| Project Compassion |

What to expect?

In an effort to help potential Project Compassion families and volunteers understand their role in the process and we have established the following guidelines:

· We expect families to be as transparent and honest throughout the entire process disclosing any information that may be helpful.  Volunteers are expected to show extra care, patience and commitment in assisting these families throughout the process.

· Families are expected to be committed to moving from a position of homelessness or temporary housing to one of permanent housing.  Volunteers are also to be committed to utilizing Vine and other available resources in helping our families complete this transition.

· In extreme family situations Project Compassion will be able to extend two-weeks worth of immediate services including temporary housing and food.  During this time families are committed to meeting with a representative of Project Compassion for an initial interview and twice during the two-week evaluation period.

· If formally accepted into the program families are required to meet with a representative of Project Compassion at least twice a month.  We encourage able-bodied family members to be committed to finding gainful employment both during the initial two week period. Families are also expected to continue their employment search during the formal process where services will be extended for a maximum of three months if requirements are met.  Project Compassion Volunteer teams are committed to working collaboratively to assist the families in providing coordinated meals, assist with minor housing request, locating food resources, transportation, employment and other reasonable request (when possible).

· In an effort for the families that Project Compassion assist to gain a better level of familiarity and understanding of our organization and our volunteers we reserve the right to extend a welcome to our families to Vine Community Church related services and events.  This is done in an effort that families will get a chance to be around and personally meet and interact (in a different setting) with those volunteers that will be personally assisting them.

Getting Involved

There are a number of ways that Vine Church members can get involved with Project Compassion. If you have a heart for serving those in need and want to find our more about any of the programs and where you fit in please contact Cavanaugh Gray at cgray@vinecommunitychurch.com or directly at 618-351-8463  ext. 115.