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.