From “lost” to stable: The power of relational ministry

When Natisha Coleman signed up for our Work Life class back in 2015, she didn’t really have a plan or a clear understanding of what the class entailed.

Her Aunt Kim had told her about us, and she was hoping we could help her with some of her problems. But she found more than she expected.

“I was unemployed. I was lost. I was delusional. I didn't know which way to go. And Advance Memphis gave me hope for the future,” Natisha said. 

Natisha is now thriving as a mother and a full-time medical assistant with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.

She said Work Life taught her many of the soft skills necessary to reach the career success she’s now enjoying, including how to conduct herself in the workplace and perform well in job interviews. 

But more importantly, the class taught her how to respond to barriers in her life and overcome them, and it gifted her a friendship that has lasted a decade.

Natisha Coleman (right) arrived "lost" at Advance Memphis in 2015. She credits the Advance staff, especially Cindy Chapple, with her life trajectory over the last decade.

Cindy Chapple, our current volunteer coordinator, taught Natisha’s class back in 2015. The two have stayed in touch ever since, and Natisha credits much of her success to Cindy. 

When she was applying for her position with Methodist a few months ago, Cindy helped her with her resume. And she was sitting in Cindy’s office when she received the call informing her she’d landed the job. 

Cindy began to shout for joy, and the pair ran around the office, sharing the good news with the rest of the staff.

It’s a joy to see what the Lord can accomplish through a few soft skills and genuine relationships between our staff and neighbors.