A Truly Happy New Year

Our congregation, St. Johannes Lutheran Church, has partnered with Next Steps of South Carolina and The Navigation Center to support a vital ministry in the Charleston area. The Navigation Center is a non-profit that began by serving military veterans and has since expanded to help anyone in crisis. The Center's mission is to empower our most vulnerable neighbors by helping them navigate the complex system of services needed to rebuild sustainable, independent lives.

By providing a volunteer counselor and financial assistance from St Johannes and Next Steps of South Carolina, we join a powerful, collaborative network of over 70 organizations dedicated to this work. It is through this partnership that we can be part of true, lasting life change. Here are a few more stories of our neighbors who have been helped by this shared work.

Supporting Linda and Her Four Children

Linda (long hair) is a single 38-year-old mother of four school-age children who receives no child support. She tries to work as an Uber driver, but her efforts are complicated by her partial disability. She has applied for disability benefits but has not yet been approved. Recently, two of her children have been sick, preventing her from working, and she cannot work during times when the children aren't in school.

Linda's electricity was about to be cut off, and she was understandably distressed about what would happen to her family if that occurred. Because her bill was so large, we worked closely with The Navigation Center to find a solution. Together, we were able to provide assistance—with St Johannes and Next Steps paying part of the bill and The Navigation Center contributing as well—to prevent disconnection. It was a powerful example of collaborative support, ensuring that Linda and her children maintain this essential service.

Empowering Nancy Through Literacy and Stability

Nancy has a learning disability and is borderline illiterate, which has made it difficult for her to find and keep employment. The Navigation Center has been working with her for some time to help her find a good job that matches her abilities. Nancy is a mother to a 14-year-old son, and she recently lost her electricity service.

In a positive step toward improving her future prospects, Nancy has registered for adult literacy classes, demonstrating her commitment to building a better life for herself and her son. We were honored to provide enough assistance to have her electricity restored. With The Navigation Center's ongoing support for employment and her own dedication to improving her literacy, we are hopeful for Nancy's continued progress.

Meeting Evie's Urgent Deadline

Evie (earrings) is a single mother of a 16-year-old who is employed but has run into a serious problem with her electric bill. She faced an urgent deadline: if she didn't make a specific partial payment by 5 p.m. that day, her electricity would be disconnected. Evie recognizes that she needs to work with The Navigation Center on money management to prevent similar crises in the future.

We were able to provide part of the required payment, and Evie committed to providing the remainder that same day. It was encouraging to see her take responsibility for her situation while also accepting help during this urgent moment. We hope that the money management support from The Navigation Center will help Evie build long-term financial stability.

Celebrating Opie's Recovery Journey

Opie is an alcoholic who believes he has finally turned the corner in his recovery from addiction. The Navigation Center, which has worked with him for several years, shares this optimism about his progress. Currently homeless, Opie has been accepted into the Oxford House program, where he will receive housing, continuous treatment, and assistance finding employment.

Opie needed help with the first week's rent to begin this crucial next phase of his recovery. We were honored to provide that assistance, supporting his transition into a program that offers comprehensive support for his continued sobriety and reintegration. After years of struggle, Opie's acceptance into Oxford House represents a significant milestone, and we were privileged to help make it possible.

If you would like to know more about this ministry or how you can help, please let Tom or Pastor Aaron know.