Grant Request Proposal for Vocare

Networking Support Group

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Introduction

Vocare (pronounced vo-kar-ay) is a faith-based networking group for those who are in-transition

and searching for career or vocationaldirection and support.

“Vocare” is a Latin verb that means “to call.”

Anyone seeking a networking opportunity in a spiritual surrounding – those from any religious

affiliation as well as those with no spiritual connection are invited to attend.

Confidential – Property of L. Godfrey, Vocare Networking Support Group

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Introduction

Vision Statement To provide spiritual, emotional, and financial assistance

to the unemployed and underemployed through group and individual networking, counseling, and advanced training support

Mission Statement To support and uplift those experiencing the loss of

employment by sharing career development resources, networking opportunities, prayer, and fellowship in a faith-based, compassionate, and encouraging environment

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The Vocare Story Lauren Godfrey, Vocare Founder

After being in-transition for nearly a year after having been laid off in March, 2008 . . .

Having attended many networking groups in various locations throughout southern CA . . .

Noticed that there was something very important missing from these groups . . .

Spiritual & Emotional Support

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The Vocare Story First meeting on March 25, 2009

Susan, 2 pastors, and one other attendee By June, 2010

22 members who attend regularly (40 on roster) 8-12 average meeting attendance

Pastoral SupportGuest speakers each week

“Epiphany” conversation with memberLack of personal funds for career training

Vocare is hoping to add to its services . . .

Financial Support

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Purpose and Services Sharing job-search ideas, guidance, and resources

Resumes cover letters networking contacts career marketing plans online job search and education resources dealing with government unemployment benefits referrals to staffing agencies and recruiters

Spiritual Support Empathy Understanding Prayer A safe place to share job-search

experiences and concerns

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Purposes and Services Financial assistance with career

advancement resources that increase hirability and transferable skills recognition with employers and recruiters through:Advanced educationSkills improvement classesExpertise development trainingJob and industry-specific certifications

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Purposes and ServicesTraining and certification will help members get their resumes TO THE TOP OF THE PILE and

GET BACK

TO WORK SOONER!

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Problem Statement As the recession continues, more and more

people join the ranks of the unemployedAlong with this comes feelings of anxiety,

depression, abandonment, and grief

US Dept of Labor, Bureau of Labor StatisticsApril, 2010

Unemployment rates as of April 2010California: 12.3%

Compared to 7.6% in Sept. 2008 The largest over-the-month decrease in the level of

employment occurred in California (-66,500)Ventura County: 10.5%Los Angeles County: 11.9%

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11A

Problem Statement Nationwide - calls to the National Suicide

Prevention Hotline went from 412,768 in 2007 to 540,041 in 2008Suicide-prevention hotline calls increased by

almost 15% between 2008 and 2009*

In an American Psychological Association survey in September 200980% of the respondents said the economy was a

significant source of stress In April 2008, that figure was 66%**

Unemployed people are 2 to 4 times more likely to kill themselves *Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Administration, May 2010**American Association of Suicidology -

February 5, 2009

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Problem Statement Calls to The National Suicide Prevention Network

spiked 18% in the first five months of this year*

Americans made 59,500 calls to the hotline in May alone Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, based in Los

Angeles, received twice as many calls in 2008 as it did one year previous

In 2007, there were 34,598 reported suicides**

Researchers expect each additional percentage point increase in unemployment leads to roughly a one percentage point increase in suicides

13%of unemployed people have self-harm thoughts 4 times higher than for those with full-time jobs***

*AOLNews.com, July 2010**Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007

***NAMH, Oct. 8, 2009

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Objective Provide guidance and support not offered by other

networking and job support organizations by establishing a caring atmosphere that includes:A safe, “you’re not alone” environment that provides

encouragement, motivation, and direction through Stress management Decreased depression More open and caring communications with family

members Pastoral care Psychological counseling Financial support for training and certification

With the ultimate goal of . . .

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Giving the un(under)employed a clearer idea of their vocation or “calling”Which in turn results in

increased productivity in the workforce a more stable economy

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Statement of Work Federal grants and/or private donations will

fund Vocare’s outreach and support efforts Salary for L. Godfrey – ability to drive Vocare

goals and services full-timeFinancial assistance to members seeking

advanced training and certification Helps get their resumes “to the top of the pile”

Psychological counselor and legal council sliding scale and pro bono

Administrative costsNo meeting facility costs

donated by Ascension Lutheran Church

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Project Timetable

Description Start Date to Completion Date

Phase 1 Establish regular meeting schedule and advisors March - Nov 2009

Phase 2Begin to expand outreach efforts; research, define, and pursue fundraising opportunities; L. Godfrey to run Vocare F/T & begin offering financial support to members

Nov 2009 – June 2010

Phase 3Expand territory and marketing/ outreach and continue fundraising efforts

July 2010 – Dec 2010

With the assistance of fiscal sponsor & non-profit incubator:

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Budget (year 1)

Resource Budget

Personnel (includes taxes & benefits) 80,000

Client Training/Certification 30,000

Program/Fundraising 15,000

Operating Expenses 3,800

Fiscal Sponsor Fee (fiscal operations , administration, funds management)

13,300

Total Cost $142,100

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Key Personnel Project management leader Counseling support

LegalMental healthCareer development

Spiritual Support Director,Lauren Godfrey

Pastor Steve Herder

Psychologist, Helen Edler

PastorTim

Delkeskamp

Pro bono Legal Council

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Evaluation

Visions Made ViableBoard of Directors Individual VMV representativeMonthly Financial StatementsAccountantBy Year 2

Vocare Board of Directors

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TestimonialsParticipating in Vocare has made me more aware of the spiritual, emotional and faith based needs of job applicants during a job search or career transition. Being able to provide encouragement and direction to others in a Christian-based employment network and support group bring me fulfillment and satisfaction in a "Pay It Forward" manner.

Jan Youngerhttp://www.linkedin.com/pub/jan-younger/6/9a2/60b

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TestimonialsI first read about Vocare (“What are you called to do”) Networking Support Group in my church’s weekly bulletin. I’ve been looking for a full-time job for the past 37 months and have been blessed with consulting projects showing up at the “right” time. I went to Vocare thinking I could share what I’ve been doing in my job search and learn from others as well.

Vocare has provided me with new ideas to enhance my job search, and more importantly, an opportunity to fellowship with people going through the same struggles with self-esteem, self-confidence, and whether God is listening to my prayers to land a job. For me, having God back in the center of my job search, which Vocare has played a major role, keeps me grounded in reality and helps with those difficult days on the emotional roller coaster of not having a job. Vocare has helped me realize that my purpose in life and my identity is not defined by my job or lack there of, but by the fact that I am a “loved child of God.” Thank you Vocare!

Michael MacDonaldhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpmacdonald

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TestimonialsVocare has been helpful to me beyond the usual job search resources. Like other job seeking networks, it provides tools to help with the "physical" aspects of the search - job leads, help with resumes, interview tips, etc. But the difference for me is that Vocare provides the spiritual and emotional tools needed to help guide me during this time of unemployment.

It helps to be with fellow Christians and talk about finding a job beyond just “work” and income. It acknowledges that we should look at our jobs as having a sense of propose and a calling. Vocare allows us a safe environment to grieve the loss of becoming unemployed. Even the simple act of praying for each other takes the job search process to a whole different level. By sharing our pain (and also the positive things that have happened during this time in-transition), the burden is lessened and I feel a sense of comfort. I am SO grateful to Lauren for providing leadership and the Vocare team for supporting me in these uncertain times. The Vocare Networking Support group is truly a blessing to me. Susan Roehttp://www.linkedin.com/pub/susan-roe/11/84b/68b

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Thank you!