Launching Thrive: A New Faith-Based Life Skills Course

As the Catholic Charities team began to work on a new strategic plan, the need to give a more intentional hand up to those we serve became a focus. Quickly uncovering the lack of basic life skills as the main inhibitor to self-sufficiency, the idea of creating a faith-based life skills class was born.

The group met with other Catholic Charities organizations across the country, as well as other nonprofits to understand how they were approaching similar issues. Drawing on expertise from other courses with similar goals, our team spent six months drafting a 12-week course covering 11 topics focused on the whole person to aid them in overcoming common barriers to self-sufficiency. 

Built on a culmination of studied best practices with a proven correlation to higher rates of self-sufficiency and overall wellness, the goal of the class is to educate and equip our neighbors with the skills needed to move beyond their immediate needs and build a foundation for long-term stability.

Enrollees will be referred to the course from current Catholic Charities programs or from partner organizations. Qualifications will include whether the client is either currently employed or looking for employment, is self-motivated, and is committed to attendance for the full 12 weeks. 

“Having served those in need for over 100 years, Catholic Charities understands many of our neighbors were never taught how to balance their household finances or how to develop and cultivate healthy relationships,” said Tiffany Goble, East and North Region Director at Catholic Charities. “Through no fault of their own, many families are struggling due to a lack of education around basic skills, not a lack of motivation. Going beyond temporary relief, these classes are aiding the development of healthy habits, relationships, and a growth mindset.”

The classes will be piloted beginning in Spring 2024, and we expect to open enrollment this summer. We want to thank the 1st Source Foundation for their $10,000 grant to get our classes started.

COURSE TOPICS:

Creating a positive mindset and resiliency

Developing a growth mindset is vital to overcoming obstacles in life. Students will learn how to make a shift in their outlook and thinking so they can grow into the person who can accomplish their dreams, even when hardships occur. 

Goal setting and action planning

There is a science behind goal making that includes breaking large goals into small, attainable checkpoints. Students will learn how to achieve personal and professional growth through SMART goals and action planning. 

Healthy Relationships

We may not be able to control who is always in our life, but we can control the boundaries created to keep out toxicity. Students will learn all about healthy relationships both with their self and others.

Financial literacy 

This school year will be the first-time students are required by the state of Indiana to have taken a basic financial literacy course before graduating. Many individuals do not know the difference between a credit card and a checking account, let alone have a savings account. Students will learn how to set a realistic budget, healthy financial habits, and concepts surrounding credit and interest. 

Faith and family

Each class begins and ends with prayer, and includes a scripture reading, time for reflection, and conversation about blessings and concerns.

Career planning 

One of the best ways to become self-sufficient is through career development. Students will learn about how to grow, plan and prepare for employment opportunities. 

Life Wheel

The course takes an in depth look at the seven dimensions of well-being. Students will learn how a healthy balance is needed to thrive in the future. Each area is important and if one is lacking, it can impact the other six. Students will have the opportunity to identify and understand how their core values influence everyday decisions.