Our neighbors need us.
True to Life Ministries has spent the last several months conducting an in-depth assessment of our community’s needs. What we have found is the needs have changed…
and there are a lot of needs.
12% of people are living in poverty and an even greater number are facing major financial struggles, making it hard to maintain housing and basic necessities.
TTLM continues to see these top challenges surface among clients: homelessness, joblessness, and access to mental health services.
Transportation is consistently identified as one of the greatest needs in southern Brazoria County, which means people who need resources and support struggle to access them.
More than half of the students in our area are considered at-risk, and though that classification has always represented significant barriers and challenges, the deck is stacked even higher because of the complexities of the last few years.
The urgency to address literacy gaps is at an all-time high because of the pandemic-related setbacks and interruptions students experienced in their education.
Students are struggling to connect with each other, with the community, and with meaningful activities outside of school. Increasing disconnection and isolation magnifies other risk factors, such as poverty, substance abuse, poor health, and a lack of support.
Loneliness is at an all-time high for both adults and students, and it’s a significant contributor to mental health concerns.
There’s a growing opportunity divide between employers who need employees and those who need jobs. Our area has many job opportunities, as well as many people who need jobs, but connecting the two requires education and support that are currently missing.
Post-secondary and vocational training opportunities are ready and available—and in many cases, they are even free—but enrollment is flat or declining. This means those who need them aren’t accessing them. If this trend continues, the future of our community will be affected significantly.
Studies show the time frame between a student graduating high school or obtaining a GED and turning 25 is critical. If they don’t engage in gainful employment or post-secondary education (including trade school) by the time they hit 25, a domino effect of risk factors occurs, including a significant financial burden on the surrounding community. Evidence points to an urgent need to bridge the gap for graduating seniors.
In order to be good neighbors, we must see these needs as “our needs” and not just “their needs.
Be A Neighbor
Be A Neighbor will mobilize three strategies to make an immediate, significant impact as we address the urgent needs in our community.
LevelUP Student Services
Proactively equipping high school graduating seniors with the resources needed in order to build a bridge from graduation to post-secondary education or employment opportunities, helping take their success to the next level.
One of the most meaningful and effective components of LevelUP is the intensive case management and individualized support each student will receive in determining their next steps toward employment and education. We will not merely point the students in a direction and hope they figure it out. Instead, we will walk with them step-by-step, gathering resources they need along the way, and celebrating with them as they achieve their goals. We are determined to close the opportunity gap for these students!
Pre-graduation Services:
Assistance with obtaining government-issued IDs, such as photo ID cards, social security cards, birth certificates and more
One-on-One assistance with educational next steps, such as post-graduation planning, completing the FAFSA, career assessments, scholarship research and more
One-on-One assistance with employment next steps, such as job search and applications, professional resumés, interview prep and more
Post-graduation Services:
All the Pre-graduation services listed above
One-on-One assistance with the financial aid and college registration process
Assistance connecting to college resources
Internship opportunities to develop personal and professional skills
Adult Services
Providing the skills, resources and support for individuals in our community who are working to move toward sustained self-sufficiency.
Many individuals in our community are feeling alone, stuck in their circumstances and overwhelmed because they lack the skills, resources, or the support necessary to change their situation because of the many barriers they have to overcome. One of the most significant barriers is transportation. By providing support services throughout the community through on-location services, TTLM is able to remove the transportation barrier by bringing services to individuals who may not be able to access them otherwise.
Services Available:
Assistance with obtaining government-issued IDs and services, such as photo ID cards, social security cards, birth certificates, unemployment benefit applications and more
One-on-One assistance with employment next steps, such as job search and applications, professional resumés, interview coaching and prep, and more.
One-on-One assistance with educational next steps, such as completing the FAFSA and connecting to college resources
Step-by-step coaching toward personally set goals
Access to computers and internet
Connecting with community resources
Professional Attire
Providing professional attire for individuals in our community who are searching for and interviewing for new jobs, recently employed or advancing in their careers, or making an appearance in court.
Many individuals who are working to improve their current situation lack the basic resources necessary to obtain the appropriate attire that would set them up for success. Having access the clothing they need not only helps build confidence, but can also have a critical effect on the outcome. By addressing this basic need, we are helping to provide dignity and removing barriers to individuals’ next steps toward self-sufficiency.
Clothing for Women:
Professional clothing provided by Refresh Boutique, a women’s boutique and Social Enterprise of True To Life Ministries
Individuals receive a personalized shopping experience by trained stylists to create a personal, yet professional look
Clothing for Men:
Professional clothing provided by True to Life Ministries through the generous support and contributions of our local community
Career Specific Needs:
TTLM can also provide job specific needs such as steel-toed boots, non-slip shoes, scrubs, FRC’s and more, as needed, thanks to the support of our community
We see the needs and we are TAKING ACTION to meet those needs, and we need YOUR help!
Are you ready to jump in with us?
Be a neighbor. Get Involved
We all have a role to play in being good neighbors by helping those in need.
Join TTLM to impact the lives of those in our community!
VOLUNTEER
Our neighbors need our help and we can’t do it alone. Join our volunteer team and help us meet real needs of real people.
If you’ve already signed up to volunteer, call our office at (979) 529-9702 to find out how you can help!
DONATE
We have a significant financial need to mobilize these high-impact strategies, and every bit helps!
Consider making a one-time donation or sign up to be an Agent of Hope, to help us keep hope alive.
PRAY
Nothing happens without prayer, and there’s a lot that needs to happen. Neighbors are counting on all of us to help in their time of crisis.
Join us in praying for each program, for the finances to make them happen, and for the many lives that will be impacted. And send us a message to let us know you prayed!