicated volunteers all the more critical.

In a world that sometimes feels a bit bleak, it’s heartwarming to see communities like Laurens County step up and create solutions for their neighbors. The transition from Family Promise to C4 Ministries represents a bright new chapter for those aiming to help families navigate their challenges with compassion, care, and community spirit.

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Additional Resources

• GoLaurens: Former Family Promise of Laurens County Joins New Affiliate C4 Ministries
• 13WMAZ: Dublin Organizations Working for Laurens County’s Homeless
• MSN: Dublin Property Owner Presents 16-Acre Rezoning Proposal
• 13WMAZ: Dublin Woman Opens Up Homeless Shelter
• Wikipedia: Homelessness