Fall Uplifting Stories

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 robust, collaborative network of over 70 organizations dedicated to this work. It is through this partnership that we can be part of actual, lasting life change. Here are a few more stories of our neighbors who this shared work has helped.

Supporting Bill's Fresh Start

Bill has recently been released from incarceration after serving time for multiple offenses. Remarkably, he describes his prison experience as very positive, and he has carried that transformative spirit into his current living situation at a group home, where he has fully embraced the supportive environment and structure.

Bill had been working in construction and doing good work, but the project ended when it was completed, leaving him to search for new employment. When he needed help with one week's rent, a charity stepped forward to pay part of it, and we were honored to cover the remainder. Bill's gratitude was evident, and we were encouraged by his positive attitude and commitment to building a new life.

Celebrating Wendy's Recovery and New Employment

Wendy recently lost her job due to illness, but she has recovered and secured a decent job. As a mother of two children living in partially subsidized housing, she works hard to provide stability for her family. When she needed help with her rent during this transition period, we were glad to assist.

The transformation in Wendy's demeanor was terrific to see—she left our meeting with a bright smile, clearly relieved and hopeful about her family's future. It was encouraging to support someone who had overcome health challenges and was actively working to rebuild financial stability.

Embracing Mark's Renewed Faith and Commitment

Mark has recently been released from prison with a remarkably positive outlook on life. His enthusiasm for his new path was evident throughout our conversation—he constantly shared his deep commitments to living an honest life and to his faith in Jesus Christ. Currently living at a home for recently released prisoners, Mark is taking active steps toward independence.

Oxford House has agreed to provide Mark with housing and job placement assistance, but he needed help with the first week's rent. We were honored to provide that assistance, supporting his transition to this next phase of his recovery and reintegration. Mark's passionate commitment to his new life was truly inspiring.

Supporting Martha and Her Five Grandchildren

Martha is a disabled 62-year-old grandmother who has taken on the tremendous responsibility of raising five grandchildren. She came to The Navigation Center facing a cascade of utility problems that began with an undetected water leak, leading to a costly water bill. The water company threatened to discontinue service unless a substantial portion of the debt was paid.

This water crisis then affected Martha's ability to pay her electric bill, putting her family at risk of losing that essential service. We were able to help with her electric bill, providing relief for this devoted grandmother. Martha left our meeting visibly relieved and deeply appreciative, and we were honored to help ensure that her grandchildren continue to have a stable home environment.

Building a Payment Plan for Sally's Family

Sally is a 41-year-old mother of three who has recently emerged from a period of unemployment. The children's father is unable to provide child support due to his own financial limitations. Sally has secured a good-paying job, but she had not yet received her first paycheck when her electric bill became critically overdue.

We worked directly with the electric company to arrange a payment plan for Sally's substantial past-due amount. When we asked how much she could contribute toward the large first payment, she covered almost half. We provided the remaining amount of that first payment, setting her up for success as her paychecks begin to come in. This collaborative approach gave Sally both immediate relief and a manageable path forward.

Honoring Tom's Generosity and Artistic Spirit

Tom is a remarkably happy 69-year-old man who lives alone on a modest Social Security check, which he supplements by selling his artwork. Usually, he manages to make ends meet through this combination of income sources. However, when his sister became seriously ill at the same time her daughter was facing legal problems, Tom's generous heart led him to help his family.

Tom's assistance to his sister nearly resulted in his electric service being disconnected. When he managed to satisfy that bill, he found himself unable to pay his rent. We were honored to help Tom with part of his rent, which satisfied his landlord and gave him time to catch up. It was a privilege to support someone whose generosity toward his family had created his own financial challenge.

Addressing Mary's Complex Housing and Childcare Challenges

Mary is a mother raising a very active young child with no family support and a minimal income. She can only work when she can find daycare, which creates ongoing challenges for maintaining steady employment. Her situation became more complex when her landlord failed to pay utility bills for three months, despite being contractually required to do so.

The suspension of SNAP benefits made it impossible for Mary to afford groceries, and she still couldn't find reliable daycare. Although her landlord sent a check for some of the back water bills, it was made out to the wrong person, adding to her frustration. The Navigation Center helped with rent, but Mary's electric service was scheduled for disconnection unless she could pay a minimal amount. We provided that critical payment, preventing disconnection and giving Mary breathing room to address her other challenges.

Providing Support During David's Cancer Treatment

David's situation required our assistance while he was hospitalized, being treated for a very aggressive form of stomach cancer. We conducted our interview by phone, as The Navigation Center had been working with him for several weeks. David normally works at Outback Steakhouse, but his cancer treatment has made it impossible for him to work.

David has applied for disability benefits, but the approval process takes time, leaving him without income during his treatment. His sister has helped as much as her limited income allows. When The Navigation Center asked us to help with David's electric bill, we were honored to provide enough assistance to prevent disconnection. Ensuring that David has electricity during his cancer treatment and recovery is a basic comfort that supports his healing process.

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