Helping Our Community

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, 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.

Celebrating Rick's Transformation

Rick (pictured) is a 45-year-old man whose story represents one of the most encouraging transformations we witness in our ministry. After struggling with addictions, he has truly turned the corner and is now healthy in both body and spirit. This was our first time meeting Rick, and even the staff at The Navigation Center couldn't help but tease him playfully during our interview, a sign of the warmth and progress he's made in his recovery journey.

Rick works as a machine operator and is currently being trained by his employer on new equipment, showing his commitment to building a stable future. He struck us as down-to-earth and honest, qualities that will serve him well as he continues his recovery. When he needed help with his rent at Star Gospel Mission, we were honored to provide that assistance. It was a privilege to support someone who has worked so hard to rebuild his life.

Opening New Doors for Sherry

Sherry (pictured: denim jacket) is a 34-year-old mother whom we had helped about a year ago. When she returned to us, it was clear she was struggling with serious underemployment. We spent considerable time discussing her situation and recommended job counseling through The Navigation Center. Her response was immediate and encouraging—she sought that help right away.

The results were remarkable. The Navigation Center provided her with information about three employers seeking workers at much better wages, all located very close to her home. The transformation in Sherry's demeanor was striking. While she had seemed somewhat sullen when she first arrived, she left our meeting genuinely happy and hopeful about her prospects. We were able to help with her water bill to keep it on for the month, providing stability as she pursues these new employment opportunities.

Supporting Jenn's Housing Transition

Jenn (pictured: no hat), a mother of four, recently made a difficult but necessary decision to buy her way out of her lease due to poor living conditions and move her family to a much better apartment. As a city employee, she typically manages her finances well, but this unexpected housing transition created a temporary strain on her budget.

We were able to help Jenn with part of her utility bill during this transition period. Her appreciation was evident, and it was encouraging to see a mother taking such decisive action to improve her family's living situation. This assistance helped bridge the gap as she settled into her new, healthier home environment.

Advocating for Sharon's Employment Future

Though Sharon was unable to meet with us today due to being called into work, her situation represents the challenges many working families face. At 36, she is raising a 12-year-old child while working only 25 hours per week at a very low wage. The Navigation Center is actively helping her search for better-paying employment, and we are optimistic about her prospects.

Recent illness caused Sharon to fall behind on her rent, and while she can cover part of it, she needed additional assistance. We were able to provide some help toward her rent, working alongside The Navigation Center to ensure she maintains stable housing while pursuing better employment opportunities.

Providing Comfort for Tony During Treatment

Tony's situation required our assistance even though we couldn't meet with him in person. At 64, he is currently hospitalized undergoing radiation therapy for a very serious cancer. His discharge is expected in just a few days, but he will need to continue treatment, and his prognosis remains challenging.

Adding to his medical struggles, Tony recently lost his mother and is working through the complex process of separating his financial obligations from hers. This has left him significantly behind on his electric bill. We were able to provide enough assistance to prevent disconnection, ensuring that when Tony returns home to continue his treatment, he will have the basic comfort of electricity. In times of such serious illness, maintaining these essential services becomes even more crucial for healing and dignity.

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