Beyond the Basics: Connecting People to Needed Resources

Oct 11, 2018 | UA News

On September 28, 16 people from 10 basic needs programs run by local churches and parachurch organizations participated in the Beyond the Basics Community Resource Center Training, facilitated by Urban Alliance, where they learned how to effectively connect the people they serve to community resources that will meet their specific needs in ways that make them feel cared for, acknowledged and respected, and gain in-depth knowledge about available community resources. 
 
 
To date, 25 programs have received this important training and coinciding toolkit of materials. The toolkits of materials, provided by Urban Alliance, have been expanded to contain a wide variety of resources covering more areas of Connecticut, and most resources have been translated into Spanish.
 
For more information about Beyond the Basics, click below or contact Angela Colantonio, Urban Alliance’s Director of Implementation, Health & Basic Needs Initiatives.
 
 

The staff at Urban Alliance are familiar with Pastor Frank because he is a regular attendee to many of the trainings Urban Alliance provides on subjects like domestic violence, addressing childhood trauma, and better counseling techniques. “That’s been so valuable to me to be able to bring that back, not only in my counseling but also in my teaching and preaching ministries, “ shared Termine.

Pastor Frank was also one of the original members of the Micah group, a group of pastors that meets at Urban Alliance to discuss and strategize about challenging issues that face the church today. One of those earlier discussions on justice, incarceration, and returning citizens was particularly memorable. “We all lamented the fact that these men and women were coming out of prison into our churches and just kind of being thrown there,” said Termine, “We could do better than this.” That discussion planted the seeds that eventually led to the creation of Second Chance Churches – an opportunity for churches to provide support and mentoring to returning citizens that continues today.

When we asked Pastor Frank what he would say to another church that was unaware of Urban Alliance, he said, “If you are looking to get out in the community and make a difference in the community, Urban Alliance is a super way to do it. We’re a small church … we can’t do everything. Urban Alliance is a pathway to get our people involved in ministries that are already doing it, doing it well, and just need extra volunteers.”

Pastor Frank Termine’s story embodies many things we are trying to accomplish at Urban Alliance: supporting organizations in the communities they serve with training, resources, and opportunities to make a difference. Pastors and non-profit leaders face a wide range of challenges and, therefore, need a wide range of help and resources. Your support can help turn stories of struggle into stories like you find at Calvary Church.

Make a Difference With UA

Discover what hundreds of volunteers, partners, churches and ministries already know: we can make a difference when we work together!