United Ministries aims to help individuals and families become financially stable through its five programs, which have been developed over the 48 years of serving the Greenville area. Their “integrated services” model (which means they offer more than one service under one roof – job search, housing, finances) goes beyond crisis programs. Most of the funding goes to programs to help people achieve long-term financial stability.

Our team took the opportunity to check out the Employment Readiness program orientation, which is held every Thursday morning for an hour. Each participant who chooses to go through the program will receive individualized help from counselors in addition to a 4-day class session to discuss applications, interview assistance, and financial skills. Financial skills covered include good loans, bad loans, budgeting, saving, debt, and credit.

Participants of the Employment Readiness program also qualify for bus tickets, gas cards, and vouchers for thrift stores to buy interview outfits. United Ministries also offers a matched savings program to emphasize the importance of saving money for emergencies. After participants complete the classes, their employment counselors work with them to develop long-term plans and keep in touch with them for one year (or longer if they want).

In addition to the Employment Readiness program, United Ministries offers programs in adult education, crisis assistance, and homeless services:

Adult Education: GED program with open study hall and volunteer tutors
Place of Hope: day shelter that provides laundry and hygiene needs as well as resources + counselors to help get out of homelessness
Emergency Assistance: Food pantry (recently expanded thanks to Leadership Greenville) + rent and utility assistance
Interfaith Hospitality Network: Shelter for families experiencing homelessness (many shelters are separated by gender)

Collaboration is key. Community partnerships include:

Computer classes taught by Greenville Library staff
Financial workshops taught by Sharonview Federal Credit Union and FLUOR employees
Miracle Hill’s Overcomers Program and Greenville Rescue Mission

United Ministries is always in need of volunteers. Click here for more information on how to get involved.