Always Helping One Person At A Time

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 Randal Through Loss and Transition

Randal (orange Dolphins hat) faced one of life's most difficult challenges earlier this year when he lost his wife. The grief was compounded by the practical necessity of moving due to his disability and related health issues. While his brother and children help as they can, his limited income has made this transition more difficult and expensive than anticipated.

When Randal fell behind on his electric bill and was at risk of losing power, we were able to provide assistance to help keep his electricity on. His gratitude was evident, and it was a privilege to offer support during such a challenging period of adjustment. We hope this assistance provided some stability as he continues to navigate this major life transition.

Advocating for Mrs. Jackson's Health and Stability

Mrs. Jackson (pink jacket) is a sweet 69-year-old grandmother living with severe lung disease. She has endured profound tragedy, having lost both her son and grandson to violence, though she finds strength in her three daughters. Despite having a good work history and Medicare coverage, she has been unable to afford Part D coverage and has been paying for her expensive medications entirely out of pocket.

During our meeting, we discovered that Mrs. Jackson was eligible for Medicaid, which could cover her medication costs, something she hadn't realized. She is now working on that application, which should provide significant relief. We were also able to pay her entire electric bill, and her gratitude was deeply moving. It was encouraging to connect her with resources that could provide long-term support for her health needs.

Celebrating Betty's Recovery Journey

Betty's (glasses on her head) story is one of remarkable resilience and recovery. After her husband died, she began using substances to cope with her grief. The consequences were devastating—she lost her four children to the state, her job, and her home. Fortunately, a relative was able to take in her children, but Betty now faces the challenge of paying down $30,000 in child support with her new job.

Today, Betty is in recovery at Oxford House, where she attends meetings regularly and maintains a positive attitude. She is slowly but steadily paying down her child support obligation, demonstrating her commitment to rebuilding her life and relationship with her children. When she needed help with her rent, we were honored to pay one month's rent, supporting her continued recovery and progress toward reuniting with her family.

Building Hope for Patti and Her Son

Patti (really big smile) is an upbeat 50-year-old disabled veteran and mother to a 13-year-old boy. Recently unhoused, she has been working with Uber Eats because the flexible schedule works well with her son's needs, though she hopes to find better employment. The Navigation Center has been instrumental in helping her secure housing and is also assisting with her job search.

When Patti found a place to live, she needed help with the first month's rent. We were glad to provide that assistance, giving her and her son the stability of a home. Patti left our meeting with renewed hope for her future, and we were encouraged by her positive spirit and determination to build a better life for herself and her son.

Addressing Annie's Childcare and Employment Challenges

Annie (not pictured) came to us with her adorable 2-year-old child, facing a crisis that many working parents know all too well. As a mother of three, with two children in pre-kindergarten, she desperately wants a better-paying job but has struggled to find reliable daycare. This challenge has affected her ability to work consistently, causing her to fall behind on her electric bill.

Annie was facing an immediate deadline: she needed to pay a minimum amount by the end of the day to keep her electricity on, and she was understandably desperate. We were able to provide enough assistance to keep her power on, offering immediate relief. The Navigation Center will now help her find both better employment and daycare solutions, addressing the root causes of her financial strain. It was a reminder of how childcare challenges can create cascading difficulties for families trying to achieve stability.

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