True Charity

Empowering Youth in Poverty: A Webinar with Ismael Hernandez
2022-03-22 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
How we address poverty matters. Our charity can either equip the person in need to overcome future challenges, or undermine his ability to do so.
The question is: how does that principle apply to children in material need?

Join True Charity Initiative for a webinar featuring Ismael Hernandez, founder and president of the Freedom and Virtue Institute, to explore this important question. Ismael is passionate about finding approaches to poverty alleviation that are empowering and developmental for people of all ages. This passion is evident in his Self-Reliance Clubs, an initiative of the Freedom and Virtue Institute that gives school children the opportunity to earn school supplies and other goods through entrepreneurial action. Ismael will share the vision behind Self-Reliance Clubs and will give his best tips for helping low-income youth find and pursue paths to a flourishing life.
After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to engage Ismael for a time of Q&A. True Charity Network members will receive exclusive on-demand access to the recording of the webinar. You can learn more and sign up for the True Charity Network here.

Mentorship Training: A Guide to Walking with the Poor (2 evening sessions)
2022-02-28 - 2022-03-07
For those living in chronic poverty, the root need is not for material things– rather, so often the root need is for relationships. Indeed, research has shown that the poor tend to be disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and community, wreaking havoc on their health and stability and hindering their path out of poverty. This suggests that perhaps the foremost act of charity should be kindling a connection with those in need– but many are hesitant. How do you break the ice? How do you balance encouragement and confrontation? What if there are difficult root issues at play?
Join the True Charity Initiative for in-depth training on mentorship across two evenings – Monday, February 28th and Monday March 7th from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. We’ll equip attendees with practical tips and tools that can help you confidently develop real relationships with those in need. If you understand the value of embedding those in need in a loving community but struggle to know how to take the first step, this training is for you!
You will learn:

Features of a healthy mentoring relationship
The importance of promoting self-sufficiency
Techniques for evaluating and goal-setting
Tips for navigating tricky areas such as confrontation

There is no required fee for this training but we appreciate you registering below so we know how many workbooks to supply. A small donation at the door is encouraged for your materials.

Biblical Foundations of True Charity @ Joplin Family Worship Center
2022-02-21 19:00 - 20:00 UTC
Biblical Foundations of True Charity is a one-hour class that shows how to bridge the gap from compassion to changed lives. It covers foundational concepts from the experience of seasoned poverty fighters and shows their origin in Scripture. This session is for any Christian – regardless of their occupation or role – and will cover:

The true nature and root causes of poverty
The responsibility of everyone in the Church to be actively involved in service to the poor
The Biblical mandate for service in a discerning way that empowers people and doesn’t amplify root problems
The importance of honestly assessing the impact of our efforts

Good intentions are not enough. We have to accomplish God’s mission, God’s way!
Join us on February 21, 2022 at Joplin Family Worship Center at 7:00 PM.
**This training is FREE to attendees thanks to sponsorship of Joplin Family Worship Center through their True Charity Network membership. RSVP is not required, but we would love to know you’re going to be there (see below)!

Foundations Workshop in Webb City, MO
2022-02-11 08:00 - 16:30 UTC
Calling all Church and Non-profit Leaders, Staff and Volunteers!
Whether you’re a nonprofit or church leader, staff or board member, or volunteer—if you’re involved in poverty alleviation, this workshop is for you! We’ll gather together for an intensive dive into the principles and practice of effective charity.

Date: Friday, February 11, 2022
Time: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Wellspring Church, 2424 N. Main Street, Webb City, MO 64870
Cost: $50 for lunch and materials, True Charity Network members: $40

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.
Here’s a glimpse of the day’s content:

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.

The Trauma-Informed Poverty Fighter: A Webinar with Dave Lockridge
2021-12-14 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Those on the frontlines of poverty alleviation are well-acquainted with the counter-productive, harmful, and even bizarre behavior that so often accompanies poverty: stunted emotional development, lack of self-control, irrational or risky behavior, and a propensity for numbing agents such as drugs or alcohol are common issues.
The persistence and severity of these problems can be a head scratcher and a headache for poverty fighters. But untangling these deep-seated issues doesn’t have to be a mystery: as it turns out, there is rhyme and reason behind many of these harmful habits and hang-ups. Trauma, if left unaddressed, wreaks havoc on the mind and heart of the person who experienced it, leaving mental and emotional scars that often manifest themselves as dysfunctional behavior. More frightening still is the tendency of those who have experienced trauma to perpetuate it: using and abusing others, just as they have been used and abused.
Is there hope for those who have experienced life’s worst atrocities? Can we help put a stop to the perpetuation of trauma? Is there a way to sensitively and intelligently respond to troubling behaviors? At True Charity, we give a resounding “yes!” to these questions and invite you to join us for an exploration of the impact and healing of trauma.
Join True Charity Initiative for a webinar featuring Dave Lockridge, Founder and CEO of ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Overcomers. Dave is a recognized leader in the trauma-informed movement both nationally and internationally who takes a scientific yet sensitive approach to issues of trauma. This introductory webinar is perfect for those who need a basic understanding of and strategy for addressing trauma.
After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to engage Dave for a time of Q&A. True Charity Network members will receive exclusive on-demand access to the recording of the webinar. You can learn more and sign up for the True Charity Network here.

Mentorship Training: A Guide to Walking with the Poor
2021-11-20 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
For those living in chronic poverty, the root need is not for material things– rather, so often the root need is for relationships. Indeed, research has shown that the poor tend to be disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and community, wreaking havoc on their health and stability and hindering their path out of poverty. This suggests that perhaps the foremost act of charity should be kindling a connection with those in need– but many are hesitant. How do you break the ice? How do you balance encouragement and confrontation? What if there are difficult root issues at play?
Join the True Charity Initiative for an in-depth training on mentorship Saturday, November 20th from 1-4 pm. We’ll equip attendees with practical tips and tools that can help you confidently develop real relationships with those in need. If you understand the value of embedding those in need in a loving community but struggle to know how to take the first step, this training is for you!
There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door to cover the cost of your workbook.

Foundations Workshop in Huntsville, AL
2021-11-09 08:00 - 2021-11-10 12:00 UTC
Calling all Huntsville, AL Community Leaders!

Whether you’re a nonprofit or church leader, board member, or volunteer—if you’re involved in poverty alleviation in Huntsville, this workshop is for you! We’ll gather together for an intensive dive into the principles and practice of effective charity.

Date: Tuesday and Wednesday, November 9-10, 2021
Time: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Student Center at First Baptist Church, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL. Please use entrance #7 to access the building for this event.
Cost: $20 for lunch on Nov 9 and all materials

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 Huntsville.
We’ll also explore Charity Tracker, an online collaboration tool being used in communities across the United States. Charity Tracker is a secure, web-based case management sharing tool that allows churches, charities, and other nonprofits to communicate about how they are helping individuals in need in their community. This tool empowers your organization with information recorded in real time about how your client has been previously assisted.
Here’s a glimpse of the day’s content:

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.

Register Now

Foundations Workshop in Springfield, MO
2021-10-22 08:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago)
Calling all Springfield, 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 Springfield, this workshop is for you! We’ll gather together for an intensive dive into the principles and practice of effective charity.

Date: Friday, October 22, 2021
Time: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Victory Mission and Ministry; 1715 N Boonville Ave, Springfield, MO 65803

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 Springfield.

Here’s a glimpse of the day’s content:

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.

Register Now

Mentorship training: A Guide to Walking with the Poor
2021-08-23 17:30 - 20:00 UTC
UPDATE: This class is full! Keep an eye out for our next quarterly mentorship training.
For those living in chronic poverty, the root need is not for material things– rather, so often the root need is for relationships. Indeed, research has shown that the poor tend to be disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and community, wreaking havoc on their health and stability and hindering their path out of poverty. This suggests that perhaps the foremost act of charity should be kindling a connection with those in need– but many are hesitant. How do you break the ice? How do you balance encouragement and confrontation? What if there are difficult root issues at play?
Join the True Charity Initiative for an in-depth training on mentorship Monday, August 23rd from 5:30-8 pm. We’ll equip attendees with practical tips and tools that can help you confidently develop real relationships with those in need. If you understand the value of embedding those in need in a loving community but struggle to know how to take the first step, this training is for you!
Dinner will be provided. There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door.

The Externally Focused Church: A Webinar with Rick Rusaw
2021-08-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Jesus teaches His followers to be a “City on a Hill”, letting their “light shine before others” (Matthew 5:13-16). Furthermore, scripture is clear that spirit-filled Christians have a duty to care for the poor, marginalized, and disenfranchised. For the modern-day church, these instructions can be simultaneously inspiring and intimidating: How do we carry out this incredible responsibility in an impactful, meaningful way? What does it look like practically in the day-to-day for the Church to engage the broken? How can we inspire our fellow congregants to get outside the four walls of the church to meet with those who are hurting?
Join True Charity Initiative for a webinar featuring Rick Rusaw, co-author of the popular book The Externally Focused Church, for an exploration of the Church’s unique role in community development and poverty alleviation efforts. Rick will draw on his years of experience as a pastor of a Colorado church to discuss how your congregation can shift from internally-focused activity to externally-focused impact. You can expect the following:

Tips for meaningful collaboration between the church and other resources in the community
Strategies for welcoming and building healthy relationships with isolated community members
Ideas for shifting church benevolence from repetitive handout charity to developmental, relational charity

After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to engage Rick for a time of Q&A. True Charity Network members will receive exclusive on-demand access to the recording of the webinar. You can learn more and sign up for the True Charity Network here.

Register Now

Foundations Workshop in Nevada, MO
2021-07-22 08:00 - 2021-07-23 12:00 UTC
Calling all Nevada, MO Community Leaders!

Whether you’re a nonprofit or church leader, board member, or volunteer—if you’re involved in poverty alleviation in Nevada, this workshop is for you! We’ll gather together for an intensive dive into the principles and practice of effective charity.

Date: Thursday and Friday, July 22-23, 2021
Time: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: On My Own, Inc. 428 E. Highland Avenue Nevada, MO 64772
Cost: $20 to cover lunch and materials
Lunch will be provided on Thursday, July 22nd

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 Nevada.
We’ll also explore Charity Tracker, an online collaboration tool being used in communities across the United States. Charity Tracker is a secure, web-based case management sharing tool that allows churches, charities, and other nonprofits to communicate about how they are helping individuals in need in their community. This tool empowers your organization with information recorded in real time about how your client has been previously assisted.
Here’s a glimpse of the day’s content:

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.

Foundations Workshop in Monett, MO
2021-06-29 08:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago)
Calling all Monett, 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 Monett, this workshop is for you! We’ll gather together for an intensive dive into the principles and practice of effective charity.

Date: Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Time: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: St. Lawrence Parish, 405 7th Street, Monett 65708

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 Monett.

Here’s a glimpse of the day’s content:

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.

Register Now

Lunch and Learn: Sharing the Story of Good Work
2021-06-24 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
You’ve got the vision, the heart, and the hands ready to work to bring hope and healing to those experiencing poverty in your community. That’s the easy part– now, how do you help donors and stakeholders also catch this vision? After all, good work needs a good team behind it in order to succeed! How does a nonprofit build a team of loyal donors?
Join True Charity Initiative for Lunch and Learn on Thursday, June 24th from 12-1:30 pm in the upstairs Willard Learning Center at Watered Gardens Outreach Center. Travis Hurley, Director of Advancement at Watered Gardens Ministries, will share a foundational framework along with some helpful tips, tools, and strategies to help your nonprofit get your fundraising efforts off the ground.
Lunch is provided; suggested donation is $5 at the door. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Lunch and Learn: Mentorship-- Flourishing through Friendship (Part II)
2021-06-17 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
For those living in chronic poverty, the root need is not for material things– rather, so often the root need is for relationships. Indeed, research has shown that low-income people tend to be disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and community, wreaking havoc on their health and stability. This suggests that perhaps the foremost act of charity should be the giving of our time and our love to those starved of relationship– but where do we start?
Join True Charity Initiative for Lunch and Learn on June 17th from 12-1:30 pm in the upstairs Willard Learning Center at Watered Gardens Outreach Center. We’ll continue our journey exploring the good of mentorship in delivering lasting hope and opportunity to the poor. During part 1 of this lesson, we reviewed foundational concepts and terms. Now, we’ll practically apply the foundational concepts by exploring tools and tips that can help kindle authentic, transformational relationships through mentoring! No worries if you missed part 1– there will still be plenty to glean regardless if you missed that lesson!
Lunch is provided; there is a suggested donation of $5 at the door. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Foundations Workshop in Hillsdale, MI
2021-05-24 08:00 - 2021-05-25 16:30 (America/Chicago)
Calling all Hillsdale, MI 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 Hillsdale, this workshop is for you! We’ll gather together for an intensive dive into the principles and practice of effective charity.

Date: Monday and Tuesday, May 24 – 25, 2021
Time: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Cambria Baptist Church, 2772 Lilac Rd. Hillsdale, MI
Lunch will be provided both days

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 Hillsdale.
We’ll also explore Charity Tracker, an online collaboration tool being used in communities across the United States. Charity Tracker is a secure, web-based case management sharing tool that allows churches, charities, and other nonprofits to communicate about how they are helping individuals in need in their community. This tool empowers your organization with information recorded in real time about how your client has been previously assisted.

Here’s a glimpse of the day’s content:

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.

Register Now

Joplin, MO Lunch and Learn: Mentorship-- Flourishing with the Poor
2021-04-22 12:00 - 14:00 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, April 22nd at 12:00 pm to explore 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. We’ll meet in the Upstairs Willard Learning Center at Watered Gardens for a time of fellowship and learning. Lunch will be provided. Suggested donation of $5. Seating is limited, so RSVP today to reserve your spot!

Foundations Workshop in Neosho, MO
2021-04-17 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Content is protected.

Lunch and Learn-- Handouts in Haiti: The Unintended Consequences of Perpetual Relief in Haiti and at Home
2021-03-26 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you are outrageously wealthier than an average Haitian man or woman. He is sitting right now on a pile of large rocks in the hot sun, chipping them into smaller rocks with the hope to sell them as gravel. She is carrying 40 pounds of water on her head on a mile-long trek from a muddy creek to a muddy hovel. Clearly, these poor folks need a little assistance, but what kind? Should we just buy them some food and a water purifier? Will that change their situation? Will anything?
Join us for Lunch and Learn as we engage with a recent practitioner of charity in one of the poorest countries in the world. After studying economics and serving as an Army officer, True Charity’s own Membership Director Nathan Mayo and his wife lived and worked in rural Haiti from 2018 to 2020. Nathan combines his economic perspective with firsthand experience to explore the unintended consequences of one-way giving andconsider better alternatives.
We’ll consider the following questions:

Is perpetual relief justified in extreme poverty situations?
How do principles like challenge and self-sufficiency translate to places where desperate need is a routine occurrence?
How can individuals and organizations practice effective charity across large cultural divides?
What can we learn about charity in the US from the lessons of developing countries?

Join us Friday, March 26th in the upstairs Willard Learning Center at Watered Gardens in Joplin, MO for Lunch and Learn. Suggested donation for lunch is $5. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today!

CharityTracker training in Salem, MO
2021-02-25 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Calling all Salem, MO church, charity, and nonprofit leaders, staff, and volunteers!

Join in exploring a helpful tool being launched in your community called CharityTracker! Charity Tracker is a secure web-based case-management sharing tool that allows churches, charities, and other nonprofits to communicate about how they are helping individuals in need in their community. This innovative tool empowers your organization with information recorded in real-time about how your client has been previously assisted in Salem.

Date: Thursday, February 25th
Time: 9 AM – 12 PM
Location: Salem Community Center at The Armory, 1200 W. Rolla Rd. Salem, MO 65560

Don’t forget to bring a computer! It’s vital you bring a device you are comfortable with to practice.

Charity Tracker offers a free, 2 week trial, so there is no payment required to create an account. Whether you’re ready or if you are interested in ways you can track your benevolence and collaborate with other charitable organizations in Salem, you won’t want to miss this! Here’s what you can expect from this training:

Track assistance that clients have received through hands-on demonstrations
Run reports giving you a snapshot of your organization’s needs
Be equipped with best practice guidelines
Explore Charity Tracker Plus, including the ability to monitor and report Outcomes
Learn how the inter-referral tool CharityResources.us fits alongside Charity Tracker

Whether you’re ready to sign up your organization or are just interested, please join us for this interactive training.

We will also host a Foundations Workshop in conjunction with this training on Wednesday, February 24th to explore the principles and practice of effective charity. To learn more, click here.

Have questions? Want more info? Contact the True Charity Director of Community Initiatives Avery West at avery@truecharity.us or (417)-623-6030 ext. 134.
Sponsored by Salem Full Gospel Church, Healthy Dent County, the City of Salem, and SUMC

Register Now

Foundations Workshop in Salem, MO
2021-02-24 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Calling all Salem, 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 your town, this workshop is for you! We’ll gather together for a one-day intensive dive into the principles and practice of effective charity. Lunch will be provided!

Date: Wednesday, February 24th, 2021
Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: The Armory 1200 W. Rolla St. Salem, MO 65560

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 Salem.

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.

We will also host a CharityTracker training in conjunction with this workshop on Thursday, February 25th. CharityTracker is a great collaborative tool that spurs communication between charitable organizations about who they’re helping and how they’re helping them. To learn more and register, click here.

Have questions? Want more info? Contact the True Charity Director of Community Initiatives Avery West at avery@truecharity.us or (417)-623-6030 ext. 134.
Sponsored by Salem Full Gospel Church, Healthy Dent County, the City of Salem, and SUMC.

Register Now

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.

Register Now

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.
