There are three levels to the Love INC Model. All affiliates begin at Level 1 with a solid clearinghouse foundation. Each level goes a step deeper in fulfilling Love INC’s mission.

• Level 1: Clearinghouse

  • The purpose of the clearinghouse is to receive requests for help; review the nature, extent, and legitimacy of the need; and match the individual or family to the most appropriate source of help.
  • The clearinghouse offers opportunity for Christians to use the gifts God has given them to help people in need see and experience Christ’s love. Church and community volunteers become the hands and feet of Jesus.

• Level 2: Relational Ministry

  • Relational ministry is designed to help people who have chronic needs make lasting changes in their lives. Skills training, mentoring, goal-setting, church and community resources, spiritual and emotional support are wrapped around individuals and families to provide a more holistic approach to meaningful long-term change.
  • Love INC trains volunteers across many denominations to walk alongside people in need for an extended period of time (3 months or longer) in order to help them overcome their challenges and move toward self-sufficiency.
  • Relational ministry also surrounds people with an array of church and community resources offered through the clearinghouse.
  • Our Growing Hope/Financial Management Program is one example of a relational ministry offered through Love INC – Newaygo County.

• Level 3: Comprehensive Community Development

  • As Love INC affiliates mature and build their capacity to provide short-term and long-term help to people in need, they become more deeply involved with the community, aware of underlying or systemic problems, and capable of being a catalyst for change. Through Comprehensive Community Development, Love INC affiliates address the deeper issues that contribute to poverty and hopelessness, such as lack of affordable housing, health care, and employment opportunities.