Mission and Credo

Mission

TEAMwork for Quality Living is a grassroots nonprofit organization that brings together and supports Delaware County volunteers as they work to build a stronger community.

Poverty Simulation
Learn what its like to live a month in poverty.  You will play the role of someone in poverty and have to try to make ends meet.  It starts at 2:30 PM.  RSVP to TEAMwork  at 765-747-7158 or to jim@teamworkql.org The simulation will be held at Unitarian Universalist Church. Directions to church: From BSU, take Tillotson Ave. to McGalliard and turn left. Take McGalliard to Morrison Rd; Take a left on Morrison Rd. Start watching for the stone marker on the left that names the church. Turn left on Bradford Drive.  The church is in the woods to the left.  You may park along the street or go on past the church and turn in at the lot, entering that side of the building.
Our work is helping to change lives …..
One family supported in a Circle has been able to increase its income by 23% and to earn full-time benefits. The woman was able to get resolution on a cosmetic health issue that was keeping her from reaching her goals.    In another Circle, a woman took her small business to the next level with a marketing strategy that has enabled her to attract new clients.  With the support from her Allies, she has started a speaking circuit that informs others here and around the state about the benefits of her product.  Also, she recently returned to college.   A third woman, who only recently entered a Circle, was supported informally through OPT dinner participants and by our staff.  Since last summer, she has gone from zero income to $15,500 annually.  She just received a donated car through the Car Link program and is now working with her allies in tackling issues about her substandard housing.
Our partnerships are growing ….
We are working with United Way and the CAN Network caseworkers to identify enrollees who may be interested in getting out of poverty. Our community support effort is an important next step for families being tracked in this electronic case management system who want to improve their situations. Our Poverty Simulations continue to raise community awareness.  We have hosted 39 simulations for nearly 3,000 community residents and utilized 125 different service provider volunteers.  Purdue University’s Institutional Review Board has sanctioned the evaluation tools used for these events. Ball State University’s social work department continues to be a partner with funding from Indiana Campus Compact for two years.  We are partnering with Christian Ministries to donate cars to people working or going to school and in need of transportation.  We have given away four vehicles in the past year; we receive dollars to our car repair fund from those car recipients who pay a donation equal to 10% of the Blue Book value of the car received.  In addition, a Ball Brothers Foundation grant last summer allows us to provide funding for any repair parts needed for donated cars.  A recent newspaper article resulted in calls from local mechanics offering to help with repairs!
Our impact is expanding ….
Our impact is expanding ….   Advocacy discussions have led to the formation of a Tenants’ Association. Participants are setting up guidelines to become the voice for people seeking fair rental practices and safe, affordable housing for their families. One of EPIC’s 11 working committees is planning and researching  a Business Development feature.  Working with BSU Entrepreneurial Center, we are exploring various cottage industry opportunities as well as earth-friendly industries that could be launched to provide salaries to people living in poverty and revenue to TEAMwork/EPIC.  This work is still at least a couple of years away, but is developing a strong foundation that can make it very possible.
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