The Pathway of Hope (POH) initiative has become so vital in meeting needs in the Flint, Mich., area, that the Genesee/Shiawassee Regional Command’s leadership, advisory board and key personnel completed a yearlong planning effort with a consulting group to formulate a five-year strategic POH plan.
“Implementation of the plan began in mid-2017 a end goal of enrolling 100 families in POH by 2022,” said Captain Caleb Senn, the command’s regional coordinator and Flint Citadel corps officer. The plan is comprised of five strategic priorities with action goals and a progression of milestones starting with 25 families enrolled in POH by the end of 2018.
The priorities include improving fund development; increasing the diversity, engagement and education of advisory board members along with implementing an Echelon group of young professionals; expanding the marketing and brand identity of The Salvation Army and POH; broadening POH services, and increasing the involvement of soldiers in providing spiritual care.
Making inroads with new potential funding partners has already begun, and Captains Caleb and Stephanie Senn have conducted a worship series at the Flint Citadel Corps called “Pathway of Hope” in order to engage soldiers and friends in this vital anti-poverty initiative.
“The planning process was formulated and driven by our advisory board as a way to mobilize and address the overwhelming needs in our community,” Captain Caleb continued. “We view the Pathway of Hope initiative as a viable means of helping our community members realize their potential and work toward sufficiency.”
The Sheppard Consulting Group was engaged to conduct in-depth research including interviews with donors, clients, advisory board members and key staff. Formulating the plan took shape over three advisory board retreats during which board members formulated a vision and subsequently set goals for POH.
