This document discusses the impact of the book "Toxic Charity" on organizations in the Low Country area that provide services to those in need. It summarizes the reactions of various charities and churches to the premise of the book, which argues that some forms of charity can foster dependency rather than empowerment. Key points include agencies exploring new models of service focused on self-sufficiency, such as job training and financial literacy programs. The document also outlines the goals and strategies of Bluffton Self Help, an organization that aims to reduce dependency and support clients in becoming more self-reliant.

1. Bluffton Self Help
Proud of what we do, what we have done and
what we will do in the future

2. Something to talk about
Robert D. Lupton
Toxic Charity: How churches and charities hurt those
they help
Who is Robert D. Lupton?
Founder and president of FCS Urban Ministries
(Focused Community Strategies) in Atlanta
Author of a number of books on “Urban Perspectives”
Lives in the community he serves and has for the past
20 years
Initiated a wide range of human services in his
community

3. One-way giving
• Give once and you elicit appreciation;
• Give twice and you create anticipation;
• Give three times and you create expectation;
• Give four times and it becomes entitlement;
• Give five times and you establish dependency.

4. Betterment vs Development
Betterment does for others.
Development maintains the long view and
looks to enable others to do for themselves.
Betterment improves conditions.
Development strengthens capacity.
Betterment gives a man a fish.
Development teaches man how to fish.

5. Community Reaction
• Community Foundation of the Low Country purchases multiple
copies of the book and invited agencies to have board and staff read
the book – late last year
• Community Foundation of the Low Country hosted the author and
invited agencies to hear Robert Lupton speak at Temple Betham –
Spring 2013
• Community Foundation of the Low Country passes out OATH OF
COMPASSIONATE SERVICE to all attendees
• Agencies across the low country, in reaction to the premise of the
book, start looking at how they provide services (Deep Well, Help of
Beaufort, United Way, Community Foundation of the Low Country
and a number of churches) – this year
• SCANPO hosts Robert Lupton at 2012 Conference on “Toxic
Charity”

6. Community Reaction
• CSO agencies explore “Charity Dollars” concept – in planning stage
• Deep Well changes holiday program to toy shop – this holiday season
• St. Andrew by the Sea calls a meeting and invites BSH to attend to discuss
“Toxic Charity” and holiday giving – Spring 2013
• St. Andrew by the Sea to open “toy shop” in Bluffton for holidays – this
holiday season
• Community Foundation of the Low Country offers $5,000 consulting grant
with Robert Lupton to agencies - 2013
• Community Foundation of Low Country board is reviewing policies to add
proof of participation in grant process – September 2013
• Community Foundation of the Low Country hosts representatives of
agencies to visit Robert Lupton’s operation in Atlanta – October 2013

7. Our mission
• Help Bluffton neighbors in critical need of
food, clothing and short-term financial
assistance, while supporting them to
become more self-reliant.

8. Our dignity goals
• Reduce client dependency on social service and financial
assistance programs through education, client
contribution and volunteer opportunities while increasing
self reliance.
• Provide our services to clients in a
consistent, compassionate and responsive way in a setting
and location that ensures dignity while increasing their
investment in meeting life’s challenges.

9. Our dignity strategies
• Offer and promote workshops on financial
literacy, budgeting, parenting, anger
management, accessing benefits and employment to
improve self-reliance and financial sustainability.
• Support the educational goals of our client…..
• Strengthen our partnerships with other non-profits to best
serve our clients with synergistic support….
• Demonstrate, advocate and become an expert on those
facing poverty and hunger in our community

10. What we have done
• New building – eliminated long outside lines
• Shopping experience – client selects the food
• Private interview rooms
• Benefit Bank Counseling
• Education Assistance
• Toy distribution to Jasper and Hampton agencies

11. What we will do
• Annually review our goals and strategies
• Collaborate with agencies to challenge and give hope
• Seek funding for new programs that are needed
• Listen to those we seek to serve
• Listen to our donors and what they support
• Follow the guidelines of our partners
• Be open to change when we need to change

12. What we won’t do
• Charge for food and clothing – that’s not our current
mission
• Charge for toys – again, that’s not our current mission

13. First-course-changing
• Discuss how to support and strengthen service to the poor
• Engage in an evaluation process to identify the greatest strengths and weaknesses of
the current programs
• Research how others are increasing effectiveness
• Strategize ways to become more personally, relationally involved in the lives of those
we serve
• Explore new options, new paradigms of service (without devaluing current programs)
• Identify new leadership to go on point for new initiatives (without devaluing those
already in leadership)
• Once new paradigm is secured, the door has opened to move ahead with change.

14. What we can do in the
future
• Seek ways to reduce client trips to BSH –telephone
interviews
• Charity Dollars – partner with other agencies to reward
“giving back”
• Client Advisory Group
• Advocate for overcoming poverty through
understanding, communication and programs
• Offer workshops that work by partnering with other
agencies

15. More Ideas for Dignity
Service
• Contract with clients who move one step forward –
limiting waiting period for additional assistance
• Offer volunteer opportunities at BSH
• Create programs and seek funding to invest in self-
sufficiency (education, etc.)
• Swipe Card based on family size
• Listen, Learn and Advocate

16. Valued, Empowered and Challenged
“I didn’t need to be fixed…I didn’t need handouts. I needed to be challenged
and to take control of my own life.” I was fortunate to have someone embrace
these principles.”
She asks that we
• Recognize the dignity of who these people are.
• Not be a part of “I have what you need and I can fix you.”
• Recognize our clients have something significant to offer
• Recognizing that individual person!!!
Words of Cheryl Miller, executive director of Perpetual Help Home ( a
PovertyCure Partner) and a former welfare recipient, with two children who
were born into the system. (Video on Youtube)