Dispatching Caring Listeners: Reaching out on behalf of the Caring Network

What exactly do I do when I reach out to someone?

Make first contact by phone call first. 

 If no one answers, leave a voicemail and follow up with an email.

Here’s a handy script.  Feel free to modify as feels appropriate.  

Greeting: My name is  _____, I’m a member of the Caring Team at Foothills Unitarian Church.  I understand that (describe situation). Rev. Elaine asked me to reach out and to let you know we’re thinking about you.  

• Open-ended question How are you doing? (and other open ended questions as appropriate)

• Our Caring Team is here to support you:

• Meals:  Would meal delivery be helpful? 

• Caring Kit: Could we drop off a Caring Kit for you?  It’s a bag with a few items of encouragement and comfort that our Caring Team would leave on your doorstep.

• Share in Sunday service and/or newsletter: Would you like us to mention this in the Joys and Concerns during the Sunday morning service? How about in the next week’s email newsletter in the Caring Corner?  

• Financial help: Are you in need of financial support? (If so, let them know that Elaine will contact them about the ministerial discretionary fund)

• Who are their people? Is there a place in the church where you are really connected that I should let know? i.e. are you in a small group, the choir, an ongoing group etc.?

• Follow-up I’d like to follow up with you and just see how things are going in a couple weeks/days/etc.  Would you be ok with a phone call, or would you prefer an email or text?

After you connect with someone, submit the Caring Note Documentation Form

Click here (and bookmark for the future!) 

https://foothillsuu.churchcenter.com/people/forms/791892