Buckhead Christian Ministry, Inc.
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I joined the Board this year because I think BCM's approach is the most strategic and effective I've seen in preventing homelessness. BCM combines effective life skills training with rent and utility assistance (and food pantry) to enable clients to remain in their homes through a crisis and then become better prepared to handle future crises.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The live testimonials from those who have gone through the program are powerful....things as simple as learning how to create and monitor a household budget are making a difference (and will have a ripple effect to the next generation as current clients pass the knowledge on to their children).
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Grow the service territory.
Buckhead Christian Ministry (BCM) is a lifeline for all the people they serve. It provides food, helps with rent and utility assistance and the thrift store provides needed clothing and household supplies. Not only that, but each client is treated with respect and kindness. There is even a volunteer position at the front desk named "hospitality" so each client is greeted warmly and offered a place to sit and rest until their name is called. During this very busy holiday season, BCM provides Thanksgiving Baskets to as many clients as we can. In addition in December there is a Joyous Toys store where parents can "shop" for gifts for their children. These toys have been donated by BCM's supporters. BCM is great!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing the numbers of clients that have been helped. The organization has continued to provide new services (transitional housing, money management, new trhiftstore location, etc.) as the need has arisen and as funds have been available. The fact that BCM provides so many different kinds of volunteer activities is especially attractive - it can meet so many people's need to serve.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The only changes I would make would be to have more financial support come to BCM so they could serve more clients in need and be able to provide services to prevent hunger to those who need additional food. More partner churches and more foundations, etc. to give to BCM would be the only thing I would change.
BCM provides emergency services such as rent assistance and food to help the working poor in 15 area zip codes. In addition, the transitional housing and 70/30 programs provide clients with life skills and money management. With an incredibly talented staff of social workers and a very well-trained volunteer contingent, these programs have demonstrably changed lives in our community. BCM's used clothing and household effects store makes these items available to our clients at a very low cost. BCM is fortunate to an excellent professional leadership team exhibiting dedication and solid hard work.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing the faces of those who have been helped by BCM.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Be able to raise more money to provide assistance for more people in need.
I am now in my third year working with some the most Blessed people I have ever met. Not only are they Blessed, their work for the poor and unfortunate in our midst is reward enough for my simple contribution. As a board member and head of the finance committee I have seen the Lord continuosly provide all of the resources we need on a day to day basis.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I always leave every meeting and effort with more than I came with.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give them more money.
BCM is a wonderful organization that has helped countless working parents learn how to help themselves through life changing interactions with kind and helpful BCM volunteers. The BCM staff and volunteers do not stop with making sure these desparate families have enough food, clothing, and shelter, they truely change their lives by showing them how to manage thier money and helping to prepare them to find gainful employment. By creating an environment where these individuals understand that BCM is not just a place to recieve a free hand out, but rather a place that expects them to work toward a better life for themselves and their families. It is amazing to see the way BCM improves the self esteem and self worth of these individuals that want so desparately to improve their lives, but just need some guidance and understanding. The value BCM provide to our community is difficult to quantify, but the results are truely amazing. I am proud to be associated with such a great group of employees, board members, volunteers, financial supporters and clients.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
As a board member I have been able to see how much our managment staff and volunteers have do with our current budget and know that we have so many individuals that we are not able to help because we do not have the resources we need. There is significant demand that we can not satisfy, but we will expand and enhance our programs and services as our financial support increases. I encourage anyone that is interested to please contact me or anyone at our BCM office to set up a visit.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I can not think of anything other than expand the programs and services, but that requires additional capital.
Now more than ever, Buckhead Christian Ministry's mission of preventing hunger and homelessness is vital as there or more and more who find themselves in a short or mid-term crisis situation with no where else to turn. In addition to providign temporary financial assistance, the transitional housing program can provide meaningful and lasting change for not only those assisted, but anyone whose lives they touch.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing the ability as an intake volunteer to immediately impacct the lives of those in crisis.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
expand fundraising focus to serve more
Now more than ever, Buckhead Christian Ministry's mission of preventing hunger and homelessness is vital as there or more and more who find themselves in a short or mid-term crisis situation with no where else to turn. In addition to providign temporary financial assistance, the transitional housing program can provide meaningful and lasting change for not only those assisted, but anyone whose lives they touch.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing the ability as an intake volunteer to immediately impacct the lives of those in crisis.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
expand fundraising focus to serve more
BCM is a never ending source of inspiration to me as I work with the organization. Watching volunteers council with clients and work to help them figure out solutions to their problems is most impressive. Not only do they provide financial help but programs are in place to educate and encourage budgeting and thrift to prevent financial woes from recurring. I enjoy working with the staff as they seek to keep the various programs operating and to fine tune their efforts to better serve their clients. Money is always carefully spent and planning is done to ensure that none is wasted. The organization and everyone involved serve as a never ending inspiration to help me know how fortunate I am and to inspire me to seek to try to help others.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have experienced the results of this organization by watching clients get their life under controll financially.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
To expand their efforts into other communities so others could benefit from similar efforts.
BCM is a ministry that serves the working poor of Atlanta. One of the best things I like about BCM is the relationship between BCM and the client. It is not a hand out but more of a co-op program. Another great thing is the professional staff who are trained socail workers. This is their expertise and know how to work with people in need. This is their full time job whereas some people try to do it on a part time basis. Being the past Chair of the Board, I worked closely with the Executive director and the director of development. BCM is an extremely well run organization. I beleive 81% of your money goes straight to client services. That iwhat Ilook for when I make a contribution to a charity. BCM is just a wonderful resource for our churchs to help them in this area .
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have received alot more from BCM than what I have given
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
None. Just need more money to serve so many people in economic troubles
BCM is one of the finest organizations I have ever been a part of. The people who work for BCM are so committed to the cause and care so much for the their clients. They also care so much for each other. Helen has done a great job assemlbing a wonderful team of people who go above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis. I am honored to be associated with BCM
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Board membership and being a volunteer
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
try to be more like BCM, they are wonderful, giving people
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