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

Our 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.