Relationships transform us. They help us grow and show us how to support one another. Relational and social capital are the source of human development. When they are freely accessible, everyone can flourish. When they are out of reach, human potential declines. As the body of Christ, we are called to bridge the gaps between need and resources.



Good Shepherd UMC is excited to announce that beginning in January 2024, we will provide affordable transitional housing for young adults ages 22-26 who have aged out of foster care (formal interventions and professional services end on each young person’s 22nd birthday) and need ongoing care and connection to help them be more equipped when they launch independently. Through a unique partnership with a national healthcare organization, a national non-profit called Open Table (click here), and Good Shepherd UMC, we will develop a model to address barriers that impact successful transitions for these young adults. We will do this by renovating the house at the former Chamberlayne Heights UMC property (the 6100 campus) so that eight young adults (4 each year for two years) will have affordable housing. We will also implement ongoing volunteer opportunities that support young adults. Click here for Sunday’s worship service when this opportunity was announced.

Tell me more about housing instability.

Housing instability has been identified as a factor for youth aging out of foster care. As many know, finding affordable housing is challenging in our area. To enable these young adults to have the best possible chance to launch independently, The Open Table contacted Good Shepherd UMC to discern being a partner in this pilot program that offers a housing solution rather than relying on the already over-burdened housing continuum of care.

What's next?

House Renovation

Good Shepherd, area churches, and community groups throughout Richmond will renovate the house this fall. The house has good solid bones but needs a refresh. Don't worry; you'll have many opportunities to participate! These opportunities will be announced in September.

Core Tables and Network Tables 

What is a Table? Volunteers are trained to form a “Table” and develop long-term relationships with the “Friend” - the young adult they are partnered with. Each Friend living in the house will have a Core Table. A Core Table is a group of four to six volunteers who develop long-term, reciprocal relationships with the Friend. The Friend identifies life challenges creating barriers and works together with Table members to access social networks of support. For a year, Tables meet twice a month for an hour and share friendships and activities outside of Table meetings. At the end of twelve months, Tables form an “After Plan” that defines how the ongoing, supportive relationships will continue.

Click here for a handout describing a Core Table. If you like to develop long-term relationships, a Core Table would be the Table for you!

There will also be one Network Table for the entire house. A team of ten people is trained to form a Network Table. Network Tables access their personal, social, and business networks to link supports, including relationships, services, and goods, to a challenging barrier faced by an individual. What might this look like? A young adult might need assistance with a car repair. Someone on the Network Table could be a mechanic or knows one who would be interested in assisting the young adult. The Network Table will connect the young adult with the mechanic to work on a repair solution.

Click here for a handout describing the Network Table. If you like to provide resources or help people connect to resources, a Network Table would be the Table for you!

What can I do?

Pray

• Pray for people who desire a relational experience to participate in a Table. 
• Pray for people who want a hands-on experience to participate in the house's renovation. 
• Pray for a colleague or a friend to come to mind. Participants for the Tables are open to everyone; you do not need to be a church member. 
• Pray about how you are being called to participate.

In the weeks ahead

• Attend an Information Meeting with Angie Williams, COO of Open Table, and Rev. Lisa on Sun., Sept. 10, following worship.
• Sign-Up for training by contacting Rev. Lisa. If you don’t know which Table is right for you, she can help you discern.
• Share this email with a friend.
• Ask questions about this opportunity by contacting Rev. Lisa.

Training

Volunteers for both Tables will receive training. Training is four weeks. The training is recorded, although you are encouraged to participate in as many trainings as possible.



Network Table Training 

Thursdays, Sept. 28 - Oct. 19, from 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom. 

Click here for a FAQ for Network Table Volunteers.

Core Table Training

Thursdays, Oct. 26 - Nov. 11, from 6:30- 8 p.m. via Zoom.

Click here for a FAQ for Core Table Volunteers.