We are all created in God's image.  Not one of us has any less value than another, and yet, many of the poor we meet at 6:8 have been told for years that they have less value or are of no worth.  This devaluation occurs through needing to prove how poor they are, lack of love, abuse, and judgement.

The WorthShop offers those in need a chance to demonstrate their value, working to earn what they need.  Clients partner for a set amount of time (30 min, 1 hr, etc) and receive essential items, social support, housing, or bills paid in return.  They collaborate with volunteers, doing tasks like cleaning, gardening or making soap, buttons, or magnets.  Each exchange opportunity also includes earned time through case management including work in the areas of financial literacy, job seeking/training, or securing housing. Partnership opportunities also include participation in our Monday evening poverty alleviation classes and programming.

Success can be measured in a number of ways:

• Achieve full-time employment

• Find permanent housing solution

• Pay off debt

• Self-report improvement in stability using life assessment metrics

The needs of the clients vary. A middle-aged man on disability desperately needed a lawn-mower blade which provided his ability to make rent through the summer months.  Another needed a computer for job-seeking and financial management.  Both attended our Monday evening programming and made soap in our shop as part of their WorthShop partnership agreement.  We have been working with two gentlemen who came to us homeless. Through gardening and building and grounds activities they earned their stay in short-term housing while we worked with them to secure jobs. As they establish income, they are now paying a portion of their housing costs with our subsidies decreasing on a sliding scale.  They continue to partner in case management and financial literacy activities as part of this program. 

This program best serves people experiencing financial poverty. However, we do not discriminate among this population. Our faith statement explicitly states that we welcome and serve all people regardless of their religious beliefs.

The WorthShop truly utilizes the community to accomplish our goals. From community educators, volunteer sites and employment partnerships this program leverages a multitude of community resources to encompass these individuals and support their success. We recruit participants primarily through our community referral partners, including churches, social services agencies and law enforcement. We share stories and celebrate successes through 6:8’s social media platforms.