Total Care & Support Volunteering
In 2005, Safer Communities Ministry introduced its Total Care & Support (TC&S) Program, functioning as a case management follow-up program for the transition of inmates and the support of ex-offenders.
TC&S is made available to all ex-offenders from the Union County Jail. Both TC&S and the Life Skills Program are administered by SCM as part of its contract with Union County and are overseen by the Sheriff’s Office.
TC&S has four objectives, also know as the “Four Ps”:
- “Get the Picture” of what is going on in seven life areas through an assessment. These life areas are jobs/ career, education/training, social service type needs, substance abuse, finances, spiritual life, and significant human relationships;
- Make a Plan by setting goals in each life area;
- Put in Place community support people and resources to help accomplish the goals; and
- Keep track of Progress with reports entered into tracking software.
Without the efforts of TC&S staff and volunteers the power of “walking alongside” ex-offenders as they face social, educational, emotional and spiritual obstacles to building a new life would be lost.
Volunteers are needed in two primary areas:
- Disciplers for spiritual growth:
encourage and guide a person with loving accountability to grow spiritually and to apply God’s Word and their life experience with God to everyday issues. - Goal Setters for coaching and accountability:
encourage and guide a person with loving accountability to set and achieve goals in life areas that deal with all aspects of the total person. - Mentors for alcohol /substance abuse:
encourage and guide a person with loving accountability to maintain sobriety. While the role of Life Coaches achieves the first two “Ps” in the objectives in TC&S, it takes many more people to achieve the final two “Ps” that enable ex-offenders to achieve long-term success. Will you be part of supporting their efforts?
Support Areas
Job Help
- Give a ride to a job interview
- Assist staff in creating resumes
- Give ride to job sites
- Assist in job readiness training
Education/Certifications Help
- Tutor for reading, math, GED, etc.
Social Service Type Needs Help:
- Assist in locating housing
- Be an advocate to help resolve issues with agencies, institutions, businesses, etc.
- Translation help
Financial Issues
- Teach financial management/budgeting
- Assist in credit/debt issues
- Be a budget coach
Spiritual Help
- Bring person to church/Sunday School
- Invite to Christian events
- Bring to a Bible study/prayer group for spiritual growth
Be a Friend
- Invite to wholesome, fun events or sports activities
- Be a listening ear, encourager (speak truth in love)
- Share hobbies (e.g., fishing, golf, sports, etc.)
- Introduce to new friends
Training for TC&S volunteers is ongoing. To find your place in this exciting ministry, we invite you to come for a brief time of information and training that can lead to countless changed lives -- including ex-offenders, their families and your community. Call 704.283.3573 for the time and location of the next training session.
