The Christian Outreach Center of Baton Rouge

Grant News!

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The Christian Outreach Center has been blessed with an incredible grant of over $56,000 to support our utilities assistance services this summer and into 2023!

We are grateful to Capital Area United Way for this renewed investment in the lives of our community!

The need for assistance with utilities is immense, with approximately half of our community members living outside the income threshold of self-sufficiency. This grant will allow us to meet an expanded group of people at approximately 30%-35% of the requests we receive each month, especially as the weather heats up and electricity bills become less manageable with rising costs across the board.

In 2022 we are committed to growing every single facet of what we do here at the COC because we feel called to meet the needs of our neighbors, calling for help.

Partnerships like this, mixed with support from individuals, corporations, and foundations, allow us to reach into the Greater Baton Rouge area and deliver ministry like never before.

“We are excited to welcome new and past partners for the upcoming year of funding through Basic Needs grants,” said George Bell, President and CEO of Capital Area United Way. “These programs will help ensure our community’s most underserved
populations are receiving basic necessities in a time where many are hurting from multiple years of pandemic environment and
natural disasters.”

Thank you to Capital Area United Way for your commitment to our community, and to those who support our mission each and everyday to make our work possible!

Our DoorDash Partnership Is Providing Free Groceries!

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We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with DoorDash! You may know them as your convenient access to Chick-fil-a at your front door, but with this new COC partnership they’ll be offering much more to those struggling in our community. Keep reading for details posted by local news source, BR Proud.

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — A modern-day meals on wheels is coming to the most underserved communities in East Baton Rouge.

“With your paycheck, you’re killing yourself with a couple of jobs and it’s just still not stretching. So let us come along and help you,” said Christian Outreach Center Executive Director Brian Sleeth.

Areas known as food deserts have no or limited access to grocery stores. The Christian Outreach Center will soon see more relief as DoorDash becomes a key player in the problem.

“According to Together Baton Rouge, we have 75,000 residents in our community who live in an area designated as a food desert,” stated Development Director Matt Pham.

Sleeth said Baton Rouge Hispanic grocery store, Ideal Markets, will supply the food to 50 households.

“For places like North Baton Rouge or even Mid-City or downtown Baton Rouge… we want to be able to get fresh produce and food to people who have otherwise no access to it,” Sleeth explained.

Once a week DoorDash will pull up and drop off the groceries directly to your household. They say the program will run indefinitely and as long as the resources are available.

“Our job is just to be a listening ear to understand what the community needs and then to address those needs, and that’s what this program is all about,” said East Baton Rouge Parish District 5 Councilman Darryl Hurst.

Hurst is doing his part by bringing resources from Top Box to what he says is a great out-of-the-box concept.

“One option is for us to focus on snacks for the kids and the other one is to focus on actual meals actually sustained for the entire week,” he said.

“It’s to nourish someone’s physical body so that they can move themselves ultimately towards self-sufficiency,” added Pham.

With the price of living continuing to climb, they say the partnership with DoorDash was something the community really needed.

“I believe in private-public partnerships when you talk about companies giving back. If you have the resources, they’re willing to take the resources to your people at no cost to your community,” said Hurst.

“You’ve got groceries so high and gas edging toward $5 a gallon. It’s put a lot of people who otherwise wouldn’t have been in these circumstances in need,” explained Sleeth.

Deliveries will begin July 1 and residents in the Greater Baton Rouge Area are invited to apply for this free service by calling (225) 377-8582 or emailing christianoutreachcenterbr@gmail.com. Emails will be followed up with a call from staff.

Interested in seeing our video segment with BR Proud? Check it out here. 

From Devastation to Transformation

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Donyah S. West is a testimony of beauty from ashes. Like many others, the pandemic impacted every area of Donyah’s life and future. She personally experienced severe health complications- two hospitalizations with COVID-19 resulting in pneumonia, a pulmonary embolism, and a host of other residual side effects. “I was so ill that I just wanted God to take me out of my misery,” Donyah recalled.

In the midst of these intense medical hardships, Donyah was also in the process of leaving a physically and emotionally abusive marriage. Like many women who find themselves in abusive situations, every area of Donyah’s life was impacted. “He caused me financial devastation,” Donyah noted, “I had to move in with my mother across states to recover from being so ill, stressed and financially broke.”  Donyah’s mother was also elderly and needed help of her own. However, Donyah needed respite and hoped that moving from Georgia to Louisiana would provide some opportunity for relief and recovery from the difficulties and pain she had endured.

God met her in her hope.

Donyah was visiting church with her sister and brother-in-law In October 2021 when she learned about the work-life program. “I signed up for the work life course and received financial assistance for 10 weeks, employment assistance, and job skills that afforded me with the resources I needed to be successful in the work world and the Kingdom. Work-Life taught me how to be a good steward, love like Jesus loved, 5 steps to smart speaking, how to use your EARS, and the Keys to Calling a Ceasefire. I graduated from the Work Life Program on December 6, 2021.”

From Devastation to Transformation

When asked about her experience with the COC, Donyah said, “My experience with these services was great. I appreciated the COC paying my cell phone bill for 10 weeks, which helped me tremendously. I also appreciated the assignments- which helped me with my job development, social skills and speaking skills. I had to learn, recite, and present my “60 Second Commercial” at graduation. This helped me grow in my confidence level and increased my public speaking skills.”

Donyah’s transformation is evidence of the difference that a Biblical approach to poverty alleviation can make in a person’s life. “I now have a better understanding of God and what he wants for my life. I also feel confident in knowing that God is my source and strength. My faith level has increased, my confidence has been restored, my financial situation is better. Plus, I have a network of friends and a support system that I did not have before.”

“In the future I hope to publish my 2nd book, become a life coach, and to work for a Christian-based organization. The COC changed me in the ways that they encouraged me to aim higher for my goals and gave me confidence in knowing that there were people cheering me on and able to assist me in accomplishing my aspirations.”

In the face of pain, suffering and unexpected obstacles there is still hope for a successful future. Donyah’s story is just one of many individuals who find themselves working hard for a better future after undeserved devastation. The faithful investment of our community in providing for the physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of others produces this result – lasting life change.

Donyah was given grace to get on her feet, opportunities to learn, skills to create a sustainable future, a community that supports her, and hope that God is at work in her life.

This kind of hope is possible for others too. Explore our services and our heart toward serving clients experiencing homelessness and poverty at https://christianoutreachcenterbr.com/

Introducing Matthew Pham! Development Director for the COC

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We are excited to introduce to you a new face you’ll be seeing a lot of at the COC- Matthew Pham! Matt is joining our team as Development Director, and we wanted to take a moment to help you get to know him. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome!

Q: What is your role at the Christian Outreach Center?

A: I am honored to serve the COC as Development Director.

Q: What makes you excited about the mission of the COC?

A: I am excited to get to work together with our community to grow Christ’s love by providing life altering education for those seeking and in need of transformation in the Word.

Q: Inspiring others to employment is an important component of the COC’s services. What inspired you to pursue non-profit development work?

A: I decided to enter the non-profit administration and fundraising field because I have always believed in the power of human-kind to effect positive change in the world when we devote our lives to loving one another and providing for our neighbors.

Q: If you had to choose one dessert for your after-dinner treat forever, what would you choose?

A: A perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie – well, more like a whole box of cookies.

Q: What are some of your defining characteristics?

A: I’m passionate, energized, tenacious, and disciplined.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Baton Rouge?

A: I love hanging around town with my wife and daughter. We love to eat at our local restaurants and to play in our great parks!

Q: What do you want clients and partners of the COC to know about you?

A: I want the partners and clients of COC to know that I am devoted to building connections for the organization, avenues for positive change, and facilitating connections in our world desperate for love.

Job Training Experiences at Elevate Church

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A new job training class is underway at Elevate Church of Baton Rouge! We have 12 students enrolled from across the city coming weekly to develop the soft and hard skills needed to gain and maintain employment. 2020 was a difficult year in ministry, and classes were at a standstill to protect our clients and volunteers. Job training is the heartbeat of our services because it provides an opportunity for lasting change, not just temporary relief. It’s exciting to be able to host classes again and see individuals work toward goals that could change their futures!

We asked a few current students what it’s been like to be in class. Here’s what they had to say!

Hear from Michael

Q: Where were you before you began the Job Readiness class?
A: I was actually at Kingdom house which is a sober living house. 

Q: From a sober living home to Job Readiness class, how are you feeling now?
A: I’m feeling enthused. I’m not getting too old to learn. I’m feeling like I’m back in high school. This class is keeping me humble. 

Q: What do you hope to get out of this experience?
A: Basically staying employable. At my last job I was only employed for 9 months. I am hoping to get a steady job and be there for a long time.

Hear from Jafari

Q: How would you describe your life before you were introduced to The Christian Outreach Center and before attending the Job Readiness class?
A: I would describe my life as better than I was when I was coming up. When I was a young kid I was a criminal in and out of juvenile detention but at some point in life I came to the conclusion that I wanted to be a better person. And look where I’m at now! I’m being a better person. 

Q: Do you currently have a job? 
A: Yes I’ve been working at Burger King for 15 years and 7 months. 

Q: What has your experience been like going through the Job Readiness Classes? 
A: It helped me become more stronger being around others and willing to help others succeed and be where I’m at. 

Q: What difference can you see in yourself and your circumstances since you’ve gone through the Job Readiness class?
A: That I’m willing to accept a better structure and overcome. The skills and work ethic that I have now I would like to use like cooking, welding, AC/refrigeration, something different. 

Q: What hopes and dreams do you have for the future? 
A: Own a restaurant. Be my own boss and work for myself. 

Hear from Teresa

Q: How would you describe your life before you were introduced to The Christian Outreach Center and before attending the Job Readiness classes
A: A wreck! I wasn’t close to God like I am now. 

Q: What difference can you see in yourself and your circumstances while going through the Job Readiness classes? 
A: I’m closer to God. I’m learning job skills like better communication skills and learning how to do a resume. 

Q: What hopes and dreams do you have for the future?
A: To be a computer technician, or cosmetology, or customer service/receptionist.

These responses are just a surface-level glimpse into what these job readiness classes can do for our clients. Our students are often motivated and hopeful for what their future can be. We are excited to have the opportunity to keep growing alongside them with more classes this year!

Arnell’s Story

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Arnell Myles was born in Baton Rouge at Earl K. Long hospital. Like many of us, Arnell’s family members are diverse- with a variety of different perspectives, experiences and behaviors. However, unfortunately some of them held ideologies that were harmful. At an early age, Arnell experienced severe abuse within her home. Trauma left her haunted, and without appropriate care she was unable to heal. Eventually she found herself in trouble with the law. Over time, doubt flooded Arnell’s mind. How could she ever be something more than just an ex-convict? Her abuse and trauma continued to follow her, and eventually she found herself experiencing homelessness. 

Arnell found the COC through an outreach event sponsored by the Purple Cow. There, she learned about services available to her such as job training and resume building. Arnell recalls the day saying, “I graciously accepted the services I received, and they enriched my life tremendously. I found Christ, became a Christian, and changed my life.” Through the work Arnell put in at the COC, she gained the skills and resources she needed to enroll at B.R.C.C studying Culinary Arts and International Cuisine. “The COC helped with cultivating stable living conditions for raising my children and two dogs,” recalls Arnell. 

“Before the COC, I had limited resources but with their help I was able to get out of the shelter and finish job training classes. I hope and pray my story and this testimonial reaches and provides encouragement that people can overcome and preserve through poverty. There is hope and an alternative from a path of destruction. No matter what your past is or was you can always have a brighter future.”

Today, Arnell is working toward her dream of opening her own local food truck. Stories like Arnell’s are why the Christian Outreach Center of Baton Rouge exists. To create opportunities for sustainable change in the lives of individuals and their families.