• Word of mouth
• Community Outreach from HIM
• Referral – Church
• Referral – Judge (court employee)
• Signage (e.g. yard signs)
• Social Media
• Social Agency
• Flyer/postcard in the mail
• TV commercial

During the year, HIM has six class cycles, and the recruiting takes place between every cycle. December is a time to reflect on what works and ways to improve in the coming year.

One of the most effective recruiting methods is when a graduate whose life has been transformed becomes so invested in HIM that (s)he becomes a recruiter.  These graduates bring passion and credibility to the recruiting process, and as HIM becomes more established in a community, more of the word of mouth recruiting happens organically.

Another effective method is the face to face outreach from HIM teaching staff.  During the two-week teaching break between class cycles, HIM career and life coaches staff get out in the community and recruit in a combination of places, including: shelters, public housing neighborhoods, food distribution events, parole board meetings, etc. This method takes time, and our team always learns more about the community when we get out.

Throughout the year, the classroom and community relations staff are building relationships with agencies, non-profits, court employees, etc. and hosting on-campus tours and meetings to raise awareness and build a network of multipliers who refer individuals to the HIM program.  This work is slow, steady, and productive.

There are lots of ways to get involved as a volunteer to help HIM recruit students.  We would love to hear from you. Click here if you are interested in helping HIM recruit!

The post How Does Hope Inspired Ministries Recruit Students? appeared first on Hope Inspired Ministries.

I caught up with Katie recently, and asked her why she likes to bless our ministry with food for the students. She quickly responded, “I love to see the students and meet them. I love to watch their faces light up as they fill their plates and tummies. It blesses me to bring lunch to the students knowing that I’m providing a scrumptious meal to them.”

Katie knows that sometimes it’s their only meal of the day, and that makes her want to do her best. “Food is a universal thing that unites us as people,” she continues. “I love bringing unity and food to the table!”

At Katie’s house, she uses her volunteer work to teach her two small boys about being a servant for the Lord’s Kingdom. She says providing that example to them is important to her.  Sometimes, she lets them help stir the pot and load up the car. “They love to come into H.I.M. and see everyone and be a ray of sunshine to all who are there!”

I asked Katie her favorite dish to cook. She responded that she is famous for her herb baked chicken with cheesy mashed potatoes with gravy, and green beans. Those are always a hit.

When asked her favorite thing to tell others about Hope Inspired Ministries, she replied, “It is how they strive to help others survive in this world. They equip them not only with Godly principles but with tools to take with them into the work force and their daily lives. They are like family to the students and make it known that they are loved!”

Thank you Katie for your servant’s heart, and for the blessing you bring to Hope Inspired Ministries.

To make an impact like Katie has, please click here to explore volunteer opportunities.

The post Katie Belser on Why She Volunteers at H.I.M. appeared first on Hope Inspired Ministries.