Providing a Variety of Services to Individuals and Families in Need

Mentoring

PIP matches families in transition with volunteer teams of two to five people who offer mentoring and friendship, along with such practical assistance as employment coaching, budgeting, and household management. 

Payee Services

PIP pays bills, provides financial management services and counsels parents and others who have difficulty managing their own finances (requires referral).

Intensive Case Management

PIP helps clients identify their barriers to employment, then develop steps to overcome those barriers.

Resource Referrals for Low-Income Families

PIP provides information and referrals to community resources to help meet the needs of families seeking services, focusing especially on housing.

Mail Service for Homeless Individuals

PIP provides mail service for people who are homeless and who also receive public assistance benefits. Without this service, individuals and families that are eligible for DSHS cash benefits, medical coverage, and food stamps may not receive the needed resources that are essential to support permanent housing and stability.

Associated Ministries'

Family Emergency Fund

PIP manages this fund, which is used to assist individuals and families with unusual and extreme needs that other agencies and outreach programs are not designed to meet. 

Become a Mentor for a Tacoma Family

2-5 volunteers are needed to make-up a Mentor Team for Lynn and her family.

Profile for "Lynn"

• Age 29
• Family:  Children (son (5-years-old).
• Education/employment goals: Lynn is currently searching for employment. 
• Goals to complete by next year: Besides securing employment, Lynn would like to find a home church and become familiar with free or inexpensive activities for her son to participate in.
• Lynn's hobbies or interests: Lynn likes to travel and meet new people.
• Lynn can be reached at home by phone anytime. 
  

Qualities Lynn desires in a volunteer: Lynn desires volunteers who are good communicators.

Additional Information:

Lynn seems pretty determined to accomplish her goals.  She also seems to recognize or understand the importance of wrapping a support system around her family as she may encounter barriers along the way.

Lynn initiated contact with staff to inquire about the mentorship program.  She seems motivated and inspired by the thoughts of others willing to give of themselves to assist her and her family.  Lynn mentioned that she would like to search for a home church, one that can help her learn to grow spiritually, and exposed her to opportunities that can create ongoing or long-term support Lynn seems ready to invest her efforts to build a healthy and solid foundation for her son to grow and thrive.  A team can definitely bridge the gap to help this family thrive and grow in the process together.

Mentor teams offer such support as friendship, encouragement and practical hands-on support in the way of helping a family achieve their goals.

This volunteer opportunity is a fun (and effective) way to help someone while the time commitment is minimal.  Volunteer teams alternate weekly contact with the family they are matched with either by phone or in person; the time commitment averages out to be around an hour every other week per person.

Volunteers will also receive the support of staff in the way of initial training and ongoing monthly support.

For further information about this volunteer opportunity, please contact Valorie Crout, the Program Director at (253) 383-3056 ext. 108 or valoriec@associatedministries.org. 

For more information about any of these events, email Valorie or call (253) 383-3056, ext. 108.