FAQ
Many common questions about Love INC are answered here. If you do not find the answer to your question, please contact our office and we’d be glad to assist you.
What is Love INC?
A: Love INC, short for Love In the Name of Christ, is a strategy to help churches (and their members) help people. Love INC is a faith-based, non-profit organization. All goods and services are provided by a network of church volunteers and/or church congregations. It is a cooperative effort between churches and service agencies to provide effective help for the disadvantaged. It is a vehicle to bring church congregations collectively and individually into the helping services arena.
Why do communities need Love INC?
A: Four main reasons: (1) existing resources are inadequate to meet the level of needs, (2) church volunteers and material resources frequently are underutilized in meeting needs without a networking organization like Love INC, (3) many helping services are duplicated unnecessarily without a Love INC – agencies and churches would be covering the same ground, doing the same thing, (4) agencies and church staff seldom communicate directly with each other when seeking to meet needs.
Who owns Love INC?
A. Love INC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is governed by a Board of Directors selected by and from partner churches. The partner churches also supply individuals who work as volunteers in the ministry. Love INC is a ministry of the partner churches, but it is not “owned” by any organization.
When did Love INC start?
A. Love INC began to form in the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) in 1984. The Clearinghouse opened to receive requests for help in May of 1986. Nationally, Love INC affiliates have been in existence since 1977.
How does Love INC work?
A: Love INC operates as a resource center or clearinghouse by offering no direct or on-site services. All requests are referred to the sources of help (agencies, churches, etc.). Love INC does not provide direct service to persons in need; we analyze requests and refer them to those who can help. Requests are received by phone. Requests are screened for manageability, specificity and legitimacy. People are referred to the most appropriate source of help. Love INC extends an invitation for spiritual help (through a local church) to the person needing help.
How is Love INC supported?
A: We receive financial support from individuals and families who know that Love INC makes a real difference through our ministry of mobilizing church volunteers to meet needs. In addition, our partner churches also financially support us, since Love INC is a ministry of the local church. We receive some donations from local businesses, organizations, and civic clubs. Occasionally, we receive a grant that does not alter our mission or our focus.
Are my donations to Love INC tax deductible?
A: Yes. Love INC of the Tanana Valley is a 501(c)3 organization. Contributions (both cash and in-kind) are tax deductible.
Who can volunteer for Love INC?
A: The majority of our volunteers are members of our partner churches. The remaining volunteers come from other Christian churches that subscribe to our Statement of Faith. Volunteers can sign up through the talent tithe form and give direct help when their Contact Person calls them with a request. Or they get involved by calling Love INC to find out ways to volunteer at the Love INC facility or for a special program or project. (See the Ministry and the Get Involved tabs for more info.)
Why do churches need Love INC?
A: Love INC helps turn love into action. Many people never find an appropriate place to serve within their church. Love INC offers opportunities to use skills and talents to fulfill God’s purposes. Time and again, Love INC volunteers tell how this type of service to others enriches and changes their life.
What is a Love INC “partner church”?
A. A partner church participates in the Love INC ministry through providing volunteers to help people in need, maintaining an inventory of talents and skills that volunteers can provide, potentially offering a member to serve on the Love INC Board, helping staff the Love INC office and Clearinghouse and supporting Love INC through prayers and some type of financial commitment (decided upon by the church). Partner churches actively support the Love INC mission and agree with its statement of faith.
What is a talent tithe and, if I sign up on one, how often will I be called to do a service for another?
A. A talent tithe is a way to determine an individual’s God-given gifts that can be used in a time of need for someone else. You tell your church contact person how often you want to serve.
If I sign up on a talent tithe, what happens next?
A. Your church and the Love INC office will both keep a copy of your talent tithe and it will be entered into the volunteer database. Someone from the office will contact you shortly after you sign-up to invite you to a one-hour orientation where you will learn about all the service opportunities with Love INC. Please feel free to call us at (907) 452-3876, if you have not heard from us and want to be serving.
What is a GAP Ministry?
A. GAP ministries are specific resources provided by churches that aren’t being met adequately by local agencies. GAP resources can help families stretch their budget, freeing up resources so they can pay their rent, utilities, or other bills. Examples of GAP ministries include firewood, perishable foods, diapers, cleaning products, bedding and blankets, furniture, clothing, winter gear, etc. Clients can access GAP resources by calling the Clearinghouse for occasional referrals or clients use vouchers earned by participation in the Relational Ministry program to access these resources on a more frequent level.
I don’t see my church on your list. I’d like my church to partner with Love INC. How is that done?
A. You may call or e-mail the Executive Director for more information about Love INC, what it means to be a partner church, and how to become a partner church so that you will have materials to present to your church leaders. Each partner church must have a person who is willing to serve as a Church Contact Person. Generally, you will need to follow your church’s procedures for obtaining approval of a new ministry involvement. If approved by your church, your pastor, priest or governing body will need to make a formal request to Love INC to become a partner church. We can provide you with supporting materials and information, and are available for consultation or meeting with your leaders.
Can a single church operate a Love INC network?
A: The local Love INC network is just that—a network. Local churches come together in a cooperative effort that makes a lasting impact on individuals, families, and children in need. This feature continues to be Love INC’s key to success locally and nation-wide. God’s great resources become a powerful reality when there is collaboration in the Body of Christ.
Do churches with differing doctrines participate in the same network?
A: Yes. As a matter of fact, Love INC currently has over 60 Christian denominations participating nationwide. Do you believe God calls your church to minister to the poor in your community?
What kind of helps do you offer?
A. Client needs are matched to an appropriate source of help through either an agency or a church. Churches offer a wide variety of goods such as furniture, personal needs items, diapers, cleaning products, paper products, clothing, firewood, coats, hats, gloves, bedding, linens, household items, food, gasoline, oil changes, etc. Church volunteers provide services such as delivery of food boxes, furniture or firewood, yard work, moving, home or vehicle repair, dental, advocacy, visitation, household chores, childcare, etc. In limited cases, churches will help with financial needs.
Who can receive help from Love INC?
A. We serve FNSB residents with physical, emotional and spiritual needs, free of charge, and regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof.
I know someone who needs help. May I call Love INC to ask for help for that person?
A. We have learned that it is almost always necessary for the person who needs help to personally call us to request assistance. Well-meaning friends, family and care-givers should encourage the person in need to call, although you are certainly welcome to alert us about a situation or a forthcoming call. If, however, the person in need is physically unable to speak or call us, we will consider your referral on a case by case basis. We are also available to you to offer advice or to help you find the resources you need for someone in need. Please call the office if you have further questions.
I always get Love INC’s voice mail when I call. What’s up?
A. Our Clearinghouse volunteers answer the phones during office hours, Monday through Friday, 9:30 to 12:30. If you have left a message and you haven’t heard back from us in a reasonable amount of time, please call again. We do seek to return calls before completion of the next business day.
I talked to one person on the phone, but another person called me later. What’s going on?
A. Our in-take workers are all volunteers, offering their time in service of their neighbors. Each volunteer works one shift per week, so one person may receive your call and gather information about your request while another may call you back another day for more information or to inform you of the status of your request. The volunteers who actually provide the help to meet your need are church volunteers and do not work in our office – so they are different people from the one(s) you talk to on the phone. This is teamwork in action.
I would rather talk to someone in person about my need, rather than over the phone. Where is your office located?
A. Our method of receiving and processing requests for help functions solely over the phone. We do not have the facilities or the personnel to provide face-to-face intake processing of your request. We’re confident you will find our phone volunteers pleasant, caring and patient.
What kind of questions will I be asked when I call?
A. You will be asked some basic questions, like your name, social security number (for client identification purposes and NEVER given out to other agencies), address and phone numbers where you can be reached. We’ll also ask a few questions about your family to better determine the scope of your need. We’re interested, of course, in the need that you have and will try to fully understand your request, how you are coping right now and what kind of help you need by asking questions. For some requests, we will ask financial questions to help us assess your situation. And, we’ll ask if you are working with other helping agencies, organizations or ministries in the area. Finally, we’ll ask for a couple of references – people who know you and can verify the situation that you face. Please note: for some types of requests, not all of these questions are asked and some may be abbreviated. The fullest in-take is necessary for requests for monetary assistance (which we are rarely able to provide).
Why do you need references?
A. It helps us understand more fully your situation and the need you have. References can be landlords, employers, doctors, neighbors or family members. Depending on your request and if you are working with a service agency, we may need a reference and a release from that agency to verify your situation.
What about confidentiality?
A. Love INC assures confidentiality to all of the people we serve. Love INC volunteers sign a confidentiality agreement, stating that they will disclose no information regarding a past or present client at any time to any unauthorized person.
How long will it take before I get some help?
A. It can take a week or more from the time you call us until a volunteer meets your need. We need this time so that we can contact your references, research what resources are available to meet your need, and, if your request is referred to a church, to locate a volunteer. In addition, although we encourage our church volunteers to respond as soon as possible, sometimes their personal lives and schedules may delay their response for awhile. So, if you need transportation to an appointment, for example, please give us plenty of advance notice.
Can you help me with financial needs?
A. Love INC has no funds to provide financial assistance. That is not what we do, although we network with other groups in our area who do. But this does not mean that our ministry cannot help you when you are in a financial difficulty. What we do is provide volunteers to offer services and resources to you. So, for example, if are unable to meet your rent payment this one time due to difficult circumstances, we can do a number of things for you: we can locate other agencies and sources who may be able to help you (if you meet their qualifications), and we may be able to provide volunteers who can offer services or helps that will free up some money for you that you can use for your rent. For example, we may be able to provide you with referrals for food boxes, diapers, or toiletry items and volunteers who could weatherproof your leaky doors and windows (to reduce your power bill) – and free up money for rent. We can offer budget counseling that often reveals areas where you will be able to save money to have available next time for rent. That’s why, when possible, it’s good to look ahead and call us about your pending need before the due date. In dire emergencies (for example, a car accident that hospitalizes the breadwinner), we may be able to find ministries and churches who will offer exceptional help for you.
Why do you want me to go to budget counseling?
A. Budget counseling is required when a second request for financial or material help shows ongoing need or potential for dependency to occur. We want volunteers to meet with you to be an encouragement to you and possibly help you find ways to squeeze some extra cash out of your budget in the future. We realize this is not always possible. But usually our budget mentors are able to help you understand your situation more clearly and actually find ways to improve it a bit. Our counselors are patient and kind and will keep your financial matters confidential. Many people, even in good financial conditions, pay to have a budget counselor help them manage their finances. We offer this resource as a gift to you.
What if I’d just like someone to talk to?
A. Please call us. We will listen. If you’d like, we will pray with you.
