New Year, New Faces, New Hope

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.

Standing with Beth Through Employment Challenges

Beth (white coat) is a disabled but employed mother of two school-aged children. Her parents help with childcare, providing essential support for the family. Recently, Beth has faced a difficult situation: her employer has failed to pay her all that it owes her. This wage issue has created financial strain, causing her to fall behind on her electricity bill and face disconnection.

Beth was able to pay part of what she owed, demonstrating her commitment to meeting her obligations despite her employer's failure to pay her properly. We were able to provide sufficient assistance to prevent her electricity from being disconnected. It was troubling to see someone who works hard and manages a disability being let down by an employer, and we were glad to help bridge this gap while she works to resolve the wage issue.

Supporting Liz's Journey Toward English Fluency and Stability

Liz is an immigrant from Colombia who is working hard to learn English. She came to our meeting with her daughter and grandchild, and her daughter, who speaks excellent English, acted as translator when necessary. It was clear that this was a close and supportive family. Liz was college-educated in Colombia and currently drives for Uber, though the income is not enough to make ends meet.

Liz (middle in the family photo) hopes to secure permanent employment as she becomes more fluent in English. She has a slight disability, but does not believe it will interfere with her ability to work. When she needed help with her electricity bill, we were honored to provide enough assistance to prevent disconnection. This very nice family is working hard to build a stable life in the Charleston area, and we were encouraged by Liz's determination to improve her language skills and find better employment.

Helping Valerie and Her Son Get Off the Street

Valerie (orange jacket) is currently homeless with her 9-year-old son, living in her car as a result of complications following recent surgery. Despite being homeless, Valerie is employed and makes a decent salary. She has found an apartment and can move into it as soon as she settles an outstanding electricity bill from her previous residence.

The urgency of Valerie's situation was apparent: she and her young son needed to get off the street as quickly as possible. We were able to provide substantial assistance in resolving her electricity debt, clearing the way for her to move into stable housing. Valerie was very grateful, and we were honored to help a mother who is working hard to provide for her son get back into safe, permanent housing. This assistance represents not just financial help, but the restoration of dignity and security for a family in crisis.

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