Empowering the Participants

Pay It Forward

When Friends of the Carpenter agrees to assist one of our friends with a significant financial fix, they often say, “I’ll pay it back.” It’s understandable. Nobody likes feeling “beholden,” and many think that will “grease the skids” to close the deal. However, what we say is, “You don’t have to pay it back. Instead, Pay it Forward.” What it means is, when they are able, they make voluntary donations to Friends of the Carpenter so we can help someone else. Everyone feels good and it’s working. Last year, FOC received just over $2,000 from friends who “Paid It Forward.” This year, $12,264 from both participants and church groups has been received. In 2007, we helped 21 of our friends with the purchase of a vehicle for work, and others have received assistance with rental deposits, tool needs and dental work.

Events & Activities

Meal and Woodworking events were held once a month at SHARE House Men’s shelter (the 3 rd Saturday brunch), and on the 4 th Monday dinner, a worship service concludes the meal. Woodworking events were also held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on the 1 st and 4 th Wednesdays of each month in the afternoon, following the midweek Worship. Registrations for these events begin prior to the starting time and the number of participants is dependent on the number of volunteers in attendance on that day or evening. A ratio of 4 participants to 1 volunteer allows for conversation and participation.  Tuesday morning Devotions typically involve 12 to 18 persons who gathered at the Friendship Center for a 20+ minute devotional including praise singing, scripture meditation and prayer, followed by the fellowship woodwork activity time in the Center. Special thanks to Shirley Knight, Tim Westerberg (Hillcrest Nazarene Church), Mark Randall (Salmon Creek Methodist), Dick Merrill, Geri Hiller and Brahm Semmler-Smith (St. Paul’s Lutheran), Chris Johnson (First Presbyterian Church), Bob Weber (St. John’s Lutheran Church) and Duane Sich for their leadership. Representatives from the Vancouver Prayer and Healing Room also participated on Tuesday mornings.

Gifts & Benevolences

At the close of our woodworking events, each participant receives a $5 value “Love Gift” – gasoline voucher, grocery store certificate, or C-Tran bus tickets. Events generally involve 15 to 40 participants and 8 to 20 volunteers. In addition, special events often occur such as “wood runs” to receive salvage lumber, occasional wood part preparation or completion of product, assembling the monthly newsletter or other task oriented projects. Again, “Love Gifts” are given to participants. For regular participants who have made or are making a “connection” with a local church, special benevolence assistance is sometimes given as emergency needs or potential opportunities which require funds arise. These are typically emergency lodging or rent/deposit assistance, auto repair, tool purchase for employment, medical assistance or travel, and range from $50 to $200. Birthday gifts and Christmas gifts are generally given to “friends” (of the Carpenter) but not so much as benevolence but rather the benefit of a sincere relationship.

Outings

February 21 - Ash Wednesday Church Tour, April 18 – Woodland Tulip Outing, May 11 – Rescue Concert at Salmon Creek UMC

Housing

Friends of the Carpenter owns and manages a duplex transitional shared living complex, located near the Friendship Center . This year, 7 different persons have lived in the duplex. Residents are expected to be involved in FOC activities (at least 10 hours monthly), become active in a local faith community, and maintain “clean and sober” of illegal substances.

Bible Study

Held on Fridays , March 2 – March 30, this study was lead by Bill Lehmann and focused on the “places” Jesus went during Holy Week.

Court Ordered Community Service

Working through the Homeless Court and Clark County Court system, Friends of the Carpenter now assists those needing to complete Community Service Work Hours in lieu of court fines. Eight individuals have logged in hours at our facility.