2024 Stats
120
Guests Served
78 Adults
42 Children
28 Families
54 Single Women
$370,000
Total
Operating Income
$320,000
Total
Operating Expenses
$3,475
Cost-per-person
ECHO Ministry Inc. dba The Ark
Empowerment Creates Hope and Change
Staff works with each guest to develop a plan and way to move forward in housing, jobs/income, medical, substance abuse, transportation, and childcare.
1. First Mission when a guest enters The ARK: Referrals
Our number one goal is to send referrals to all necessary entities. Each guest has a variety of needs and we help ensure they have all the necessary resources to succeed.
2. Employment/Assistance with applying for Disability
We help each guest with navigating employment or SSDI.
3. Finance/Budget Requirements for Guests
We require all guests to give us 1/2 their income for their savings. In turn, we deposit into a guest savings account. When each guest graduates, they receive all of their saved earnings. This is an invaluable lesson in life. It teaches them the power of living within your means and saving funds for future needs.
4. Progress Reports
Guests work on their weekly progress report on the weekends. Staff will review with the guests to see how or what progress they have made to move forward in a self sustaining situation. Staff ensures guests are working on income, housing, medical/mental health concerns, budgeting and moving in a positive, forward direction.
Services
Transportation
YVEDDI has been a huge help for guests transportation. Many guests are fortunate to have their own transportation, but for most, they can use YVEDDI bus transport within Elkin City Limits. The Ark staff or volunteers assist with transportation for important meetings that are outside of Elkin if the guest does not have any other transportation. We always encourage our guests to utilize all possible options.
Mental Health Counseling
Referrals are made for counseling with or through Grace Clinic. For one on one counseling we use Daymark, Jodi Province, and other local counselors. We also encourage AA/NA meetings for those who need the support.
Medical Referrals
GRACE Clinic is a huge blessing to our community. Most of our guests use Grace Clinic for medical needs at least until we can get them signed up for Medicaid or start a job that offers insurance. We are working on funding for dental/vision issues.
Education and Training Referrals
We make referrals for guests who would like to get their GED or continue education and/or training to increase their knowledge and salary. We have had 3 children and one adult who has recently received tutoring for Math. Thank you Brandi! We also have one guest who is currently working on her CNA certificate. We are grateful for foundation funds to provide education and tutoring.
Parenting Program
We have a parenting class once a week from a local agency. They work through issues that families may have with their skills in parenting. We require school age children to be in school.
Social Services Referrals
We are in constant contact with the local Department of Social Services. These issues are critical for the community we serve.
Peer Support
We are excited to have a Peer Support Specialist at The Ark. We are doing recovery groups, journaling class, arts & crafts, & many other things that are so important in helping each guest succeed.
Case Management
We offer case management to assist each guest in finding housing. The Case Manager assists each guest on a weekly basis by completing a progress report. During the progress report we talk about any difficulties the previous week, accomplishments, where we stand with housing, etc.
