Operations Overview

Fall is upon us and I have to wonder where the time has gone. It seems as though it were just yesterday that I began this journey, and what an amazing journey it has been!We launched our first issue of First Choice Quarterly with the headline “2014 Ushers in Change”, and it has been a wonderful time of change here at the Center. I recently saw a quote that stated “those who put everything in God’s hand will eventually see God’s hand in everything”. God’s hand has truly been at work at First Choice. We are on the cusp of new endeavors and growth as we strive to reach those in need throughout our community.If you were one of the hundreds of people who attended this year’s banquet, you would have heard great testimonies from our keynote speaker, one of our volunteers, and one of our client families. You would have also received a peak at our strategic goals for 2015. For those of you who were unable to make it to the event, I want to share this vision for 2015 with you today.In line with our mission statement - “First Choice for Women exists to share the grace and truth of Jesus Christ and uphold the sanctity of human life while serving those facing unplanned pregnancies’, promoting premarital sexual abstinence, and caring for those hurt by abortion” - the Board of Directors at First Choice has developed a strategic plan for 2015 around five goal areas: finances, facilities, operations, programs and outreach. Over the next several months, the Board will be working to steward fiscal and human resources to accomplish the following strategic initiatives to achieve our mission:2015 Strategic GoalsGoal Area #1: FinancesOver the next year, the Board will...

• Develop a purposeful budget that reflects the ministries priorities and commitment to good stewardship.

Goal Area #2: FacilitiesOver the next year, the Board will...

• Seek a qualified expert to help the Board analyze the physical condition of our building and our fixed assets, culminating in the Board being able to prioritize capital projects.
• Create a separate capital projects budget with short-term and long-term priorities that are financed through a capital campaign.

Goal Area #3: OperationsOver the next year, the Board will...

• Create an ad hoc committee to review and recommend Board policies in all operational areas of the ministry (emphasis given to policies pertaining to handling finances, medical, human resources, and information technologies).
• Invest in technologies that will contribute to operational efficiency.
• Develop recurring training opportunities for staff and volunteers to improve operational efficiency and adherence to established Board policies.

Goal Area #4: ProgramsOver the next year, the Board will...

• Conduct a review of current program offerings to determine current participation, survey client needs, and formulate program recommendations for First Choice that address known client needs.
• Develop and resource faith-based programming to promote abstinence in churches and to provide expanded spiritual development opportunities for First Choice clients.

Goal Area #5: OutreachOver the next year, the Board will...

• Develop and implement an “Ambassadors” program to churches and organizations that allow for regularly and timely communication between First Choice and like-minded ministries.
• Create a marketing and advertising plan to raise awareness of the ministry with prospective clients.

Looking to the FutureAs we look to these goals and plan for the future, I cannot help but get excited about what is to come next year! And, as always, am humbled by the support of our community. In fact, I had multiple individuals approach me at the end of banquet, all of whom desired tohelp First Choice for Women achieve one or more of these objectives. How truly blessed we are to have such caring individuals, businesses and organizations support our Ministry. God bless you all!