|
Download this document in Microsoft Word THE GENESIS PROJECT OF NORTHERN COLORADO GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The vision of The Genesis Project of Northern Colorado is to establish a home and support system for single mothers and their children. Through unconditional love and support, single mothers can become self-sufficient and learn to live a victorious life in Christ. A two-year program will be implemented that is highly structured with a well-rounded curriculum to minister to the total being of each individual – body, soul, and spirit. The beginning point and main focus is to experience spiritual healing and a heart change through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This vision will be accomplished by adhering to the following guiding principles in establishing the goals and policies necessary for this project to be built on a firm foundation in Jesus Christ.
I. The Genesis Project of Northern Colorado, also known as The Genesis Project, is a Christian organization of like-minded individuals who have a calling from God to minister to single mothers with the unconditional love of God. As an organization which believes in the value and preciousness of all life, we have a mandate, not only to encourage alternatives to abortion, but also to take an active role of support to those mothers with the exceptional courage to choose life for their unborn children. We believe in the Apostle’s Creed; in the healing and delivering power of Jesus Christ; in the guidance of the Holy Spirit; and in the power of compassion, grace, and unconditional love from God and through the extension of His love in us. In all areas of ministry we commit to trust in the provision of God, and to walk in obedience to the Godly principles found throughout the Bible. God’s guidance is the foundation of the Vision Statement, the Addendum to the Vision Statement, the Bylaws, and the Guiding Principles, Goals, and Policies. They, in turn, are the basis of all other documents written, and all actions taken by The Genesis Project.
II. The Genesis Project of Northern Colorado will establish and maintain a support system to enable single mothers to attain the necessary educational, career, and life-skills training to be able to support themselves and their children with dignity as valuable members of society.
III. A home will be established and maintained to provide a refuge with a protective, healthy, and Godly environment that will nurture each life like the new beginnings of young plants are nurtured in a greenhouse environment.
IV. Spiritual guidance and the teaching of basic Bible beliefs for each family will be a priority. Through the Father’s love we pray that the Holy Spirit will draw each person into a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ.
V. In order to accomplish the vision of The Genesis Project, the program for clients will be administered in phases. Movement into the next phase will be determined individually as each person accomplishes the goals of the previous phase.
VI. Acceptance into this ministry will be determined by a sincere desire of the applicant to change her life and her willingness to do what is recommended by this ministry. This includes her willingness and ability to be teachable and open to spiritual training.
VII. Acceptance into this program is based upon the client’s need for service and ability to participate in the program. Acceptance is unrelated to race, ethnic origin, or physical handicap. The criteria for acceptance can be found in the statement of Goals and Policies of The Genesis Project.
VIII. House rules and rules of conduct are a necessity to help maintain harmony, to teach discipline, and to ensure the privacy and rights of each person. Rules are designed to treat each person fairly and are based on Biblical principles.
IX. Supervised cooperative childcare will be provided for the children during the times needed for mothers to have classes, and personal care and guidance time. Any daycare of the children provided by The Genesis Project will always be supervised by a qualified childcare provider as defined in The Genesis Project Handbook of New Beginnings for Staff and Volunteers, and The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Clients. Each client will spend time each week participating in supervised cooperative childcare. This is an educational experience for the single mothers in residence to learn discipline methods and to learn how to relate to their own children.
X. Godly principles of finance will be taught to clients to enable each client to become financially self-sufficient. Services will be provided free of charge so that clients can know that this is a ministry to them of unconditional love, and not for the profit of The Genesis Project. Refer to Goal 8 of The Genesis Project Goals and Policies.
XI. The Genesis Project will implement, and adhere to at all times, Godly principles of finance such as, but not limited to, a debt-free facility and tithing. Government or private funding that is given with conditions and restrictions will not be pursued or accepted. XII. The Genesis Project shall retain the right to preferentially hire individuals and accept volunteers espousing a Christian belief system. In order to accomplish spiritual guidance and teaching, only those individuals that profess Jesus Christ as their Lord, adhere to a Christian lifestyle including regular church attendance and membership, and embrace the Apostles’ Creed will be allowed to serve in this ministry in any capacity, either hired or volunteer. Acceptance for service is unrelated to race, age, ethnic origin, or physical handicap.
The Genesis Project maintains a standard of conduct as outlined in the Bylaws. Ministry functions and services are private meetings held on private property according to the policies and procedures followed by the ministry and should not be considered open to the general public under all circumstances. The ministry leadership reserves the right to remove any participant for any reason in the leadership’s sole discretion.
A member/participant may be dismissed/removed from any ministry function or asked not to return if he/she demonstrates by conduct or spirit that he/she is out of harmony with the Statement of Faith, the spirit, or the policies of the ministry whether on or off the property as determined in the sole discretion of the ministry leadership. Readmission considerations following dismissal/removal will be determined on a case-by-case basis (I Timothy 3:13; Titus 1:6-9).
We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of sexual immorality is a sinful perversion of God’s gift of sex as outlined by the Scriptures below. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance (Genesis 2:24; 19:1-13; 26:8-10; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:24-32; I Corinthians 5:1; 6:9-10; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4).
We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; I Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-27).
XIII. The Genesis Project will utilize other existing facilities for services such as, but not limited to, pregnancy counseling and adoption agencies. These referral agencies will need to be in agreement with the Vision, Guiding Principles, Goals and Policies of The Genesis Project.
XIV. In order to protect clients and their children, and to protect males from false accusations, any male needing access for any reason will always be accompanied by a female staff or board member while on the premises of The Genesis Project home, and will not be given the opportunity to be left alone with any clients or their children. Clients will not be allowed access to males without supervision by a female staff or board member.
THE GENESIS PROJECT OF NORTHERN COLORADO GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal 1. The Genesis Project of Northern Colorado will provide educational opportunities in career training; completion of high school education; life-skills training including, but not limited to, Godly parenting skills, homemaking skills, nutritional needs and meal planning; financial and household budgeting skills; and preparation for a Godly mate.
Policy 1.1 Completion of high school education shall be sought through the use of home education methods, including tutoring methods, and the attainment of a GED or diploma. Classes shall be administered within the Genesis home as is deemed appropriate.
Policy 1.2 Opportunities shall be provided for training at Aims Community College or other educational facilities for further vocational training and career preparation; for apprenticeships; and for other business opportunities as is deemed appropriate.
Policy 1.3 Life-skills training will be provided at the Genesis home through mentoring by qualified women and/or couples, or in training classes taught by professionals. This will include relational skills and skills in disciplining children. Qualifications to serve are outlined in The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Staff and Volunteers.
Policy 1.4 Males entering the premises will always be accompanied by a female staff or board member while on the premises and will not be given the opportunity to be left alone with any clients or their children. Clients will not be allowed access to males without supervision by a female staff or board member.
Goal 2. The Genesis home provides a physical and spiritual refuge for the wounded young women and their children in its care. These young women need a place to seek refuge from the world they have been living in, and to have a season of nurturing in a protective and Godly environment.
Policy 2.1 The grounds and facility will provide areas where clients can have solitude to promote healing and to spend time alone with God.
Policy 2.2 Clients, staff, and volunteers will have the reasonable expectation of a supervised and secured facility. A security system will be installed and maintained.
Policy 2.3 All visitors will be screened before being allowed admittance to the grounds, or before visiting privileges to clients and their children are allowed.
Policy 2.4 Males entering the premises will always be accompanied by a female staff or board member while on the premises and will not be given the opportunity to be left alone with any clients or their children. Clients will not be allowed access to males without supervision by a female staff or board member.
Goal 3. Daily spiritual guidance and the teaching of basic Bible beliefs for each family will be required to encourage the family to grow spiritually, to promote healing, and to build a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ.
Policy 3.1 All clients and their families will participate in daily Bible reading and a time set aside for praise and worship.
Policy 3.2 All clients will have scheduled time for individual spiritual guidance.
Policy 3.3 All clients and their families will be required to attend a weekly church service of their choice. The church shall be chosen from a list of churches approved by The Genesis Project.
Goal 4. The program for clients will be administrated in phases.
Policy 4.1 Phases are outlined in The Genesis Handbook for New Beginnings for Clients.
Policy 4.2 Movement into the next phase will not depend on a time factor, but will be determined individually as each client accomplishes the goals of that phase.
Policy 4.3 The Genesis Project will give special recognition to each client as she is promoted to the next phase.
Policy 4.4 The Genesis Project will have a graduation celebration for each client when she has successfully completed the program.
Goal 5. Acceptance of clients into this ministry will be determined by the following criteria.
Policy 5.1 The client must demonstrate a sincere desire to change her life, and demonstrate her willingness and ability to do what is recommended by this ministry.
Policy 5.2 Acceptance into this program is based upon the client’s need for service and her ability to participate in the program. This includes her willingness and ability to be teachable and open to spiritual training.
Policy 5.3 Acceptance is unrelated to race, ethnic origin, or physical handicap.
Policy 5.4 Children of the client will be limited in age to those seven years and under at the time of admission. Other arrangements must be made, preferably with other family members, for older children. Full disclosure of all the risks associated with the legal ramifications of allowing custody rights of their children to be transferred to another shall be made, and legal counsel shall be provided to mothers with older children who desire to come into the Genesis Project program.
Policy 5.5 Pregnant mothers will be allowed into the program if they meet the other criteria for acceptance. Before coming to The Genesis Project, pregnant mothers will have made the decision to choose life for their unborn children. If additional counseling is needed, clients will be referred to a crisis pregnancy counselor who is on call.
Policy 5.6 The Genesis Project reserves the right to dismiss any client who does not comply with the requirements set forth in The Goals and Policies of The Genesis Project and The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Clients. The Genesis Project reserves the right to dismiss any client who jeopardizes the program as a whole.
Policy 5.7 The age of clients accepted into this ministry will be limited to those between age eighteen and age thirty. The age of clients accepted into this ministry is subject to an individual evaluation for each applicant, and may be subject to adjustment when there is agreement within The Genesis Project board, staff, and committee.
Goal 6. House rules for clients outlining a standard of conduct are a necessity to help maintain harmony, to teach discipline, and to insure the privacy and rights of each person. House rules can be found in The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Clients.
Policy 6.1 The Genesis Project maintains a standard of conduct as outlined in the Bylaws. Ministry functions and services are private meetings held on private property according to the policies and procedures followed by the ministry and should not be considered open to the general public under all circumstances. The ministry leadership reserves the right to remove any participant for any reason in the leadership’s sole discretion.
Policy 6.2 A member/participant may be dismissed/removed from any ministry function or asked not to return if he/she demonstrates by conduct or spirit that he/she is out of harmony with the Statement of Faith, the spirit, or the policies of the ministry whether on or off the property as determined in the sole discretion of the ministry leadership. Readmission considerations following dismissal/removal will be determined on a case-by-case basis (I Timothy 3:13; Titus 1:6-9).
Policy 6.3 We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of sexual immorality is a sinful perversion of God’s gift of sex as outlined by the Scriptures below. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance (Genesis 2:24; 19:1-13; 26:8-10; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:24-32; I Corinthians 5:1; 6:9-10; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4).
Policy 6.4 We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; I Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-27).
Policy 6.5 The teaching of these beliefs will be included in the spiritual training outlined in Policy 5.1 and Policy 5.2. A client will not be excluded from the Genesis program because of sexual orientation, but will be expected to comply with all requirements of sexual purity, and must demonstrate her willingness and ability to be teachable and open to spiritual training including teaching on sexual immorality as outlined above in Policy 6.3 and Policy 6.4.
Policy 6.6 House rules are based on Biblical principles and are designed to treat each client fairly.
Policy 6.7 House rules are in place to establish consistency in discipline, and will not be abused by the staff, volunteers, or board members in an excessive exercise of power.
Policy 6.8 All decisions made by staff members will be publicly supported by The Genesis Project and its representatives. The Genesis Project will support the authority of the staff. In the event of any dispute, incident, rebellion, strife or other conflict, whatever the staff member says will be supported until further investigation can be conducted. All conflicts will be handled according to The Genesis Project policy on conflict resolution found in The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Staff and Volunteers, and in The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Clients.
Policy 6.9 Consideration of the severity of the offense and the natural consequences will determine disciplinary action.
Policy 6.10 For the first year of operation house rules will be reviewed quarterly by staff and the committee, and will be reviewed by staff and the committee as needed thereafter.
Goal 7. Childcare will be provided during the day to allow freedom for class time, personal care, and individual spiritual guidance.
Policy 7.1 Childcare will always be supervised by a qualified childcare provider as defined in The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Staff and Volunteers.
Policy 7.2 As part of life-skills training, each client will spend time participating in supervised cooperative childcare. Training in discipline skills will be provided prior to actual participation in childcare. Under the direction of the qualified childcare provider, clients will be taught basic skills on how to relate to children as a whole, and their children individually.
Policy 7.3 While parental rights of corporal punishment will be protected, strict guidelines will be followed whenever a mother determines that it is necessary to administer such punishment. Those guidelines are found in The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Staff and Volunteers, and The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Clients. No member of the staff, the board or committee, volunteers, or clients other than the child’s parent will be permitted to administer corporal punishment.
Policy 7.4 Any incident of child abuse as defined by the laws of the State of Colorado will be handled according to such laws and will be reported as required by such laws.
Goal 8. Godly principles of finance will be taught to clients to enable each client to become financially self-sufficient.
Policy 8.1 During the initial phase, all funds received by the clients will be deposited into an account for the clients with distribution according to The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Clients.
Policy 8.2 All funds collected from clients will be divided into a spending account and a savings account. The spending account will be for the clients to use as budgeted throughout the month. The savings account will be returned to the client upon successful completion of the program.
Policy 8.3 In subsequent phases, household budgeting will be taught by allowing the clients some freedom in managing the funds that are available to them under the guidance of a financial advisor.
Policy 8.4 At such time as determined by The Genesis Project, a minimal charge for room and board will be required to help build fiscal responsibility; however, the charges collected will be deposited into an individual housing fund to be returned to the client upon successful completion of the program. This is to insure that the client comes free of charge to the facility. The funds deposited in this account will be designated funds and will not be used for the financial needs of The Genesis Project; therefore, no interest will be accrued or paid on any amount deposited.
Policy 8.5 All funds that are collected will be retained in individual non-interest bearing accounts for the clients for a period of three months following premature departure before successful completion of the program. The purpose of this is to retain the funds for the client if she reapplies and desires to return to the program. If she chooses not to return, the retained funds will be disbursed according to the procedure outlined in The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Clients.
Policy 8.6 The Genesis Project will assist each client in obtaining available funds from government programs for which they are qualified until such time as the client is able to be employed or exits the program.
Goal 9. The Genesis Project will adhere to Godly principles of finance at all times.
Policy 9.1 The Genesis Project will accumulate funds to build a debt-free facility.
Policy 9.2 The Genesis Project will tithe to similar not for profit organizations.
Policy 9.3 The Genesis Project will maintain financial accountability at all times, and will have available for review the financial statements pertaining to The Genesis Project. A written request will be required with a minimum of two weeks prior notice to review other financial records. Such review will require the presence of The Genesis Project treasurer or other approved board member. The review will be scheduled to accommodate the treasurer’s and board member’s time constraints. Records may not be taken from the premises where they are maintained.
Policy 9.4 The Genesis Project will neither pursue nor accept government or private funding that is given with any conditions and restrictions.
Goal 10. The Genesis Project shall retain the right to preferentially hire individuals and enlist volunteers espousing a Christian belief system.
Policy 10.1 Only those individuals that profess Jesus Christ as their Lord; adhere to a Christian lifestyle; embrace the teachings of Jesus; attend church regularly and hold membership in that church; and embrace the Apostle’s Creed will be allowed to serve in this ministry in any capacity, either hired or volunteer. Each individual must be in agreement with the Vision, the Bylaws, Guiding Principles, Goals, and Policies of The Genesis Project, The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Clients, and The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Staff and Volunteers. Acceptance for service is unrelated to race, ethnic origin, age, or physical handicap.
Policy 10.2 In the event of a question, the Bible will be the basis for determining a Christian lifestyle, and the question will be decided by The Genesis Project Executive Committee.
Policy 10.3 The Genesis Project maintains a standard of conduct as outlined in the Bylaws. Ministry functions and services are private meetings held on private property according to the policies and procedures followed by the ministry and should not be considered open to the general public under all circumstances. The ministry leadership reserves the right to remove any participant for any reason in the leadership’s sole discretion.
Policy 10.4 A member/participant may be dismissed/removed from any ministry function or asked not to return if he/she demonstrates by conduct or spirit that he/she is out of harmony with the Statement of Faith, the spirit, or the policies of the ministry whether on or off the property as determined in the sole discretion of the ministry leadership. Readmission considerations following dismissal/removal will be determined on a case-by-case basis (I Timothy 3:13; Titus 1:6-9).
Policy 10.5 We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of sexual immorality is a sinful perversion of God’s gift of sex as outlined by the Scriptures below. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance (Genesis 2:24; 19:1-13; 26:8-10; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:24-32; I Corinthians 5:1; 6:9-10; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4).
Policy 10.6 We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; I Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-27).
Policy 10.7 All staff and volunteers who have direct contact with the clients and children shall be subject to a background check and drug testing, and they shall maintain sexual purity as outlined in Policy 10.5 and Policy 10.6.
Policy 10.8 Evaluations of staff and volunteers will consider the following areas such as, but not limited to: a. Spiritual maturity b. Pure motives c. Faith in the healing power of Jesus Christ d. The exercise of the gifts of the Holy Spirit e. Competency to counsel and deal with people problems f. Standard of conduct
Policy 10.9 The Genesis Project will seek professional services from those professionals who are in agreement with the Vision, Bylaws, Guiding Principles, Goals and Policies of The Genesis Project, The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Staff and Volunteers, and The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Clients. The Genesis Project shall secure medical, dental, and legal assistance at the lowest cost available, or at no cost to the clients or to The Genesis Project.
Goal 11. Resolution of conflicts between staff and clients or The Genesis Project Executive Board or Committee will be resolved according to the procedures outlined in The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Staff and Volunteers, and The Genesis Handbook of New Beginnings for Clients, which are based on the Word of God.
Policy 11.1 The Genesis Project will clearly define all discipline and resolution procedures.
Policy 11.2 Staff, volunteers, and clients will be required to read, agree to, and adhere to those procedures.
Policy 11.3 The Genesis Project reserves the right to evaluate a situation individually and make exception when it is deemed necessary for the appropriate resolution of a situation.
This document was adopted by unanimous vote of all members present September 11, 2003.
| |
|
The Genesis Project of Northern Colorado P.O. Box 200087 Evans, CO 80620 (970) 545-0575 | ||
|
Last Updated : 01/30/08 URL: http://www.thegenesisproject-nc.com Webmaster: admin@thegenesisproject-nc.com |
