Uplift People of Elk Grove

$13,305 raised by 65 donors

89% complete

$15,000 Goal

Uplift People of Elk Grove was created to help individuals and families break the cycle of poverty. We understand that poverty is complicated and a multi layered issue and everyone has traveled their journey from a different path. We also understand that financial poverty is only one form of poverty. Poverty can also be experienced physically, spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, or otherwise. Each and every one of us, regardless of our background, has experienced, is experiencing, or will experience poverty in some aspect of our life. We are all in this together. We use our life experience, talents and resources to support our participants (we call them Champions) as they transition to abundant lives. We bring people together to break down traditional barriers of class lines and differing cultures. The program fosters friendships and mutual support as we journey together toward wholeness.

Uplift People of Elk Grove is comprised of community leaders, elected and appointed officials, volunteers, and program participants. Uplift People of Elk Grove connects with affiliates throughout the country regularly to share resources and provide each other with coaching and valuable support. Uplift People of Elk Grove is an affiliate of NETworX, a nationwide movement working to break the cycle of poverty that achieves measurable results. We partner with other local non profit organizations that serve those in need and share resources as we work together to help eradicate poverty in our community.

We meet once a week on Tuesday nights on the campus at The Elk Grove United Methodist Church. Our weekly Community Meetings include dinner, fellowship, educational curriculum, presentations and workshops. We provide childcare and young adult programs. We celebrate birthdays, holidays, and special occasions whenever possible. Every Community Meeting includes a group sharing that focuses on the new and good things that have happened over the past week and a group recognition of what things we appreciate in every person.

We break down our program into three separate phases:
- In the first phase (the Educational Phase) relationships take root as we make our way through curriculum created by NETworX. The curriculum is based on the concepts found in the book "Bridges Out Of Poverty" by Ruby Payne. We cover topics that focus on understanding the reasons we can get stuck in the cycle of poverty and identify ways out. Some of the topics we cover include trauma, owning accountability, hidden class rules, budgeting, healthy relationships, and creating abundance in community. Our Champions in Phase 1 receive a grocery gift card to help off set expenses. Phase 1 takes approximately 9 months and upon completion Champions are honored in a graduation ceremony.
- In the second phase (the Goal Setting Phase) relationships grow as we work together on setting and meeting individual goals. Champions are paired up with a team of Allies that focus on goal setting. Presentations and workshops are provided that support Champions in their goal setting. Topics include cash flow management, career opportunities, how to apply for a State job, eating healthy on a budget, interview skills, the hidden job market, meditation, writing a resume etc.
- In the third phase (the Giving Phase) our focus and goals shift outward and seek to improve the larger community through giving back and reciprocity. Champions are connected with opportunities to give back to their community in ways that match their passions and talents.

The entire program takes about 36 months to complete but can vary based on the participant.

Mission

"Rising Up From Poverty Together"

Uplift People of Elk Grove helps families and individuals break the cycle of poverty. We are a comprehensive, holistic program designed to break the cycle of poverty by building well-being together: rethinking poverty, re-framing solutions, and reshaping our community. Through education and intentional relationships, we can restore abundance for families and individuals and bridge the cultural and socioeconomic class lines that often divide us.

Needs

Uplift People of Elk Grove requires funding to support its initiative. Major expenses include costs to employ one full-time Project Coordinator, meal costs for Community Meetings, childcare providers, licensing fees for use of educational curriculum and training, office supplies, outreach and marketing costs, grocery cards for our participants in Phase 1 and educational supplies.

Uplift People of Elk Grove relies on the support of volunteers that fulfill important roles that support our initiative. Our participants and volunteers consider their Uplift community to be an extended family. We have volunteer opportunities for just about everyone that will accommodate your schedule and connect with your passions and interests.

We have many opportunities to share your talents by joining a sub committee that covers topics such as meal planning, outreach, marketing/social media, grant writing, finances, event planning and fundraising. Sub committees meet 1-2 times a month.

We are always looking for presenters with special skills or experience that wish to educate our community on topics that would support our participants as they move towards a place of abundance. Topics could include career advancement, improving health, cash flow management, financial planning, mindfulness, mental health, parenting, relationship building, career opportunities, money saving ideas etc. We are always open to suggestions and tailor our presentations based on the needs of our participants. This is a minimal commitment and presentations can be scheduled based on availability but must be on a Tuesday night.

We occasionally have a need for Volunteers who may want to help with administrative projects such as data input, collating materials, stuffing envelopes etc. This a minimal commitment with flexibility.

Sitting down together for our Tuesday night weekly family dinner during our community meetings is an important ritual at Uplift. Taking the time to catch up and share over a meal helps us grow closer to our Uplift family. Our meals are mostly donated by community partners which include local churches, restaurants, high school culinary programs, groups of friends, families and individuals. We are always in need of meal donations that would include a prepared dinner delivered to our Community Meeting on Tuesday evenings. We typically plan on serving up to 50 people per meeting.

Uplift People of Elk Grove is always looking to expand our Board of Directors. Our working Board is passionate about supporting those who are ready to leave poverty behind and create more abundant lives. Most of our Board members are involved in one or more sub committees and many are connected to other non profits with similar initiatives. We are hoping to bring in new Board Members who are passionate about our mission, are connected to the community and offer a something of value that will help us support our Champions. We are always looking to grow and improve our organization and welcome team players who can help us take our program to the next level.

Uplift People of Elk Grove currently uses items that are donated or are paid from our budget. Any donation of the following items is helpful in conserving resources or helping to create additional resources from our fundraising efforts.

- Grocery Gift Cards of $25 from any local grocery store or gas station (we provide these cards to our new participants).

- New and unopened dry drink mixes (ice tea, lemonade, ground coffee)

- New and unopened meal supply items (disposable dinner plates, napkins, plastic ware, cold drink cups, hot drink cups)

- Office supplies (reams of white and colored paper, pens, address labels, standard size envelopes, stamps)

- Items for our live and silent auction fundraising events

Equity Statement

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Uplift People of Elk Grove

Year Established

2018

Tax id (EIN)

82-2485100

Mission Category

Human Services

Operating Budget

$50,001 - $100,000

Organization Need

Funding: Unrestricted, Volunteers, Other, Board Members, In-Kind Donations

Demographics Served

Low-income individuals/families, Women/Female-identifying, Homeless/Underhoused/Unhoused

Local Counties Served

Sacramento

Address

8986 Elk Grove Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95624

Service areas

Elk Grove, CA, US

Wilton, CA, US

Sacramento, CA, US

Galt, CA, US

Sacramento, CA, US

Phone

916-900-6991