SHEM Guiding Principles & Purposes

• Help those in need. Follow the Lord’s command to care for people who are struggling, wherever and whenever we can.

• Be a first point of help. Serve as a clearinghouse for people facing emergency needs.

• Connect people with the right resources. Refer individuals to government, nonprofit, and community agencies that are better equipped to meet specific needs.

• Help those who fall through the cracks. Support people who don’t qualify for assistance from other agencies or who have nowhere else to turn.

• Bring the community together. Give churches, individuals, community groups, and organizations opportunities to help through prayer, financial support, volunteering, and donated resources or skills.

Board Member Structure

·         The SHEM Board consists of no more than 15 members, including pastoral representatives, at least four lay members, and one volunteer staff representative.

·         SHEM Food Pantry operates through the caring, dedicated, and efficient work of our volunteer staff.

SHEM Food Bank Volunteers

Our dedicated community volunteers make a lasting difference in the lives and well-being of thousands of people in our community. Through their time, compassion, and service, volunteers help SHEM provide food, resources, and support to individuals and families facing difficult times.

Our Mission & Services

Our hunger-relief and assistance programs are supported by the United Way, FEMA, grants, local churches, and generous community members through financial and in-kind donations. SHEM also serves as the Salvation Army Extension Unit for Sweet Home,

Food Assistance

SHEM provides an emergency food box once a month with nutritious food to help feed a family for three to five days. Supplemental food boxes are available when additional support is needed. Pet food is also available for families with cats and dogs.

For guests without a permanent address or a safe place to store or prepare food, SHEM provides a daypack twice a week with ready-to-eat food, fresh milk, and a sandwich.

Additional Assistance

SHEM is able to help connect local residents with resources for:

• Utility assistance

• Rental assistance

• Hygiene supplies

• Free clothing

• Small household items

• Emergency household supplies for families affected by fire

Community Programs

SHEM coordinates several community programs throughout the year, including:

• Christmas Basket Program — Provides holiday meals and support to local families.

• Back-to-School Celebration — Provides backpacks and school supplies to children who need them.

Statement of Values & Guiding Principles

Respect

We believe every person has inherent worth and dignity. We treat everyone with fairness, compassion, and respect, honoring their experiences, concerns, and stories. We welcome diverse perspectives, backgrounds, cultures, and ideas.

Stewardship & Accountability

We are responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to SHEM. We use donations, funding, supplies, and volunteer time wisely and compassionately. We are committed to transparency, accurate information, and responsible financial practices.

Collaboration

We believe we accomplish more when we work together. We build trusted relationships with churches, community organizations, agencies, volunteers, donors, and others who share our commitment to helping people in need. We value open communication and listen to the ideas and concerns of our community partners.

Service

Serving others is at the heart of our mission. We respond to people’s needs with compassion, excellence, and respect, working to provide meaningful assistance to individuals and families in our community.

Integrity

We act with honesty, openness, and integrity. We keep our commitments, follow the law and our agreements, and conduct our work in a way that builds trust and confidence in our organization.

Staff & Volunteers

Our staff and volunteers are essential to our success. We value their time, skills, and commitment and treat them as respected members of the SHEM team. We provide clear expectations and help everyone understand how their role supports our mission.

Leadership

The SHEM Board and leadership accept the responsibility of guiding the organization with integrity, accountability, and care. Board members are committed to high standards of ethical conduct and responsible stewardship of SHEM and its mission.

Advocacy & Community Engagement

We work to raise awareness of hunger and other challenges facing people in our community. We participate in and support community efforts that address these needs, strengthen local resources, and improve the lives of the people we serve.