SPP Supporting Content Entries
| Organization | Date Submitted | Submitted by | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out Of The Ashes Ministries | September 6, 2022 | John Thomson | [email protected] |
I. Overview of the Organization
Overview of the Organization:
- History of the organization:
a. The organization was formed to combat homelessness and the rapidly increasing drug addiction in North Carolina.
b. Out Of The Ashes was formed as a 501.c,(3) nonprofit organization on February 17, 2017. Prior to that date, Reverend Pat Chamberlain, Founder and Executive Director brought homeless men into his own tiny apartment in 2016.
c. Pat Chamberlain founded the organization, and he and his wife Chelsea developed the program from the ground up.
d. Major milestones include (1) opening a Women and Childrens Shelter in Mooresboro, North Carolina on November 1, 2020. (2) Hiring of staff in management and administrative positions remains at 100 percent retention! (3) The award of a major grant from Dogwood Health Trust enabled the organization to purchase the 14,300 s.f. building on a 7.54-acre lot. (4) Board membership has been strong and responsive throughout. (5) Policies and procedures were implemented and an Employee Handbook produced. (6) Curriculum development has been produced covering both life skills and job skills. (7) We have been blessed with the support of major organizations, such as the $40,000 grant from SECU enabling us to have the Funding For Good consultants to help us with strategic planning. (8) We encountered unseen difficulties once the new building was purchased, particularly the need to install a fire sprinkler system at enormous expense. (9) Once we move both shelters into this new location, we will be able to sell the two former building and land to help sustain us.
Current Overview.
a. The organization is quartered at 131 Countryside Drive, Forest City, NC 28043.
b. The current service region is Rutherford County.
c. There are five board members.
d. The organization is managed by staff. 50% of whom were once themselves residents in the program. A great measure of success.
e. Eight staff member positions are currently filled.
What is your APPROVED Vision Statement?
“Restoring individuals back to their true identity in Christ and back to being productive members of society and in uniting families.”
What is your APPROVED Mission Statement?
“Breaking the chains of addiction and homelessness, one person at a time.”
II. Plan Monitors
Plan Monitor #1:
Pat Chamberlain / Founder/Executive Director and Board Member
Plan Monitor #2:
John Thomson / Project Manager
III. Sharing Our Plan
1. WHAT will you tell stakeholders after you approve the final strategic plan?
We will explain to stakeholders that their views, comments and opinions were taken into account in formulating our strategic plan.
They will be informed that the strategic plan will ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization. This concentrates on our funding sources – past, present and future. We would be willing to share the strategic plan with stakeholders so they may remain part of our support group.
We have a three-person grant-writing team that is now well established and has a high success rate. The local community has graced us over the years with generous donations.
We have other initiatives, such as ‘Naming Rights’ to various rooms, with already $35,000 raised.
We will be able sell the two existing shelters for $600,000.
We have an operating reserve that provides three months of operating expenses.
Our Board of Directors is committed to our success and their leadership has been inspirational. Their Job Descriptions clearly outline their commitment to Three Primary Fiduciary Duties; The Duty of Care; The Duty of Loyalty, and Duty of Obedience.
We will be actively involved in identifying and implementing diversified funding streams from individuals, corporate groups, local churches.
We will be opening up a Thrift Store and currently have a box-body truck (with Out Of The Ashes signage on it) to pick-up donations.
2. WHO will we tell about our strategic plan?
We will tell our stakeholders and community supporters.
3. HOW will we tell stakeholders about our plan?
Out Of The Ashes will be inviting stakeholders and other community groups to a meeting at our Campus. We will thank them for their efforts and explain the Strategic Plan details. We are led by a board of dedicated volunteers who have the passion required to launch a successful expansion of the organization’s primary initiative – expanding our housing capability from twenty-five to seventy people. Separate shelters within the same complex, for men, women and children; affordable transitional accommodation and low barrier emergency housing for ten people. There is nothing like this in Rutherford or Polk County at the present time. We will continue to develop new funding sources and revenue streams. Our local community remains very supportive and we hold their commitment to success in our hearts. Many plaudits will be in evidence at the Grand Opening of Out Of The Ashes. We have had to overcome a tremendous series of challenges, but here we are – and here we stay!
IV. Stakeholder Feedback Summary
Complete the following statements:
To inform the strategic planning process, the organization intentionally sought feedback from the 9 community partners. We engaged stakeholders using phone, email, conversation.
Essential takeaways from stakeholders include the following:
[Insert bullet points or statements that capture essential feedback that might inform or drive strategic planning decisions.]
To follow. Delays incurred in new building construction – our apologies.
Do you intend to compile stakeholder feedback and include it as an attachment of your strategic plan?
Yes
Participants in the strategic planning process:
1. Pat Chamberlain. Founder, Executive Director. [email protected]
2. Chelsea Chamberlain, Administrator. [email protected]
3. Lee Moss, Board Chair
4. Randy Reavis, Board Member
5. Denise Brill, Board Secretary
6. Sonja Twitty, Board Member
7. John Thomson, Project Manager, [email protected]
8. Karen Sessoms. Resident Coordinator (F),
9. Eileen Daigle, Receptionist
10. Keith Lynn, Resident Coordinator (M)
11. Casey Ledford, House Lady 1
12.Chuck Chappell, House Man
Time frame the new strategic plan will cover:
Jan 1, 2-23 to Dec 31, 2026
Fiscal Year the new strategic plan will cover:
2023