Special Voters’ Meeting

MEETING AGENDA & ITEMS

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AGENDA

I. Call to Order

II. Opening Prayer

III. Approval of Minutes

Annual Congregational Voters’ Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2020

Attendees

David Pacher – President	Alan Boehm – Elder	Collin Dwigans – Staff
Mary Gray – Treasurer	Richard Clayton – Elder	Josh King – Elder
April Treybig – Secretary	Giles Montgomery – Elder	Congregation
Scott Heitshusen – Pastor	Brackston Nutt – Elder

David called meeting to order.

Pastor Scott opens in prayer.

David spoke about the past year (pandemic challenges). LifeBridge did a great job keeping everyone connected and numbers seem to be on the rise again. God is GREAT! Land update – free and clear on land purchase. There are some upcoming conversations about partnerships with the Sealy Pantry and with the Pregnancy Center.

Approval of minutes — from the February 16, Special Voters’ Meeting — It was moved and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. The ayes had it and the motion passed.

Nominations – David asks if there were any nominations on the floor. There were none so the positions up for voting are: Vice President – Colin Dwigans; Treasurer – None (still needed!); Elders – David Walker, Jose Sanchez and Richard Clayton (incumbent).

A motion was made and seconded to approve those people for those positions. The ayes had it and motion passed. New positions will be installed at the next service (November 1^st).

Staff report videos are played.

Pastor Scott goes over Congregational Lay and Alternate Delegates for the Texas District Convention of the LCMS. It was moved and seconded to let the Board of Directors elect these people. The ayes had it and the motion passed.

Mary gave financial report. Reviewed budget for 2021 for everyone. A motion was made and seconded to approve the 2021 budget. The ayes had it and the motion passed, approving the budget.

Open Discussion: Alan Boehm lets congregation know that Pastor Scott and his family would like to start having lunch with everyone. Signup sheets will be available for each family to sign up.

Pastor Scott says benediction to close the meeting.

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The ayes had it and the meeting is adjourned.

[PDF here]

IV. Sealy Pregnancy Resource Center & LifeBridge — Presentation & Proposal

Sealy Pregnancy Resource Center
P.O. Box 1108
Sealy, TX 77474-1108

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Center Building Plan Proposal

Date:	1/10/2021
Location:	LifeBridge Community Church

The center is a prolife 501(C)(3) nonprofit charity organization.  We serve young ladies and young men from Pregnancy until the child’s third birthday, parents-to-be who are in the process of adopting and foster-parents in need of assistance.  There are no income or age requirements.  We see those primarily from Austin, Colorado, and Waller Counties.  However, no client is turned away.

The pregnancy center has seen a significant amount of growth since its opening in February 2016.

The pregnancy center is currently occupying 1649’sqft of the 2000’sqft office area. The center is running out of space and in need of more space for offices, classrooms, boutique, etc. A metal storage unit was purchased to store the large items such as high chairs, strollers, etc. and utilizing the attic space over the center.

The proposal is to build a 6000 sqft building, move the metal storage building over, and turn the office space over to the church. Propose having a playground and prayer garden between the buildings for center’s clients and the children’s church.

Sealy PRC Proposal
Aerial View

The following is a list of some of the rooms proposed for the building:

1. Waiting Room
2. Play area off Waiting Room
3. Kitchen / Lunch Room
4. Lab with Adjoining Office for Medical Personnel
5. Conference / Classroom #1
6. Conference / Classroom #2
7. Storage Room (IT Equipment, Supplies, etc.)
8. Boutique (Large Shopping Floor)
9. Donation Receiving
   1. Includes Sink, Laundry Facilities, and Office
10. Client Services Room
    1. Training Materials, Desks for Volunteers, Client Files
11. 3 office Offices
12. Counseling Room #1 (Next to Laboratory)
13. Exam Room (with Sink)
14. 2 Consult Rooms (CPS Assessment, Individual Classes)
15. Bathroom with 2-3 Stalls and Changing Table
16. Bathroom off Waiting Room
17. 2 Booths with Computers (Assistance with Medicaid enrollment, Resumes, etc.)
18. Dress for Success Room (Dressing room with Maternity and Work Clothes for Mom)
19. Storage area for Deliveries
20. Multi-purpose Room (Lamaze, Pregnancy Yoga, and CPR Classes)

Our Programs

Case Management

We are a small community organization made up of a group of dedicated individuals committed to mentoring and developing young moms.  With that, we are able to offer personalized Case Management tailored to her individual needs.  Meeting her where she is in her life-walk is critically important in being able to connect and form that important relationship.  With case management we meet with the client, assess her needs, and put forth an action plan tailored specifically for her.  Our goal is to equip her with the tools she needs to be a good role-model for her children and a contributing member in the community in which she resides.  All of our programs are designed with this goal in mind.

When a mother-to-be comes in for a pregnancy test, if her test is positive, she is given a packet which includes a 2-week supply of prenatal vitamins, a listing of medical professionals who take Medicaid patients, a listing of pediatricians, food pantry locations, WIC locations, resources for a car seat, etc.  She is provided with a starter packet to get her off to a good start.  If she has any additional needs, we maintain a list of resources on hand.

We are a part of the Community Partner Program through Health and Human Services.  We assist clients with enrollment in programs such as Pregnancy Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, etc. 

There are times when a mother is in need of parenting classes due to custody, CPS, and other issues.  The Case Manager will assess the individual to determine the level of need, and tailor the sessions accordingly.  Referrals to external agencies may be recommended dependent upon the severity of the situation. 

Wellness Checks / Home Visits

Periodically there may be a need to visit our clients in their home.  Transportation is limited in our rural community and a mother does not always have access to a vehicle.  If the mother cannot make it into the center, sessions can be conducted through video chat and the structured classes can be sent to her phone.  However, this requires that she has internet access or a reliable phone plan.  Rarely is this the case in the rural and underserved areas where service is limited or too expensive.

All staff are required to visit in pairs.  For safety, no staff member is allowed to conduct a Home Visit alone.  During Home Visits, staff bring material items such as diapers and wipes, etc.  We also assess the home environment to ensure home-life is safe for the children and mom.  Home Visits are not frequently required, but is an available service.

‘HAND-UP!’ Program

We believe that building strong relationships with our clients, has a deeper more positive impact in their lives, and their children’s lives for generations to come.  Our ‘HAND-UP!’ program is designed to build a strong, stable, self-sufficient individual who is ready to take on all that the world has to offer.  We give them the foundation they need to provide for their family in the best way possible.  Instead of just providing a ‘HAND-OUT’, we provide a ‘HAND-UP!’ through our educational programs, by partnering with and connecting to other agencies and social services, peer-counseling, incentive programs, and assistance with diapers, formula, wipes, maternity clothing, infant clothing, strollers, walkers, highchairs, and more.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

‘EARN BASED LEARNING’ Program

Through our Earn Based Learning program, new and expectant moms and dads receive items for their babies, as well as valuable knowledge through our educational program.  By making appointments, meeting with our staff for peer-counseling or classes and homework assignments, they earn “mommy bucks,” which can used to purchase diapers, formula, clothing, and more from our boutique. These visits provide valuable opportunities to build relationships, and guidance on important issues for their family. 

They also earn mommy bucks for attending peer-counseling, OBGYN appointments, WIC appointments, church attendance, and taking their children in for their well-child medical and dental checkups.  By doing so, they are learning the importance of being committed to the health and well-being of themselves and their family.

‘BATTLE BUDDY MENTOR MOMS!’ Program

This is a new program in the making.  The job of being a mother is tough.  Mothers are pulled in so many directions, especially those with no experience. They are often stressed, tired and lonely.  This often leads into a cycle of making poor decisions in parenting and in their relationships.  Many complain that they don’t have anyone to talk to, or just to ask questions on life issues.  Through the ‘BATTLE BUDDY MENTOR MOMS!’ program, a mother is partnered with someone who will walk and guide her through the difficult times by providing that support, encouragement, and coaching she so desperately needs and through the tough battles she encounters.  

One does not have to be a mother to be a Battle Buddy.  A Battle Buddy is one who is committed to providing the support needed to help a young mom through the difficult battles she is facing.  Many of our young moms are single mothers.  These young mothers and mothers-to-be learn from those who are experienced and wise.  These Battle Buddies can provide insight into how to handle a crying infant, tough toddler, rebellious tween, relationship issues impacting parenting, and more.

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.

Romans 1:11-12

‘ULTRASOUND’ Program

Ultrasound services fall under the supervision of the Medical Director.  Our Medical Director is a physician who volunteers his/her service to oversee all of our medical related programs.  Ultrasound services are offered to our pregnant young ladies, between ten and twenty weeks of gestation.  Ultrasound services are provided for verification of pregnancy.  Scans can be released to a physician per the request of a client, if she signs a release.  No diagnosis is provided, as this is the role of her physician.  Our Ultrasound services are conducted by volunteer medical personnel, as the center does not have the funds to hire full time medical personnel at this time.

When a young mother sees her baby for the first time, motherhood becomes a reality.  In seeing the baby move around and play, it helps her to understand the importance of proper prenatal care for her child and the need for planning for the upcoming birth.  At this point we encourage her to participate in our educational programs to learn more about proper prenatal care and how important it is for the development of her baby.  

‘VOLUNTEER’ Program 

It’s important to develop a volunteer recruitment strategy to get the right volunteers serving. Volunteers are critical to our organization.  Not only do volunteers help to save money, but they can provide superior service to clients, increase contact with the greater community, bring in expertise otherwise unavailable, and reduce cost of services.

• Volunteers can be the go-getters who work with the young ladies and young men, and can put on special events such as auctions, galas, or raffles. This is particularly helpful when making plans for a capital campaign.
• And let’s not forget; volunteers who serve on the Board of Directors and committees.  They are the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations.

With a clear idea of what needs to be accomplished and with direction from staff, volunteers can expand Sealy Pregnancy Resource Centers’ horizons, bringing skills and expertise that will increase client support, and become new and dear friends. We would not be where we are without our supporters.  We have a lot of work ahead of us.  Some funds have been collected and for the remainder we will have to start a capital campaign.  We are off to a great start.  God’s hand is evident in every step we have taken on this journey.  We continue to keep our focus on spreading His love and compassion in all that we do.  This is not a one-man journey; it takes a community to work together to empower these men and women to be better parents, providers and role models for their families.

[PDF here]

V. Synodical Request

“Shall the Synod add a year to the current 2019–2022 triennium, allowing districts to hold their conventions in either 2021 or 2022, and moving the upcoming national Synod Convention from 2022 to 2023? [Thereafter, the triennium cycle will continue forward from 2023 in three-year increments, as before (i.e., with district conventions held in 2025, 2028, etc., and Synod Conventions held in 2026, 2029, etc.).]”

More information at: lcms.org/convention.

VI. Open Discussion

VII. Closing Prayer

VIII. Call to Adjourn