A Safe Haven means tying a safety net

Like sailors fashioning a net, congregations can weave together assets that they have, forming a Safe Haven for Children. Each asset, a single cord--a church member, a neighbor, a community leader, an educator, or a human service provider--comes together creating a safety net. Rope by rope, knot by knot, these assets form a safety net through which no child needs to fall. This is a Safe Haven for Children.

Connections within congregations

Congregational assets abound. From listeners to storytellers, from artists to technicians, each member of your church has gifts to share.

Think of people in your congregation who work with children. Who are the teachers, day-care workers, school bus drivers, pediatricians, music and dance instructors, athletic coaches, nursery attendants, foster-care parents, and so forth?

Consider, too, those who might enjoy the company of children. Are there older members of the congregation who would love to become "church grandparents"? Offer the church's senior members the opportunity to establish a special relationship with a child.

Introduce people who work with children in your congregation to the place where they might find Sunday school supplies. What resources might they use to enhance their time with the children?

Don't forget those people who might not have such an obvious connection with children. What places do members of your congregation work that might be of interest to those who are connected with the children? Children's church presentations and adult forums are excellent venues for people to share their knowledge. What are hobbies in which mem-bers are involved could enhance the lives of the children themselves or those who work with children?

Connections around neighborhoods

Neighborhoods are often the centers of children's lives. They may also be rich in resources. Look into potential partnerships with nearby elementary schools. Are there opportunities for members of your congregation to help with after school care, tutoring, transportation assistance, walking children to school, and so forth?

Perhaps partnering with a local toy store would be a possibility. How about organizing a "toy gun trade-in" to promote nonviolent toys?

Contact other faith communities and ecumenical partners. How are they tending to the needs of neighborhood children? Could your congregation combine resources with other religious organizations? What about church-sponsored holiday community activities? These could include Easter-egg hunts, safe Halloween parties, and Christmas caroling activities?

Find out where the children gather in your neighborhood. Where are they before and after school? Is the community committed to keeping up parks and recreation areas?

How could your church enhance the community efforts? Check out volunteer opportunities at thrift stores, emergency shelters, or food pantries. In what ways can your church assist these organizations?

Connections with Lutheran human service organizations

The Lutheran commitment to human services is evident across the nation. This provides ready-made opportunities for your congregation to be a part of these ministries.

Locate the nearest Lutheran social service or family agency. Do these organizations offer counseling help for children and families in distress? How can your church become involved with these agencies?

Explore Lutheran social ministries that work with foster children, adoption, and day care. Are there ways your congregation can assist these programs?

Connections throughout the region

Opportunities outside your immediate area may help children who are overlooked or too remote for other services.

Find out what your synod has in place for children. Is your congregation already committed to children's advocacy? If not, consider starting a group in your congregation.

Look in the Sunday edition of your local newspaper. Are there volunteer opportunities in your area that could use your church's help?

Investigate public human services. Can your congregation assist in programs such as moving families from welfare to self-sufficiency?

Examine how local law enforcement officials are working to improve life for children. How can your congregation form a partnership with these agencies?

Determine how the hospitals and clinics in your area might work with children. What are the possibilities of combining congregational resources to help with children's medical needs to support children with chronic illnesses, including children with HIV and AIDS?

Explore how school district leaders are enhancing the lives of the children. Are there ways to link your church with the efforts of the schools?

Connections across the country

Information about how your church can make connections is available from many agencies. The following list of organizations can serve as a starting point for your congregation. Add more to this list during your exploration.

A-STOP (Alliance for Speaking Truths on Prostitution)
1901 Portland Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-872-0684
www.a-stop.org

American Academy of Pediatrics
141 Northwest Point Blvd.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60009-0927
800-433-9016

Catholic Charities USA
1731 King St., Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-1390

Child Welfare League of America
440 First St. N.W., Third Floor
Washington, DC 20001
202-638-2952
www.cwla.org

Children's Defense Fund
25 E St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
202-628-8787

Ecumenical Childcare Network
8765 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 405
Chicago, IL 60631
800-649-5443
773-693-4040

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
8765 West Higgins Rd.
Chicago, IL 60631
800-638-3522
www.elca.org
* Women and Children Living in Poverty, ext. 2863
* Women and Children in Crisis, ext. 2730

Lutheran Office of Government Affairs
122 C St. N.W., Suite 125
Washington, DC 20001
202-783-7507

Lutheran Services in America
2177 Youngman Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55116
800-664-3848

National Institute on Media and the Family
606 24th Ave. S., Suite 606
Minneapolis, MN 55454
888-672-5437

Search Institute
700 S. Third St., Suite 210
Minneapolis, MN 55415
800-888-7828

Seedfolks Youth Ministry
631 N. 19th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-934-9852

Stand for Children
1834 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
800-663-4032

Youth and Family Institute of Augsburg College
Campus Box 709
2111 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
612-330-1624

"We receive you as fellow members of the body of Christ, children of the same heavenly Father, and workers with us in the kingdom of God."

From the service for Holy Baptism, Lutheran Book of Worship, p. 125.