On the Road Next Step Experiences!
One of the best ways that Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington (SMGW) has found to share information about its Next Step Program with those who might be interested in learning about it, is what we call a “Next Step Experience” (NSE). This one-hour “come and see” event allows attendees to hear from various different people whose lives have been touched by the Next Step program - generally a program participant, a volunteer and either a senior staffer or Board member.
When held at one of our offices, it also provides an opportunity for a short tour to see where and how this unique self-help program actually works. Attendees see where our participants meet with caseworkers, use the computers in the employment offices, and get clothing to prepare for job interviews. Sometimes the event also includes a short audio or video presentation. Attendees can expect to learn specifics about SMGW and the Next Step Program (including plans for the future, opportunities to volunteer or become involved in other ways, etc.) and to get answers to any questions, and they can also expect to get a real feel for the program and the impact that it has on people’s lives.
We have found that an “on-the-road” Next Step Experience can also be an effective way to share information with members of partner parishes and other organizations. These events are held at the parish/organization’s location. The agenda is adapted to meet the needs and time constraints of the group, making it ideal for adult education or adult forums on Sunday morning, committee gatherings or at other times.
When held at a partner parish, the event if usually hosted by the partner parish’s SMGW representative or a member of the parish’s outreach/mission group who is very familiar with SMGW’s work. The host (often with help from a Samaritan Ministry staff or Board member) welcomes attendees, helps with introductions and manages on-site logistics (scheduling, coordination, room set-up, arranging for VCR or DVD video equipment, check-in, name tags, etc.). The host also generally arranges cab fare, a ride or other transportation for the Next Step program participant, wherever possible.
Samaritan Ministry is committed to encouraging and supporting people as they take Next Steps, to following-up with them , and to getting their feedback about how we can better serve them. This philosophy extends to Next Step Experience events as well. We ask each person who attends to share contact information with us so that we can call them after the event, find out what they thought of it and whether they’d like any other follow-up. These calls are generally made by the host, with help from SMGW staff where appropriate.
If you’d like more information or want to discuss the possibility of scheduling an on-the-road Next Step Experience (or attending one of our regularly scheduled events at one of our offices), please contact Samaritan Ministry’s Development Coordinator, Mary Belknap, at 202-722-2280 (ext. 327) or by email at mbelknap@samaritanministry.org Please see our web site at www.samaritanministry.org to learn more about our program and the Next Step Experiences scheduled in our offices.
