Q2 2023 Newsletter
From our Executive Director
Dear Friends,
Advance is so grateful to have recently begun a new Work Life class with over 21 folks seated on day one! This has not been the norm for our classes since before COVID, ok like it’s been 6 years, and I’m filled with gratitude for this group of students and their desire to move toward employment. Go, Aslan, Go! Lately, I’ve been feeling the tension between gratitude and lament and was reminded that we can experience both at the same time. I was reading back through the book Becoming Whole and came across some well-worn pages about why love is so important. When we are loved, we move forward out of anger and hatred. When we are loved, we move toward one another in relationship and community forms, physical health improves, mental health improves, spiritual health/formation occurs, and economic health gets moving! Contrast this with the US Surgeon General’s report naming an epidemic of loneliness and isolation for our nation. Advance Memphis remains committed to being proximate with our neighbors in South Memphis and to build relationships in the face of the daily grind.
We continue to witness heart-wrenching stories of anger and violence in our South Memphis community, and yet, love wins because Jesus is on the throne. King Jesus won! The Kingdom will advance only by being present and loving each other rather than fleeing; this kind of love takes work and courage. Pray that our staff and volunteers would have the capacity for the work of loving our neighbors, and pray also how you can engage with us in it. The Body of Christ is stronger together. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of offense (going out) with wisdom, not a gospel of defense.
Peace,
Steve
Partners with a Purpose: Advance Memphis & Joffa
We always seek to partner with like-minded organizations and our newest warehouse customer, Joffa, is just that. Joffa, a nonprofit online marketplace, sells beautiful, hand-crafted products while seeking to advance the Kingdom of God and help under-resourced communities.
Source: @joffa_official Instagram
Joffa was started by Brandon Wells, a local entrepreneur who has a heart for taking the gospel to the world through business. We are inspired by the work he has done and the way Joffa is creating jobs and supporting communities.
“We intentionally choose the products we sell. Through product partnerships we are providing jobs for at-risk communities like sex trafficking victims, teens coming out of the foster care system, or those in poverty,” said Megan Shearin of Joffa. “The organizations we partner with are often providing their employees with counseling, Bible studies, housing, and, of course, fair wages.”
Joffa not only seeks to meet the physical and financial needs of these under-resourced communities, but also share the gospel while doing it. This sounds familiar! Because of the way our values and missions so closely align, Joffa has chosen to partner with Advance Memphis as its sole fulfillment center. As you read this newsletter, our warehouse team is gearing up to begin shipping Joffa’s products around the world, from makers and artisans all around the world. We are so excited about this partnership because through it, South Memphis will have the opportunity to participate in economic development on the world stage.
You can learn more about Joffa and purchase their artisan jewelry, accessories, home goods, and more at Joffa.com.
Volunteers as Mobility Mentoring Coaches
Previously, we shared about our new Mobility Mentoring program that we have been developing. As the program has grown, we’ve been able to increase the number of Coaches who are helping our students set strategic goals and create plans to achieve them. We have learned that trauma and experiencing cycles of chronic poverty can affect our ability to process and prioritize the necessary steps it takes to pursue long-term goals. When we find ourselves in the midst of a crisis, it can become challenging to break down our goals into tangible action steps, and that is what makes the Mobility Mentoring tools a helpful practice for pursuing holistic life change.
Last month, we invited three volunteers to be trained as Mobility Mentoring Coaches and join the Advance Memphis staff who have been coaching students for over 10 months. One of those volunteers, Jessica Hart, who also serves on our board of directors, shared that Mobility Mentoring has taught her some things as well.
“I’ve learned to celebrate every notch on the way to a milestone,” Jessica said. “We think about goals as something in the long term, but I think it’s important to celebrate the steps. I may not be at ‘z’, but if I’m at ‘k’, I think that’s worth celebrating.”
Goal setting is not only important in the Work Life class, but throughout life. Having a network to support a person in pursuit of their goals is crucial, according to Jessica.
“It’s impactful to have Mobility Mentoring as a way to come alongside those in Work Life to help them achieve specific goals,” she said. “I’m excited to be walking with my teammate, Ms. Lillie, and see her taking the steps to complete her goals and just be her cheerleader.”
Mark Brommer and Kristie Koontz, who were trained with Jessica, are also incredibly dedicated volunteers. Kristie is serving as a Coach for the current Work Life class, while Mark will be using the training to assist Faith and Finances graduates with planning for, opening, and managing their IDA (matched savings) accounts.
Jessica, Mark, and Kristie have served with such faithfulness and have demonstrated repeatedly the heart that they have for our neighbors and for the gospel. We’re excited to see how the Lord continues to use this training in their lives and the lives of the students they serve.
Welcome Our Newest Staff Members
Our team has grown once again! In our last newsletter, we shared about Milton and Synolve Craft and all that they’ve done to revitalize our community garden. We’re pleased to announce that Milton has now joined the Advance Memphis team as our Programs Liaison.
Milton Craft, Programs Liason
“Ever since I joined Advance Memphis, I have witnessed first hand their genuine compassion for people,” Milton said. “The organization’s culture embraces the significance of both investing in others and actively engaging in their lives. Here, judgment is nonexistent and every individual is valued and respected.”
As the Programs Liaison Milton is focusing on coordinating afternoon work opportunities for Work Life students, both at our garden and warehouses. This is instrumental in giving Work Life participants a chance to apply what they’re learning.
Although work is important, there’s more to his role than ensuring that our students have a weekly paycheck according to Milton, who said, “I’m thrilled to be involved in creating innovative processes aimed at equipping participants to successfully reintegrate into the workforce. It’s my goal to help them establish a strong foundation in the Word and a deeper understanding of their true selves.”
Elena Lattner, Programs Coordinator
Elena Lattner also joined the team in May as our Programs Coordinator. She originally got connected to Advance in 2019 as an Ally and an Art for Jobs intern. As the new Programs Coordinator, Elena is helping facilitate the Work Life class and support our Mobility Mentoring program.
“Since joining staff, I have learned a lot about meeting people where they are, and what it looks like practically to be active in sharing the gospel as we seek to help our neighbors prepare for work,” Elena said. “I’ve been so encouraged to see the work God is doing in South Memphis, and to hear from a few of our Work Life participants that they feel seen as whole people when they are here, not just for their struggles.”
Milton and Elena are adding such value to the Advance Memphis team, and we are excited to see how the Lord continues to use their skills to support our neighbors!
Art for Jobs 2023
Have you heard? Art for Jobs is returning September 26-28, 2023, and we are looking forward to seeing you there! We are excited to bring back the opening night Preview Party that was such a success last year, along with the virtual art sale.
Click here to visit the Art for Jobs page on our website or sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know when tickets are available and the virtual gallery is live.
Don’t forget to share, share, share! Use this image to invite your friends and family or simply share our social media posts from Instagram or Facebook.