True Charity

Foundations Workshop in Joplin, MO
2021-02-22 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
Calling all Joplin, MO Community Leaders!

Whether you’re a nonprofit, church, or charity leader, city government leader, or benevolent resident, if you’re involved in poverty alleviation in Joplin, this workshop is for you! We’ll gather together for a one-day intensive dive into the principles and practice of effective charity.
$15 suggested donation at the door to cover the cost of your workbook. Lunch is provided.

Date: Monday, February 22nd, 2021
Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Journey Church 301 S McKinley Ave Joplin, MO 64801

Based on the 7 Marks of Effective Compassion as outlined in Dr. Marvin Olasky’s groundbreaking book The Tragedy of American Compassion, this event will couple dynamic presentations with opportunities for deep discussion and collaboration amongst attendees. Join us for this refreshing opportunity to explore principles of relational, responsible charity and to strategize with other vested community members to truly move the poverty needle in Joplin.

Here’s a glimpse at the day’s content, presented in both lecture and discussion format:

Affiliation – Who is most responsible to help a person in need? We’ll discuss this tricky question and learn the critical importance of restoring key relationships in a person’s life as they journey toward self-sufficiency.
Bonding – What is the role of relationship between charity staff/volunteers and the person in need? We’ll discuss the importance of strong social networks and give practical guidance for establishing these game-changing relationships.
Categorization – Well-executed charity operates from the understanding that different situations call for different charitable responses, and that one-size-fits-all approaches are rarely the solution. We’ll share about different categories of need and corresponding appropriate charitable responses.
Discernment – You’ve heard the quote “knowledge is power.” Charity is no exception! We’ll explore how prudent action, rooted in accurate information brought about by observation, investigation, and communication, is essential to effective charity, and explore tools that can help us do just that.
Exchange – The duty to honor a person’s dignity and capacity is as delicate as it is vital. Learn how an “earn-it” model of charity can awaken a person’s sense of self-worth and set them on a path toward flourishing, and see the ways different charities have put this into practice.
Freedom – Can charity be enslaving? Yes, for both the helper and the helped– misguided charity can produce paternalism for the former and dependence for the latter. Together, we’ll reimagine how charity can preserve a person’s vital freedom rather than diminish it.
God – We’ll dive into the research demonstrating the crucial difference that faith makes in a person’s journey out of poverty, on the part of both the helper and the helped.

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Robert Lupton Q&A Webinar
2021-02-18 10:00 (America/Chicago)
Bob Lupton, author of Toxic Charity
Join us for a time of questions and answers with Robert Lupton, author of Toxic Charity. Lupton will share ideas and wisdom from his 40+ years of community development in Atlanta, GA. Attendees are encouraged to submit their questions in the “chat,” and we’ll get to as many as we can during the hour!
Go to the webinar

Virtual Event: Robert Lupton's "Charity's Demise" General Session - Summit 2019
2021-01-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us for a virtual event Wednesday, January 27th, from 12-1 pm CST, featuring a lecture led by Robert Lupton, author of the bestselling book Toxic Charity. Recorded at our 2019 True Charity Summit, Lupton draws from his 50 years of experience working with the poor in downtown Atlanta to provide practical wisdom for those on the front lines of poverty alleviation. You can click “Get Reminded” in the Facebook embed below or visit gotc.us/stream at the time of the event!
If you cannot see or access the stream below, please click here to visit directly in Facebook.
Click here to tell us what you think and be entered to win copies of Lupton’s Toxic Charity and Charity Detox!
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CharityTracker training
2021-01-08 12:00 - 13:30, 2020-09-18 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
Charity Tracker is a web-based case-management tool that allows you to securely share valuable case information with other charitable organizations. This collaborative tool created by Simon Solutions has allowed us to connect more than 70 churches and charities in the Joplin area to share how we’re helping those in need! This training is perfect for those new to CharityTracker, for those who need to “brush up” on essential CharityTracker skills, and even for those who are just interested in learning more! Here’s what you can expect from this training:

Learn how the system works through hands-on demonstration
Learn how to aggregate key data through reports
Be equipped with best practice guidelines
Learn about Charity Tracker Plus and the ability to monitor and report outcomes
An introduction to joplin.charityresources.us, an inter-referral tool complimentary to CharityTracker
Sign up to access information on more than 70,000 clients who’ve been assisted in the last 15 years

Whether you’re just interested or needing to refresh your team’s Charity Tracker skills, we welcome you to this regular training time. Please plan to bring a sack lunch as we have planned this training during the lunch hour to accommodate for busy schedules. We will have computers available, but you are more than welcome to bring your own device!

Lunch and Learn: Pillars of True Charity-- True Charity is Actualized
2020-10-22 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
All our lives, we’re told to dream: dream of the future, dream of a better world, dream of possibilities. And while hopeful imagination can be good, at some point it must transition to a vision to have any shot at becoming reality. A vision is a dream with structure and a plan. With a well-thought out vision and a roadmap to make it happen, our dreams can transition to an ultimately much more valuable end: reality, or wishes made actual.
Join True Charity Initiative for Lunch and Learn Thursday, October 22nd, from 12-1:15 pm as we discuss the importance of pursuing measurable outcomes in our charity work. We’ll discuss the following:

The difference between outputs and outcomes
The multi-faceted importance for nonprofits to measure outcomes
How authentic and accurate charity empower actualized charity
Helpful tools used by local nonprofits to measure progress toward desired outcomes

For every nonprofit leader, charity volunteer, or generous donor interested in making a long-term impact in the community, this Lunch and Learn is a must! Suggested donation for lunch is $5. Seats are limited, so register today!

Lunch and Learn-Pillars of True Charity: True Charity is Accurate
2020-09-24 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
When it comes to effective poverty resolution, the compassionate poverty fighter needs to keep one phrase at the forefront of his mind: “Challenge develops.” This is true in every area of life—manageable challenge, whether learning to crawl as a baby, taking a difficult college test, or completing a major project at work sharpens and refines us, preparing us to tackle future challenges. What’s more, the implicit message of allowing others to work through challenge is one of hope and empowerment: “You have capacity. You are able. When you exert yourself and problem-solve, the world becomes a better place.” This is a message everyone, the poor included, desperately need to internalize.
Join us for Lunch and Learn Thursday, September 24th, from 12:00-1:15 at Watered Gardens in Joplin, MO, as we discuss the second pillar of True Charity: True Charity is Accurate, how it “hits the mark” of empowerment via challenge. We’ll discuss the following:

How can one-way charity hurt rather than help the recipient?
How do we distinguish the severity of one’s poverty and how do we respond accordingly?
How can focusing on the individual aid in our charity being more accurate?
What is function vs. dysfunction based categorization, and how does it affect the way we help the poor?
What are practical methods by which we can implement challenge with those we serve?

Suggested donation for lunch is $5. Seating is limited, so register today!

Lunch and Learn-Pillars of True Charity: True Charity is Authentic
2020-08-27 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
Essential Questions:

What is the difference between charity inspired by compassion versus compulsion?
What has been the effect of government poverty alleviation programs on the poverty rate?
What is subsidiarity and how is it relevant to charity work?

When it comes to a diamond rings or a Van Gogh, authenticity is of the utmost importance. It speaks to the quality and precision by which these were created, and a cheap knock-off is a total disappointment in comparison. Likewise, artificial, desiccated forms of charity just won’t cut it. When it comes to charity, the poor need the best we have to offer – authentic charity rooted in real compassion that’s highly relational and personalized.
Join True Charity Initiative on Thursday, August 27th, from 12-1:30 pm in the upstairs Willard Learning Center at Watered Gardens for our second lesson in the series Pillars of True Charity: True Charity is Authentic. We’ll explore the following:

The difference between charity inspired by compassion versus compulsion
The results of the ambitious “War on Poverty” government programs spearheaded by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964
The principle of subsidiarity and its relevance to effective charity work

Join us to learn the necessity of voluntarily-sourced, compassionate charity that truly inspires the poor to rise up out of poverty for good. Suggested donation for lunch is $5. Seating is limited, so register today!

CharityTracker Training
2020-05-22 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
Charity Tracker is a secure web-based case-management sharing tool. This True Charity tool created by Simon Solutions has allowed us to connect more than 70 churches and charities in the Joplin area. If you are new to Charity Tracker or want to find out more, please RSVP for this free 90 min Charity Tracker training and demonstration. Here’s what you can expect from this training:

Learn how the system works through hands-on demonstration
Learn how to run reports including meshed demographic data
Be equipped with best practice guidelines
Learn about Charity Tracker Plus and the ability to monitor and report Outcomes
Learn how CharityResources.us fits alongside Charity Tracker
Sign up to access information on more than 70,000 clients who’ve been assisted in the last 15 years

Whether you’re just interested or needing to refresh your team’s Charity Tracker skills, we welcome you to this regular training time. Please plan to bring a sack lunch as we have planned this training during the lunch hour to accommodate for busy schedules. We will have computers available, but you are more than welcome to bring your own device to use for the training. The training will be held in the brick building at our Forge location. https://youtu.be/sa-2-XW8VM4

Lunch and Learn: PovertyCure episode 6-- Churches, Communities, and Culture
2020-05-21 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
Underlying every healthy family, every flourishing community, and every prosperous society is a common thread– thriving relationships. Without this crucial component, the building blocks necessary to move the poor from merely surviving to thriving crumble. How can we restore these crucial relationships to wholeness, characterized by trust, generosity, and accountability?
Join True Charity Initiative for Lunch and Learn as we watch and discuss the 6th and final episode of the PovertyCure series– Churches, Communities, and Culture. We’ll talk about how to foster the conditions necessary for flourishing, from the individual level to the national level. Seating is limited, so RSVP today! Suggested donation is $5 for lunch.

WEBINAR: Compassion and Calamity: Exploring True Charity Principles During Disasters
2020-04-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Missed the webinar? Click here to watch!

For the first time in history, a single US president has declared a state of disaster for all 50 states. As our country reels from COVID-19 and the economic ramifications of stay-at-home orders, shuttered businesses, and lost jobs, it is likely that our communities will experience increasing need. As we navigate these unique challenges, you may find yourself wondering:
“How do principles of True Charity apply in the midst of a crisis?”
Dr. Marvin Olasky, best-selling author of The Tragedy of American Compassion, and True Charity Initative Executive Director James Whitford will join us for this compelling discussion to offer their expertise on what effective charity looks like in an unprecedented national crisis.

The 7 Marks of Effective Charity are major aspects of “true charity,” and these are adapted from Dr. Olasky’s book The Tragedy of American Compassion. Gain more understanding before the webinar by taking the 7 Marks courses at True Charity University – the first two courses are available at no cost!

FEATURING
Dr. Marvin Olasky
Dr. James Whitford

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

How do we effectively determine the need for relief (vs. rehabilitation or development) in crisis situations?
Can we still practice categorization and investigative work?
Is a challenge or exchange model of charity appropriate in a crisis?
In what ways do the CARES Act help or hurt the poor?
What tools are available to help discern need and steward resources?

CharityTracker Training: The Power of Reports
2020-03-26 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. We will let you know as soon as a rescheduled date has been determined.
Did you know that a wealth of community data accrued over years is available at your fingertips through our CharityTracker network? Furthermore, did you know you can quickly and easily pull pieces of relevant information into a succinct and easy-to-read report? Perfect for measuring outcomes, sharing key demographic data with stakeholders and donors, and even applying for grants, the reports feature of CharityTracker opens up a wide array of possibilities– you just have to know how to use it.
Join True Charity Initiative at the Washington Family Hope Center for a training focused specifically on reports. You’ll hear how one local organization used CharityTracker reports to secure a key grant, learn the ropes for how to run a report that best highlights the information you need, and even get to practice running reports of your own. Whether you’re familiar with CharityTracker or the tool’s new to you, this training is beneficial for any church, charity, or non-profit leader looking to bolster their impact or increase their funding!
Please bring a device (laptop, tablet, etc) to follow along with. Seating is limited, so please limit attendees to 2 representatives from each organization. Lunch is provided. Suggested donation is $5. RSVP today to secure your spot!

Lunch and Learn: PovertyCure episode 5-- The Power of the Gospel
2020-02-20 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
One crucial element in effective poverty resolution is hope– men and women experiencing poverty must believe that a better future is not only possible, but awaits them. The Gospel is not only uniquely positioned to deliver this fresh hope, but also to inform each person of his or her value, creative capacity, and purpose. For this reason, it is critically important that poverty alleviation efforts not only address physical needs, but also addresses deep spiritual needs that can exacerbate material symptoms of poverty.
Join True Charity Initiative as we watch and discuss the fifth episode of the PovertyCure series- The Power of the Gospel. We’ll talk about the importance of spiritual health in a person’s journey out of poverty. Suggested donation for lunch is $5. Seating is limited, so RSVP today!

Lunch and Learn: PovertyCure episode 4- Circles of Exchange
2020-01-23 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
The materially poor are just like everyone else in that they are created in the image of God and therefore have innate creative capacity. But what happens when there’s no outlet for the poor to use their creative skills in a productive way? For the poor in developing nations, this is often the case- while there is no shortage of creativity, innovative ideas, and desire to participate in the market economy, many times the poor have been locked out of meaningful trade and thus find themselves trapped in grinding poverty with no reasonable recourse. For the materially poor in the developing world to truly flourish, it’s less about giving material things and more about allowing them to engage in an active global economy.
Join True Charity Initiative on Thursday, January 23rd from 12-1:30 as we watch and discuss the 4th episode of the PovertyCure series: Circles of Exchange. We’ll discuss how and why access to markets is a game-changer in the fight against poverty. We’ll meet in the upstairs Willard Learning Center at Watered Gardens for food, fellowship, and learning. Suggested donation for lunch is $5. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Lunch and Learn: PovertyCure episode 3- Justice for the Poor
2019-12-12 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
Property rights. Rule of law. Just court systems. Though these things may not lend themselves to a celebrity campaign or publicity opportunity as well as clothing giveaways or massive food drops, these are the essential elements necessary to produce a flourishing society. Without them, the poor will remain trapped in poverty. With them, men and women in developing nations will have the fundamental tools necessary to innovate and create subsequent flourishing for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Join True Charity Initiative Thursday, December 12th from 12-1:30 as we watch and discuss the 3rd episode of the PovertyCure series: Justice for the Poor. We’ll talk about the barriers that exist that prevent the poor in developing countries from productively utilizing their God-given gifts, abilities, and innovative nature, and what we can do to remove those barriers. Suggested donation for lunch is $5. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Lunch and Learn: PovertyCure episode 2- The Entrepreneurial Calling
2019-11-14 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
What is material poverty? Is it caused by too many mouths to feed, or too many bodies to clothe? Are scarce resources unable to keep pace with the world’s growing population? The causes of material poverty are myriad and complex, but one thing is for sure: humans are the solution to the woes of poverty, not the problem. As wellsprings of creativity and capacity, humans have the unique ability to create wealth and subsequent flourishing. So how can we meaningfully partner with our materially poor neighbors on their journey out of poverty without participating in degrading handout charity?
Join True Charity Initiative as we watch and discuss the second episode of the PovertyCure series. We’ll discuss ways in which we can promote the innovative capacity of men and women in poverty, with a particular focus on how we can support entrepreneurs here and in developing countries as the wealth creators of their communities. Specifically, we’ll talk about the role of microfinancing and support of SME’s to jumpstart economies. $5 suggested donation for lunch. Seating is limited, so RSVP today!

Lunch and Learn: From Aid to Enterprise
2019-10-31 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
Both here and abroad, America has been dubbed one of the most generous countries on earth. From our clothing drives, food donations, and aid money, we have taken upon ourselves the task to bring prosperity to the least of these. But can we bring prosperity to those trapped in poverty? Or, rather, do we need to promote the conditions necessary for the poor to be able to unleash their capacity and create their own prosperity?
Join True Charity Initiative on Thursday, October 31st from 12-1:15 pm as we watch the first episode of the PovertyCure series. We’ll hear from renowned community developers, entrepreneurs, political and religious leaders, and missions experts on the powerful role that good business can play in lifting men and women out of grinding poverty. Don’t miss this compelling information and discussion! There is a $5 suggested donation for lunch. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Lunch and Learn: Sharing the Story of Good Work
2019-08-29 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
We are living in the Information Age, and we can see the effects all around us. Everywhere we go, we are inundated by corporations, companies, non-profits, churches, charities and more all vying for our attention, using everything from the billboards on our commute to work to the ads on the radio to the phone you hold in your hand. With so much noise around us about everything that everyone has to offer, how does a non-profit stand out? How can a small, privately-funded organization doing good work garner the attention of community members, church bodies, donors, and potential stakeholders? The secret is having a good story and telling it well.
Join us Thursday, August 29th from 12-1:15 pm in the Watered Gardens upstairs Willard Learning Center as we share tips, tricks, and practical advice for sharing the story of your organization’s good work in a way that captures attention. Led by Watered Gardens’ Director of Advancement Travis Hurley, this Lunch and Learn will show you the why and the how behind effective promotion that spurs people to action. There is a $5 suggested donation for lunch. Seating is limited, so RSVP today!

Lunch and Learn: The Christian Vision of the Person and Society
2019-07-25 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
There’s no doubt about it: human beings are complex. From our intricate bodily systems, to our nuanced emotions, to our precise likes and dislikes and unique personality traits, humans are a profound display of detailed complexity. But why does that matter? How can we harness the varying personalities, capacities, and talents of people to foster a flourishing society?
Join True Charity Initiative Thursday, July 25th from 12-1:15 pm for Lunch and Learn on Christian anthropology. We’ll discuss a biblical view of the unique characteristics and roles of the human person and explore how that ultimately informs our views about everything else, from economics to government to charity. We’ll have compelling discussion on the free market vs. socialism, the appropriate role of government, and how our charity work can reflect the dignified nature of the human person. Suggested donation for lunch is $5. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Lunch and Learn: Mentorship
2019-06-27 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
Meaningful relationships that lead to life change are key on the path out of poverty. That sounds great in theory, but what do authentic relationships look like in the day-to-day? How can we transition from surface level chat to deep conversations about the things that matter? What tools and practical measures can be implemented to make genuine relationship building a reality in your ministry or charity?
Join True Charity Initiative on Thursday, June 27th from 12-1:15 pm as James Whitford and Savannah Aleckson present on an essential aspect of effective charity work: relationship building through mentorship. We’ll introduce tools that can help break the ice, discuss mentorship do’s and don’ts, and participate in exercises/demonstrations to help solidify the ideas. Join us in the Upstairs Willard Learning Center for a time of food, fellowship, and learning. Suggested donation for lunch is $5. Seating is limited, so RSVP today to reserve your spot!

Lunch and Learn: When Helping Hurts
2019-05-30 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
There’s no question that the ultimate hope of charitable work is to see poverty not just temporarily alleviated, but permanently resolved. But what’s the best strategy to get there? How can we ensure that our charity work is truly helping people break the cycle of poverty for good? A good starting point is understanding what doesn’t work to resolve poverty– unfortunately, much of what has been deemed charitable and generous is actually substantially harmful not just to the poor, but to ourselves.
Join True Charity Initiative as we explore the nuances of poverty and its resolution as explained in the bestselling book When Helping Hurts. We’ll have compelling discussion over relevant issues, including the following questions:

What are the four foundational relationships and what do they have to do with poverty resolution?
What’s the difference between relief, rehabilitation, and development in charity work, and how can we know when to use each?
What are the different types of paternalism and how can we avoid its harmful effects?

We’ll meet Thursday, May 30th from 12-1:15 in the Upstairs Willard Learning Center at Watered Gardens. Local pastor Geoff Posegate will present over When Helping Hurts, the groundbreaking book by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert detailing sound charitable practices. Suggested donation for lunch is $5. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Lunch and Learn: God
2019-04-23 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
All the best programs, principles, and theories cannot replace the last fundamental piece to effective charity: Faith. Research has shown that faith in God makes a substantial difference in a person’s rebound from poverty. We’ll consider the importance of faith in poverty relief work using recent studies and personal testimonies from those who have successfully broken the cycle of poverty within their own lives.
Join True Charity Initiative on Tuesday, April 23rd from 12-1:15 pm as James Whitford and Savannah Aleckson present over the 7th Mark of Effective Charity- God. We’ll meet in the Upstairs Willard Learning Center for a time of food, fellowship, and learning. Suggested donation for lunch is $5. Seating is limited, so RSVP today to reserve your spot!

Monett Foundations Training- Day 2
2019-03-28 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
How can I know if my charity is actually helping the poor– or hurting them? Why is it essential to see a client as not just a “charity case” but rather someone with unique ability and capacity with something to give? How can I ensure that my charity work is truly empowering to the poor, releasing them from the bondage of dependency? We’ll answer these questions and more as we explore the driving philosophy behind True Charity. Join us as we delve into Marks 4-7 of the Marks of Effective Charity utilizing relevant research, personal testimonials, and compelling discussion.
From this dynamic training, you’ll learn about:

The necessity of observation, investigation, and communication for effective charitable work
Helpful online tools that connect local churches and charities for productive collaboration
A unique assessment that helps you evaluate a client’s total strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
The empowering nature of work in promoting capacity and worth
The importance of preserving economic and experiential freedom
The essential role of faith in a person’s journey out of poverty

The critical knowledge provided during this training is sure to be instrumental to any leader involved in charitable work who strives for effective, outcome-oriented charity. We’ll spend this training discussing the last 4 Marks of Effective Charity: Discernment, Exchange, Freedom, and God.
This half-day training is accredited for 4 continuing education credits for social workers. Cost is $40 per attendee. Can be paid at the door.

Lunch and Learn: Freedom
2019-03-26 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
Perhaps the ultimate aim of charitable work is to see the poor empowered and flourishing. While these goals are certainly noble and worthwhile, they are impossible without Freedom– the 6th Mark of Effective Charity. The poor are often trapped in a cycle of bondage, whether that be financial, psychological, or otherwise. Their freedom to choose has often been restricted. Though we aim to help, sometimes our charity inadvertently keeps the poor enslaved. How can we make certain that our charity acts as a springboard to a better future, rather than a contribution to a restrictive bondage?
Join True Charity Initiative on Tuesday, March 26th from 12-1:30 pm as James Whitford and Savannah Aleckson present over the 6th Mark of Effective Charity- Freedom. We’ll meet in the Upstairs Willard Learning Center for a time of food, fellowship, and learning. Suggested donation for lunch is $5. Seating is limited, so RSVP today to reserve your spot!

Foundations of True Charity Training-- Monett
2019-03-21 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
What role do relationships play in effective charity work? How can you know the best way to help clients in need? Is it possible to participate in charity work that truly empowers the poor rather than trapping them in dependency? We’ll answer these questions and more as we explore the driving philosophy behind True Charity. Join us as we delve into the first 3 of 7 Marks of Effective Charity utilizing relevant research, personal testimonials, and compelling discussion.
From this dynamic training, you’ll learn about:

The relationship between compassion, charity, and justice
The difference between bonding and bridging social capital… and why it matters
The vital importance of the Principle of Subsidiarity… and how to implement it
The necessity of identifying crisis vs. chronic need
The crucial difference between function vs. dysfunction categorization of need
The helpful mentoring tool LifeDeck for building and maintaining constructive relationships

The critical knowledge provided during this training is sure to be instrumental to any leader involved in charitable work who strives for effective, outcome-oriented charity. We’ll spend this training discussing the first 3 Marks of Effective Charity: Affiliation, Bonding, and Categorization. Stay tuned for more details about our next event covering the last 4 Marks of Effective Charity!
This half-day training is accredited for 3 continuing education credits for social workers. Cost is $40 per attendee. Can be paid at the door.

Lunch and Learn: Exchange
2019-02-28 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
What do you see when you look at the poor? Do you see someone helpless, in need of your pity and help? Or do you see someone with innate capacity and worth, with something to give?
An important aspect of charity work is seeing the client as an active participant in his or her own recovery and development rather than simply a “charity case.” One way we can put this valuable concept into practice is through the process of Exchange– the 5th Mark of Effective Charity. Learn how we can help dignify charitable work and remind the poor of their innate ability, all while responding to immediate and pressing needs without participating in harmful one-way handouts.
Join us Thursday, February 28th from 12-1:15 pm in the upstairs Willard Learning Center at Watered Gardens as we fellowship together and continue on our journey through the 7 Marks of Effective Charity. There is a $5 suggested donation for lunch. Seating is limited, so make sure to RSVP today!

Charity Tracker Training
2019-02-22 14:00 - 15:30 UTC
Charity Tracker is a secure web-based case-management sharing tool. This True Charity tool created by Simon Solutions has allowed us to connect more than 70 churches and charities in the Joplin area. If you are new to Charity Tracker or want to find out more, please RSVP for this free 90 min Charity Tracker training and demonstration.

Learn how the system works through hands-on demonstration
Learn how to run reports including meshed demographic data
Be equipped with best practice guidelines
Learn about Charity Tracker Plus and the ability to monitor and report Outcomes
Learn how CharityResources.us fits alongside Charity Tracker
Sign up to access information on more than 70,000 clients who’ve been assisted in the last 15 years

Whether you’re just interested or needing to refresh your team’s Charity Tracker skills, we welcome you to this regular training time. Please remember to bring your laptop to get the most out of this interactive training!

Lunch and Learn: Discernment
2019-01-24 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
Different people, situations, and types of poverty all call for different charitable responses, but how can we know which response is the appropriate one? That’s when the crucial Fourth Mark of Effective Charity comes into play–Discernment. James Whitford and Savannah Aleckson will lead the discussion over wise generosity that utilizes both heart and mind. We’ll talk about the importance of sharing relevant information with others in the charitable community as well as some 21st century tools that make collaboration easier than ever!
Join us on Thursday, January 24th from 12:00-1:15 pm in the Willard Learning Center at Watered Gardens. Suggested donation for lunch is $5. Make sure to RSVP today to reserve your spot!

CharityTracker Luncheon
2019-01-22 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago)
Join us for a time of fellowship, encouragement, and collaboration as we discuss the impact of our CharityTracker network in the Joplin area. We’ll meet together at Mythos for some delicious food on January 22nd, 2019 from 12-1:30 pm. Watered Gardens Executive Director James Whitford and True Charity Initiative Local Director Savannah Aleckson will lead this informative and interactive discussion on CharityTracker, the web-based collaborative tool that has been invaluable to our community. Whether you’re familiar with CharityTracker or not, this luncheon is for you!
We kindly ask that each agency send one representative to this exciting and informative luncheon. There is limited seating available, so make sure to RSVP quickly to this event! We look forward to meeting with the servant leaders in our community as we partner together to pursue effective, outcome-oriented charity.

Lunch and Learn: Categorization
2018-12-27 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Is giving the same treatment to anyone who asks for help the most equitable and charitable thing to do? How can we preserve dignity and enhance an innate sense of capacity within the poor? We’ll discuss these questions and more at our next Lunch and Learn event over the Third Mark of Effective Charity: Categorization. We’ll learn about the critical importance of categorizing those who ask for relief based on their ability and willingness to help themselves.
Join us on Thursday, December 27th from 12:00-1:00 pm in the Willard Learning Center at Watered Gardens. Suggested donation for lunch is $5. Make sure to RSVP today to reserve your spot!
