Grant Proposal forGrant Proposal for VocareVocare

Networking Support GroupNetworking Support Group

2

IntroductionIntroduction

Vocare (pronounced vo-kar-ay) is a faith-based Vocare (pronounced vo-kar-ay) is a faith-based networking group for those who are in-transition networking group for those who are in-transition

and searching for career or vocationaland searching for career or vocationaldirection and support. direction and support.

““Vocare” is a Latin verb that means “to call.”Vocare” is a Latin verb that means “to call.”

Anyone seeking a networking opportunity in a Anyone seeking a networking opportunity in a spiritual surrounding – those from any religious spiritual surrounding – those from any religious

affiliation as well as those with no spiritual affiliation as well as those with no spiritual connection are invited to attend.connection are invited to attend.

Confidential – Property of L. Godfrey, MOVE Communications

3

IntroductionIntroduction

Vision StatementVision Statement To provide spiritual, emotional, and financial

assistance to the unemployed and underemployed through group and individual networking, counseling, and advanced training support

Mission StatementMission Statement To support and uplift those experiencing the loss of

employment by sharing career development resources, networking opportunities, prayer, and fellowship in a faith-based, compassionate, and encouraging environment

4

The Vocare StoryThe Vocare Story Lauren Godfrey, Vocare FounderLauren Godfrey, Vocare Founder

After being in-transition for nearly a year after having been laid off in March, 2008 . . .

Having attended many networking groups in various locations throughout southern CA . . .

Noticed that there was something very important missing from these groups . . .

Spiritual & Emotional SupportSpiritual & Emotional Support

5

The Vocare StoryThe Vocare Story First meeting on March 25, 2009First meeting on March 25, 2009

Susan, 2 pastors, and one other attendee By August of 2009By August of 2009

17 members who attend regularlyPastoral SupportSpeakers

““Epiphany” conversation with memberEpiphany” conversation with memberLack of personal funds for career training

Vocare is hoping to add to its services . . .Vocare is hoping to add to its services . . .

Financial SupportFinancial Support

6

Purpose and ServicesPurpose and Services Sharing job-search ideas, guidance, and resourcesSharing job-search ideas, guidance, and resources

ResumesResumes cover letters cover letters networking contactsnetworking contacts career marketing planscareer marketing plans online job search and education resourcesonline job search and education resources dealing with government unemployment benefitsdealing with government unemployment benefits referrals to staffing agencies and recruitersreferrals to staffing agencies and recruiters

Spiritual SupportSpiritual Support EmpathyEmpathy UnderstandingUnderstanding PrayerPrayer A safe place to share job-search A safe place to share job-search experiences and concernsexperiences and concerns

7

Purposes and ServicesPurposes and Services Financial assistance with career Financial assistance with career

advancement resources that increase advancement resources that increase hirability and transferable skills recognition hirability and transferable skills recognition with employers and recruiters through:with employers and recruiters through:Advanced educationSkills improvement classesExpertise development trainingJob and industry-specific certifications

8

Purposes and ServicesPurposes and ServicesTraining and certification will help Training and certification will help members get their resumesmembers get their resumes TO THE TOP OF THE PILETO THE TOP OF THE PILE and and

GET GET BACK BACK

TO TO WORK WORK SOONER!SOONER!

9

Problem StatementProblem Statement As the recession continues, more and more As the recession continues, more and more

people join the ranks of the unemployedpeople join the ranks of the unemployedAlong with this comes feelings of anxiety,

depression, abandonment, and grief

Regional and State Employment and Unemployment Regional and State Employment and Unemployment Summary, - US Dept of Labor, Bureau of Labor Summary, - US Dept of Labor, Bureau of Labor

Statistics - July 17, 2009Statistics - July 17, 2009

Unemployment rates as of June 2009Unemployment rates as of June 2009California: 11.6%

Compared to 7.8% in June 2008 The largest over-the-month decrease in the level of

employment occurred in California (-66,500)Ventura County: 11.2%Los Angeles County: 11.4%

10

11

Problem StatementProblem Statement Nationwide - calls to the National Suicide Nationwide - calls to the National Suicide

Prevention Hotline Prevention Hotline went from 412,768 in 2007 to 540,041 in 2008

In an American Psychological Association In an American Psychological Association survey in September 2008survey in September 200880% of the respondents said the economy was a

significant source of stress In April 2008, that figure was 66%

Unemployed people are Unemployed people are 2 to 4 times as likely2 to 4 times as likely to kill themselves to kill themselves

American Association of Suicidology -American Association of Suicidology -February 5, 2009 February 5, 2009

12

ObjectiveObjective Provide guidance and support not offered by other Provide guidance and support not offered by other

networking and job support organizations by networking and job support organizations by establishing a caring atmosphere that includes:establishing a caring atmosphere that includes:A safe, “you’re not alone” environment that provides

encouragement, motivation, and direction through Stress management Decreased depression More open and caring communications with family

members Pastoral care Psychological counseling Financial support for training and certification

With the ultimate goal of . . . With the ultimate goal of . . .

13

Giving the un(under)employed a clearer Giving the un(under)employed a clearer idea of their vocation or “calling”idea of their vocation or “calling”Which in turn results in

increased productivity in the workforce a more stable economy

14

Statement of WorkStatement of Work Federal grants and/or private donations will Federal grants and/or private donations will

fund Vocare’s outreach and support efforts fund Vocare’s outreach and support efforts Salary for L. Godfrey – ability to drive Vocare

goals and services full-timeFinancial assistance to members seeking

advanced training and certification Helps get their resumes “to the top of the pile”

Psychological counselor sliding scale

Administrative costsNo meeting facility costs

donated by Ascension Lutheran Church

15

Project TimetableProject Timetable

Description Start Date to Completion Date

Phase 1 Establish regular meeting schedule and advisors

March 2009 - funding and non-profit status (Dec 2009)

Phase 2 Begin to expand outreach efforts, accepting gift requests and offering financial support

Jan 2010 – June 2010

Phase 3 Expand territory and online marketing/ outreach efforts

July 2010 – Dec 2010

16

BudgetBudget

Resource BudgetPersonnel 76,080

Client Training/Certification 30,000

Facility/Fundraising 9,000

Counseling/Clergy 10,000

Operating Expenses 3,920

Promotion 1,000

Total Cost $130,000

17

Key PersonnelKey Personnel Project management leaderProject management leader Counseling supportCounseling support Spiritual SupportSpiritual Support

Director,Lauren Godfrey

Pastor Steve Herder

Psychologist, Helen Edler

Pastor Tim Delkeskamp

18

EvaluationEvaluation

Visions Made ViableVisions Made ViableBoard of Directors Individual VMV representativeMonthly Financial StatementsAccountantBy Year 3

Vocare Board of Directors

19

TestimonialsTestimonialsParticipating in Vocare has made me more aware of the spiritual, emotional and faith based needs of job applicants during a job search or career transition. Being able to provide encouragement and direction to others in a Christian-based employment network and support group bring me fulfillment and satisfaction in a "Pay It Forward" manner.

Jan YoungerJan Youngerhttp://www.linkedin.com/pub/jan-younger/6/9a2/60b

20

TestimonialsTestimonialsI first read about Vocare (“What are you called to do”) Networking Support Group in my church’s weekly bulletin. I’ve been looking for a full-time job for the past 37 months and have been blessed with consulting projects showing up at the “right” time. I went to Vocare thinking I could share what I’ve been doing in my job search and learn from others as well.

Vocare has provided me with new ideas to enhance my job search, and more importantly, an opportunity to fellowship with people going through the same struggles with self-esteem, self-confidence, and whether God is listening to my prayers to land a job. For me, having God back in the center of my job search, which Vocare has played a major role, keeps me grounded in reality and helps with those difficult days on the emotional roller coaster of not having a job. Vocare has helped me realize that my purpose in life and my identity is not defined by my job or lack there of, but by the fact that I am a “loved child of God.” Thank you Vocare!

Michael MacDonaldMichael MacDonaldhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpmacdonald

21

TestimonialsTestimonialsVocare has been helpful to me beyond the usual job search resources. Like other job seeking networks, it provides tools to help with the "physical" aspects of the search - job leads, help with resumes, interview tips, etc. But the difference for me is that Vocare provides the spiritual and emotional tools needed to help guide me during this time of unemployment.

It helps to be with fellow Christians and talk about finding a job beyond just “work” and income. It acknowledges that we should look at our jobs as having a sense of propose and a calling. Vocare allows us a safe environment to grieve the loss of becoming unemployed. Even the simple act of praying for each other takes the job search process to a whole different level. By sharing our pain (and also the positive things that have happened during this time in-transition), the burden is lessened and I feel a sense of comfort. I am SO grateful to Lauren for providing leadership and the Vocare team for supporting me in these uncertain times. The Vocare Networking Support group is truly a blessing to me. Susan Roehttp://www.linkedin.com/pub/susan-roe/11/84b/68b

22

Questions?Questions?

Thank you!Thank you!