“We find our Family Action Team VERY rewarding to both of us.” (Family Action Team)

“FACT Leader (partner family) has attained her driver’s license and is currently enrolled in GED classes from Community Partner’s help.”

Families

A Family Action Team is made up of a family recruited from a specific neighborhood and one or more community partners. Families selected to participate in the program are committed to the goal of getting out of poverty.

Families work with the Family Action Team Facilitator to complete the 7-week “Getting Ahead in a Just Getting’ by World” curriculum. This curriculum is designed to prepare the family to be the leader of their Family Action Team.

Family Leaders use the insight they learn in their classes to develop a Family Action Plan. Plans are built on strengths and outline the steps needed for families to achieve their goals. This strength-based and family-focused approach helps individuals to achieve long-lasting self-sufficiency because they are developing their goals in a supportive team atmosphere.

The families are also encouraged to participate in the Dialogue to Action Process after they complete the seven week part of the Family Action Team program.

Community Partners

Mentors are recruited to be paired with the families. Through this pairing, an intentional friendship is formed. These friendships provide support for the families as they work on their plans. Some examples of support that the Community Partners may provide is helping the family study for their GED, getting enrolled in secondary education classes or help the family complete a resume for employment.

For 18 months the families and community partners meet formally once a month to work on team building activities and learn valuable information from the various speakers that come to the meetings.

Community Partner Commitment:

• 4-8 hours per month; and
• We ask that you commit to be a Community Partner for up to 18 months

After you are matched with the Family, you will have:

• One monthly Big View meeting with other Family Action Teams and the staff;
• Phone and in-person contact with your family as needed throughout the month;

There is no financial commitment to be a Community Partner.

If you are interested in participating in a Family Action Team in your area, or in participating as a community partner, please call Kathy Stearns, Facilitator, at 459-4581 (ext. 652) or email kstearns@gecac.org.