Our Mission…

To mobilize local churches to transform lives of those in our community.

Dear Volunteer,

Thank you for volunteering to be part of the Love INC network by serving through your church. The following are some helpful hints that are VERY important to read prior to assisting a person referred by Love INC.

HELPING HINTS FOR VOLUNTEERS

1. You are part of the solution to unemployment and extensive cuts in government funding for helping service agencies. You can make the critical difference between care and despair for those in need. You can give personalized help and love in ways that truly change lives in Christ’s name.

2. Be a friend – a loving, caring friend – first. Let your act of love be your witness. When people ask why you are helping them, feel free to tell them that you want to share Christ’s love with them because Christ loves you.

3. Beware of reckless evangelism. We dare not alienate needy people from Christ. Do not use heavy-handed evangelism that offends others and drives them away. Our acts speak more loudly than our words. We communicate Christ’s love in caring, generous, and loving concern; and, when the need arises, we encourage you to share the Gospel with the person in need.

4. Accept your vulnerability. Despite all of the Love INC precautions, you may be taken advantage of. Please alert the Love INC Clearinghouse when this happens.

5. Do not expect to be thanked. Only one of ten lepers returned to thank Christ.

6. Maintain a confidential relationship with the client and respect his/her dignity.

7. Respond to only the need referred by Love INC. If the client requests additional assistance, refer him/her back to Love INC.

8. If you discover unmet needs, bring them to the attention of Love INC so that we can research them further and possibly develop a project to meet them.

9. You are a volunteer of your church, not Love INC. Feel free to invite clients to your church when appropriate.

10. Never give cash. Give food, clothing, or other items instead.

11. Let others know of the joy and fulfillment you find in serving others. You can be a witness to the power of Lord and the value of Love INC in your church and community.

12. Use common sense – do things in pairs. Don’t have women transport men alone or men transport women alone, etc. Do not give your last name.

13. Consider contacting clients at a later date and see how they are doing. Perhaps the Love would lead you into a longer term, caring relationship with this person.

14. You may never be called to serve, but thanks for being available in case you are needed.15. When you have questions, call your church coordinator or Love INC office.

16. Repair volunteers: First determine whether you have the ability, tools, etc., to make the repair; then estimate the cost of parts/materials. Contact Love INC so we can determine who will pay for the parts/materials (the client, a church, Love INC (Love INC should not be an option here as we do not have funds for client needs), supplier donation, or a combination). We will then notify you as to whether you should make the repair or not. You are not responsible to pay for any parts/materials.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call the Love INC Clearinghouse at 468-6300.

In His Grip,

Brenda Rodgers
Executive Director – Love INC of Greater Hancock County