Mission Conference: New Vision for Poverty Alleviation
Olmsted is excited to partner with Communities of Transformation for this tw0-day mission conference to kick off the season of giving. Participants will join the organization's executive director, Katy Wrona, to learn about best practices for partnering with families in your community. Leave this conference prepared to do good - and effective - work.
The Communities of Transformation Philosophy:
The typical North American definition of poverty is a lack of financial resources. Because of this perspective, many churches and organizations seek to address poverty by giving financial assistance or material goods such as food and clothing. While this assistance may help alleviate suffering temporarily, it has not proven to be an effective method for lifting people out of poverty. COT intentionally moves away from a transactional approach to poverty alleviation to a holistic and relational approach. COT defines poverty as a lack of resources. These resources may be financial, relational, spiritual, physical, intellectual, or a combination. This holistic view of poverty drives our work. Each COT site provides its participants with the tools and the supportive relationships needed for them to identify their strengths, build their resource base, and achieve self-identified goals. COT provides under-resourced families with the information, skills, and support they need to create a new future story. COT seeks to walk WITH, not do FOR.
The typical North American definition of poverty is a lack of financial resources. Because of this perspective, many churches and organizations seek to address poverty by giving financial assistance or material goods such as food and clothing. While this assistance may help alleviate suffering temporarily, it has not proven to be an effective method for lifting people out of poverty. COT intentionally moves away from a transactional approach to poverty alleviation to a holistic and relational approach. COT defines poverty as a lack of resources. These resources may be financial, relational, spiritual, physical, intellectual, or a combination. This holistic view of poverty drives our work. Each COT site provides its participants with the tools and the supportive relationships needed for them to identify their strengths, build their resource base, and achieve self-identified goals. COT provides under-resourced families with the information, skills, and support they need to create a new future story. COT seeks to walk WITH, not do FOR.
November 17-18, 2023 |
$200/person
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Retreat Leader
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Katy Wrona became the COT Director in September of 2018. She joined COT in September 2014 as the Mobile Site Coordinator where she launched and developed the Mobile Site. Katy is excited to vision the future of COT while strengthening the foundation built upon holistic personal development and authentic relationships.
Katy learned about being part of a community from her mother, a local pastor in the United Methodist Church, and feels she is living into her calling walking with others as they become part of a new community. Katy loves to swim, cook, and hike in the Smoky Mountains. Learn more about Communities of Transformation here. |
Event Information
- Event begins with dinner on Friday, Nov. 17 and concludes early Saturday evening, Nov. 18. Check-in is at Groves Lodge from 3-5PM on Friday.
- Pricing includes one-night stay (private hotel-style room with linens), three meals, and course tuition. Discount available for those willing to select or be assigned a roommate.
- Register online, print and mail the registration form, or call to register at (814) 945-6512
