Meet Reagan

We are excited to share that Reagan Fick has joined our staff team as our new Veritas Kids Director! Get to know Reagan by reading a little bit about her below.

What first brought you to Veritas?
My husband and I moved to North Carolina in February of 2024. A mutual contact invited us to join them on the first Sunday we were here, and we instantly knew this was where God was calling us to call our church home!

Tell us about your role at Veritas.
I am very excited to step into the role of Veritas Kids Director! Weekly, I will be connecting with new volunteers, preparing classrooms and resources, and continuing to train and support current volunteers. Overall, my job is to prepare Veritas Kids to be a safe place for kids to come and learn about the Gospel!

What are some of your hobbies?
My hobbies change often, but my current hobbies include baking, sewing, and playing guitar!

What’s your favorite beverage?
I primarily drink ice water (you will rarely see me without my pink cup!), but I also love lemonade!

What is your favorite dish to cook?
I love cooking almost anything, but Tex-Mex is definitely my favorite! My current obsession is flautas or fajitas!

Meet Cassie

We are excited to share that Cassie Dows has joined our staff team as our new Administrative Assistant! Get to know Cassie by reading a little bit about her below.

What first brought you to Veritas?
When we moved to NC in 2021, I was struggling to find a church home. The youth pastor from our previous church in Show Low, Arizona recommended Veritas. He had never attended here but had heard from a friend that it was a great church. By the time I left the first service we attended, I knew we had found a church home.

Tell us about your role at Veritas.
I am blessed with the opportunity to serve as the Administrative Assistant here at Veritas. I only just started here on the August 11th, so I am busy learning all things Veritas, including how to connect with 1st time guests, those interested in serving, and adding upcoming events to the church calendar.

What are some of your hobbies?
I have more hobbies than I have time to keep up with. I like to read, write, cook, bake, garden, sew/quilt, draw, paint (creative and house), craft; if it's creative, I probably enjoy it!

What’s your favorite beverage?
My favorite beverage is ice water, but I also love HOT coffee (I cannot fathom cold coffee as a choice rather than a consequence of busyness).

What is the last fiction book that you read?
It is hard to say what the last one I read was. I am usually reading at least two books at a time. I read aloud with my youngest son quite a bit, and we recently finished Ranger's Apprentice: Halt's Peril by John Flanagan. I am currently in the midst of a re-read of one of my favorite series that is 15 books long, but I also just started Dune by Frank Herbert.

On the Podcast: Habitat for Humanity

Local Partner Podcast: Habitat for Humanity

Transcript

https://otter.ai/u/6F5iUtQZHRMk4bOSIf9Nw7VwN9Y?view=summary

The podcast discusses Habitat for Humanity's mission in Fayetteville, focusing on affordable housing. Since 1988, Habitat has built homes with families contributing 300 sweat equity hours and receiving zero to very low-interest rates. They also offer critical home repairs, veteran repairs, and aging in place modifications. The Habitat ReStore sells donated items, with all proceeds funding affordable housing. Trade Days teach high school students carpentry skills. Habitat aims to serve families making 30-80% AMI, ensuring they pay no more than 30% of their income on housing. The organization emphasizes community impact, stability, and empowerment through volunteering and donations.

Action Items

• [ ] Encourage Veritas members to support Habitat or other local organizations they are passionate about, even if Habitat is not the perfect fit for them.

• [ ] Invite Habitat to do a local partner highlight at Veritas on July 20th.

• [ ] Pray for Habitat to have the right people join their team to continue serving the community effectively.

Outline

Opening Prayer and Introduction

• Introduction of Samantha Metheny, Emily Ruth Perry, and Brandon Price, who are present in the Habitat for Humanity office.

• Brandon Price introduces himself as the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Fayetteville.

• Emily Ruth Perry, the deacon of local partners, expresses excitement about sharing information about Habitat and its mission.

Habitat for Humanity's Mission and Programs

• Brandon Price explains that Habitat for Humanity has been in Fayetteville since 1988, focusing on building affordable housing.

• The organization has four main programs: new construction, critical home repairs, veteran repairs, and aging in place.

• In the new construction program, families partner with Habitat, completing sweat equity hours to build their homes and receive zero to very low-interest rates.

• The critical home repairs program includes veteran repairs, storm-related repairs, and aging in place modifications for older adults.

• Habitat ReStore sells donated furniture and household items, with all proceeds going towards affordable housing.

Trade Days and Construction Camp

• Brandon discusses the Trade Days program, where Habitat partners with local schools to teach carpentry skills to students.

• Students learn to build toolboxes, stools, and other projects, gaining valuable skills for home repairs and potential careers.

• Emily Ruth highlights the importance of these skills for both practical use and character building.

• Brandon shares the success of a construction camp, where students learned various household maintenance and repair skills.

• The camp helped students like one who turned his academics around and is now enrolled in a carpentry program at Fayetteville Tech.

Affordable Housing and Community Impact

• Brandon defines affordable housing as homes for families making between 30% and 80% of the area median income (AMI).

• Habitat families pay no interest on their mortgages, which is a significant cost savings compared to traditional mortgages.

• The average newly constructed home in Fayetteville costs over $300,000, making it unaffordable for many essential workers.

• Emily Ruth emphasizes the stability and security that owning a home provides, especially for children who don't have to switch schools frequently.

• Brandon explains that stable housing leads to fewer missed workdays for adults and fewer emergency room visits for children.

Faith and Mission of Habitat

• Emily Ruth asks how Habitat's faith-based mission fits into its daily operations.

• Brandon explains that while not everyone at Habitat is a believer, the organization is founded on Christian principles of community and service.

• Habitat serves families regardless of their beliefs, but the organization's core values are rooted in Christian teachings.

• Emily Ruth discusses the importance of serving the city and how supporting organizations like Habitat aligns with Veritas' mission.

• Brandon emphasizes that serving others is a directive from Christ, and Habitat aims to empower people to do extraordinary things.

Impact of Habitat Homes on Families

• Brandon shares stories of how Habitat homes have transformed lives, providing stability and reducing stress for families.

• Children benefit from consistent schooling and community relationships, which are crucial for their development.

• Adults miss fewer workdays and spend less money on rent when they own their homes.

• Habitat homes lead to a decrease in crime in neighborhoods, as families look out for each other and create a sense of community.

• Emily Ruth highlights the importance of homeowners in stabilizing neighborhoods and creating a network of support.

Ways to Get Involved with Habitat

• Brandon encourages people to support Habitat through time, talent, and treasure.

• Volunteering at the Habitat ReStore or on construction sites is a valuable way to contribute.

• Administrative support and leading builds are also needed.

• Shopping and donating to the Habitat ReStore is another way to support the organization.

• Brandon mentions the 100 Churches initiative, where 100 churches donate $100 a month to support Habitat's mission.

Orange Street Connection and Future Plans

• Emily Ruth brings up the Orange Street connection, where Habitat and Inasmuch have formed a partnership.

• Inasmuch owns multiple lots on Orange Street, and Habitat plans to build homes there within the next 12 months.

• The partnership aims to revitalize the neighborhood and provide affordable housing for Inasmuch families.

• Emily Ruth discusses the broader neighborhood development plan and the importance of homeowners in creating a stable community.

• Brandon shares that Habitat intentionally builds clusters of homes to create a sense of community and reduce crime.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

• Brandon provides contact information for Habitat, including the website and phone number.

• He encourages people to reach out for more information, donate furniture, or volunteer.

• Emily Ruth and Brandon discuss the upcoming local partner highlight event at Veritas on July 20.

• Brandon asks for prayers for the right people to join the Habitat team and for continued support and growth for the organization.

• Emily Ruth concludes with a prayer, thanking God for the work of Habitat and asking for continued inspiration and support for the organization and its mission.

On the Podcast: Hand of Hope

Hand of Hope Podcast Special Episode

OUTLINE

https://otter.ai/u/mvQjNpZfJT3F2uML6SjgNjEyvco?view=summary

The Hand of Hope Podcast episode recording features a discussion about the Hand of Hope ministry at Your Choice Pregnancy Clinic. The ministry, started by Tanya Baker Nelson, aims to support women, men, and families, providing options beyond abortion. They serve a diverse population, including military families, underserved communities, and victims of crime. The center offers ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, and life skills classes, emphasizing a holistic approach. Michelle Dove, the center director, shares her personal story and the impact of the ministry. They seek volunteers and life skills coaches. The podcast highlights the need for prayer, support, and involvement from the community.

Outline

Introduction of Participants and Ministry Overview

• Introduction of Samantha Metheny, Emily Ruth Perry, and Michelle Dove for the podcast episode.

• Emily Ruth Perry introduces herself as the Director of Operations at Your Choice Pregnancy Clinic.

• Michelle Dove introduces herself as the center director at Your Choice Pregnancy Clinic in Fayetteville.

• Emily Ruth asks Michelle to share about Hand of Hope, its vision, and mission.

History and Mission of Hand of Hope

• Michelle Dove explains that Hand of Hope was started by Tanya Baker Nelson over 20 years ago as a Sunday school project.

• Tanya's personal crisis pregnancy experience inspired her to provide support and love to women in similar situations.

• The mission is to reach women, men, and families, showing them the love of Jesus and providing other options beyond abortion.

• Emily Ruth appreciates Tanya's focus on supporting the woman first, without adding shame or ostracization.

Challenges and Demographics Served

• Michelle Dove discusses the varied population served, including military families, underserved populations, college and high school students, and victims of crime.

• The Fayetteville site sees the most traffic and clients, with a high risk of human trafficking in the area.

• Michelle emphasizes the importance of a strong support system and the unique culture of the ministry, with many employees having personal crisis pregnancy or abortion experiences.

• The ministry is seen as a calling, not just a job, and requires a deep connection with the Lord.

Client Experience and Services Offered

• Michelle Dove describes the welcoming and spa-like environment of the center, designed to relax and respect clients.

• Clients are greeted with a smile, offered a beverage, and asked about their appointment.

• Michelle explains the process of filling out medical forms and discussing the client's needs, whether it's an abortion, pregnancy verification, or other services.

• The center provides life-affirming choices, including parenting, adoption, and life skills classes, and a boutique where clients can earn items by taking classes.

Holistic Approach and Personal Stories

• Emily Ruth appreciates the holistic approach, which includes support for fathers and the entire family.

• Michelle shares her personal story of a crisis pregnancy at 17, choosing life for her daughter, and later finding faith and a calling to serve in the ministry.

• Michelle's journey includes working in the 911 system, mental health, and ultrasound school, leading her to her current role at Hand of Hope.

• The ministry provides a supportive and loving environment, helping clients find healing and restoration.

Client Testimony and Impact

• Michelle shares a client's story of initially planning an abortion but being transformed by the love and support at the center.

• The client found hope and a relationship with God through the center's encouragement and prayers.

• The client's life was changed, and she gained a new perspective on motherhood and faith.

• Emily Ruth and Michelle reflect on the impact of the ministry and the importance of prayer and support from the community.

Ways to Get Involved and Support

• Michelle invites Veritas to pray for the ministry, mothers, fathers, and those in the abortion industry.

• The center needs volunteers and life skills coaches, offering training and support for those interested.

• Veritas can also support by organizing events, baking, or joining the prayer team.

• Michelle provides the center's address, website, and information on how to get involved and support the ministry.

Closing and Prayer

• Emily Ruth thanks Veritas for their support and encouragement.

• Michelle shares a personal story of finding Veritas as a partner and the importance of their support.

• The meeting concludes with a prayer from Emily Ruth, thanking God for the ministry, the staff, and the impact on lives.

• Veritas is invited to continue supporting the ministry through prayer, donations, and volunteering.

On the Podcast: The Living Hope Program

Local Partner Podcast: The Living Hope Program

Transcript

https://otter.ai/u/90RUVCA2ve_blXFgkXcUbFv3eaQ?view=transcript

Samantha Metheny, director of operations at Veritas, interviews Emily Ruth Perry, deacon of local partners, and participants of Operation Inasmuch's Living Hope program. The program offers transitional housing and holistic support for homeless men, including spiritual development, life skills, and case management. Participants share their experiences, highlighting personal growth, community support, and practical skills gained, such as cooking and bike repair. The program also engages with the community through neighborhood development initiatives. Emily Ruth emphasizes the need for prayer, financial support, and volunteering to sustain the program. The conversation underscores the importance of faith, community, and practical skills in fostering personal transformation and community engagement.

Outline

Introduction and Participant Introductions

• Samantha Metheny introduces herself as the director of operations at Veritas and mentions she is sitting with Emily Ruth Perry and three friends.

• Unknown Speaker introduces himself as Mike, and Bernard Pittman and Oliver Jones introduce themselves.

• Samantha expresses excitement about learning more about Operation Inasmuch and the Living Hope program.

• Emily Ruth Perry begins to explain Operation Inasmuch and its main programs, starting with the breakfast program and the Living Hope program.

Overview of Operation Inasmuch and Living Hope Program

• Emily Ruth explains that Operation Inasmuch has been around for many years and has two main programs: the breakfast program and the Living Hope program.

• The breakfast program serves breakfast Monday through Friday and includes various relief services like sick call, hygiene, and shelter.

• The Living Hope program offers transitional housing for men seeking to get out of homelessness permanently, providing classes in spiritual development, life skills, peer support, and case management.

• Emily Ruth introduces Oliver, who is in the program for about a month, and asks him to share his experience.

Participant Experiences in the Living Hope Program

• Oliver shares that he has been in the program for about a month and has enjoyed learning new life skills.

• Micah introduces himself and shares his experience of being homeless for over a year and how the program has helped him develop skills and connect with himself.

• Bernard, a graduate of the program, talks about the benefits he received, including a closer relationship with God and employment assistance.

• Emily Ruth brags about the success of the program participants, highlighting their intrinsic drive, willingness, and humility.

Daily Life and Classes in the Living Hope Program

• Oliver describes a typical day in the program, starting with breakfast, Bible study, and various classes like typing, money skills, and job training.

• Oliver shares his experience of fixing bikes at the Bike Lady program and learning from resources like Sheldon Brown's website.

• Emily Ruth and Oliver discuss the importance of curiosity and learning in the program.

• Micah shares his experience of learning to cook and helping others in the community, including attending job fairs and bringing back resources.

Community and Personal Growth in the Program

• Samantha asks about the typical day or week in the program, and Oliver describes the varied activities and classes.

• Oliver shares his experience of fixing bikes and learning from online resources.

• Emily Ruth and Micah discuss the importance of community and the support they receive from each other.

• Micah shares his experience of learning humility and the importance of listening to others.

Spiritual Growth and Personal Reflections

• Emily Ruth asks about the key lessons learned about themselves, God, and community during their time in the program.

• Bernard shares that he learned about his own strength through Christ and the faithfulness of God.

• Micah reflects on his spiritual growth and the importance of humility and listening to others.

• Oliver shares his experience of reconnecting with his faith and the support he received from the program.

Practical Skills and Tools Gained in the Program

• Micah shares the practical skills he has gained, including cooking, money management, and community engagement.

• Oliver talks about the importance of patience and the skills he has learned, like gardening and farming.

• Emily Ruth and Micah discuss the importance of community involvement and the impact of the neighborhood development process.

• Micah shares his experience of attending community meetings and engaging with the neighborhood.

Future Hopes and Dreams

• Emily Ruth asks about the hopes and dreams for the future, and participants share their aspirations.

• Bernard shares his experience of starting a business called Blessings, inspired by Proverbs 10:6.

• Emily Ruth reflects on the impact of the program on her faith and the importance of spiritual development.

• Oliver shares his experience of finding his connection to God through nature and his journey of faith.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

• Samantha asks what one thing participants want people to remember from the podcast.

• Bernard emphasizes the importance of doing all things through Christ who strengthens them.

• Micah shares his experience of learning to cook and the impact of the program on his life.

• Emily Ruth encourages people to get involved with Inasmuch through prayer, giving, and volunteering.

Veritas Church's Role in Supporting Inasmuch

• Emily Ruth explains how Veritas Church can support Inasmuch through prayer, giving, and volunteering.

• She highlights the need for good work opportunities for program participants and the importance of quality staff.

• Emily Ruth encourages Veritas Church members to get involved in volunteering and leading classes.

• She provides her contact information for anyone interested in getting involved with Inasmuch.

Emily Ruth's Perspective on the Role of the Church

• Samantha asks Emily Ruth about her perspective on the role of the church in serving those in need after her transition to Inasmuch.

• Emily Ruth reflects on the importance of caring for people outside the church walls and the impact of the program on her faith.

• She emphasizes the need for the church to be for the city and to share its gifts with the community.

• Emily Ruth calls for practical action and encourages the church to be the hands and feet of Jesus.