FAQ | Starfish Ministries

Testimonials

"It is not advice they need, but the encouragement to explore the answers and...using you as a sounding board to work it out...then talking with them at a later date and hearing how they...solved their problem. I think this is a piece that has been missing..."
-Sylvia, an ally

Frequently Asked Questions What is an ally? An ally is someone who shares what they have learned during their lifetime with someone who has not had the same advantages in their lives. It involves listening, asking good questions, and helping others identify the steps they need to take to reach their goals. "[Allies] are not experts or know-it-alls - they are ordinary Christians who have the opportunity and privilege of coming alongside others and helping them succeed in fulfilling their God given potential." [From Coaching 101, Discover the Power of Coaching, by Robert E. Logan and Sherilyn Carlton with Tara Miller, published by ChurchSmart Resources, 2003.] Who are the participant families? The family could be one already being given relief by your church. Inviting one of these families to come under our umbrella can help define the relationship, provide accountability, and allow the family to move toward self- reliance. Or, they could be a family on our waiting list. We may have families in your community who are waiting for a church to adopt them. How do we get the volunteers on board? First, set a date and time for an informational meeting for interested members of your congregation. This could be an adult education session on Sunday morning or whatever other day/time suits your congregation. Our staff will share the goals of the ministry, the responsibilities and the commitment. Posters and flyers advertising this meeting will be made available to you. If there is adequate interest, a date and time is then set for ally orientation. This is a 2- to 3- hour training for those who may be interested in volunteering. No commitment is made at this time. Next, your church hosts a meal where the allies have the opportunity to meet and get to know the potential participant families. Childcare will be needed. Our staff will facilitate the get-acquainted meeting which will follow the meal. After this gathering, the allies will be asked to make a commitment to work with a participant. Our staff will then arrange a meeting to introduce the allies to the participant family and to review their goals. What other volunteers or assistance will be needed? It is helpful to continue the monthly meeting at the church; it makes the families more comfortable with the church and its members. So, there will be opportunities for others to: provide meals, provide childcare provide transportation, perhaps teach a skill, perhaps do simple repairs, or a variety of other tasks. They may have physical needs, such as household goods, clothes, furniture or even specific, short-term financial needs. If the resources cannot be found elsewhere, this may be an opportunity for the church and its members to help. What is the role of Starfish Ministries? Our staff... screens the family and their needs to gauge their level of motivation to change. helps the family identify their initial goals and identify the kinds of resources they will likely need. assists the church in recruiting volunteers. provides a 2-3 hour orientation and initial training for allies. facilitates the get acquainted gathering. introduces the allies and the family. acts as a resource to the allies and family. monitors the relationships through quarterly meetings with the allies and family. facilitates the ending of the formal relationship, even if the friendships continue. What does the participant family bring? Every family brings some level of motivation to make positive changes. They bring experiences and skills which are different than ours but equally impressive. They bring little support and the need for much encouragement. Finally, they bring the potential to be much more than they currently are. How do I learn more? Contact Bonnie Smith at 651-457-2477 or .