Caseworkers in ministries and DHS serve thousands of families each day. Through Adopt-A-Worker, you can help them reach more people through prayer, encouragement, and by helping the families in tangible ways.

Purpose

The Adopt-a-Worker program develops a structured relationship between a religious congregation and a government social service worker in three ways. We provide additional resources to assist adults, children and families served by the worker. We enlighten and awaken the congregation to the needs of the poor in their community. And we provide emotional and prayer support to the worker.

Levels of Participation

Congregation members can participate at one of three levels. Commodity support (no Client contact) is general prayer support for the Worker without specific requests. The primary interaction is between the congregational Liaison and the Worker, for communication of tangible needs and collection of materials for Clients. General information is provided about Client conditions and situations to the congregation in written form, and/or by occasional presentations by the Worker. Full support adds Prayer Partner options to the commodity support level, as requested by the Worker. Finally, relational ministry adds individual contact between Members and Clients as appropriate. Initially this contact is related to specific Client needs such as transportation, projects such as home repair, moving, car purchases, etc. If appropriate, it can include more relational activities such as tutoring and mentoring.

Process

1. The congregation agrees to participate in the program and designates a member as Liaison.

2. A qualified worker from a government social service agency requests the opportunity to participate and is assigned to the congregation.

3. Training is provided to the Liaison by Cornerstone, typically in one session.

4. A meeting is scheduled between the congregational Liaison, the Worker and a representative from Cornerstone to develop an outline of specific activities and responsibilities for the adoptive relationship. This process creates an agreement of mutual expectations, and provides appropriate structure and accountability to the relationship.

5. The Liaison agrees to provide reports to Cornerstone regarding contacts between the two parties, resources requested and provided, and general feedback about the relationship.

6. Cornerstone assigns a Program Coach to provide support and assistance to enhance the effectiveness of the relationship.

7. The adoptive relationship is agreed upon for a period of one year. The agreement may be modified anytime during the year by the congregation, the worker or Cornerstone by contacting the other parties and negotiating necessary modifications.