Marketing to Referral Sources and Houseparent Update
We’ve often been asked, “How do kids come to New Song?” New Song is modelled after successful children’s homes around the country which receive children only through private placements by their caregivers. These ministries have had to market themselves extensively in order to get the word out so that families in need know about them.
Since up until recently referrals of kids have been fairly limited, we feel it’s important to let our supporters know what steps we are taking to market the ministry. In addition, it’s important that our supporters have an update on houseparents.
By design, New Song does not receive kids through the court by way of the child welfare and juvenile justice systems because that would prevent us from providing the long-term, multi-year care that is needed to rebuild the lives of children. Therefore, it's very important that we take a disciplined approach to reaching out to referral sources.
This past summer we began a more focused effort to connect with potential referral sources. In the past, most of our contacts have been through mailings, but now we are taking a more personal approach. Bob is currently spending a substantial amount of time building relationships with sources who can refer parents and grandparents to New Song.
Who are these referral sources? They are:
- homeless shelters
- short-term housing programs
- short-term residential care facilities
- child therapists
- school guidance counselors
- pastors and churches
- food pantries
- public housing agencies
- other ministries serving at-risk children, youth, and families
Through this new networking outreach and the many meetings and presentations that have been held both on and off campus, we’ve had a significant increase in contacts with parents and grandparents who are seeking help for their children.
Our website also plays a role in facilitating referrals of children. In fact, the grandparents of our very first child, a 12 year-old boy, who we’ve been caring for since May 30th, found out about New Song through an internet search. We’ll share more about him in the future, and we feel very blessed to be caring for him. *
Also, as a part of a new 12 month plan, we are pursuing additional ways to market for, and hire, houseparent couples. Within the next few weeks we will share more information on this new initiative.
Regarding houseparents, Phill and Erin Parsons recently resigned, concluding their houseparenting role with us in September so that Phill could begin pursuing his calling to attend seminary. We appreciate their service and pray for God’s richest blessings on them as they follow His will in their lives. The 12 year-old boy has been in the care of the Schlosses the past few weeks and he seems to have adjusted well.
One aspect of the plan mentioned above includes expanding the number of avenues we are using to search for houseparents. Through the help of a technology company which is donating their services, we are launching a new internet-based advertising effort. In addition, we are now advertising for houseparents on a sizeable Christian radio station in Northeastern Indiana.
New Song’s board of directors and staff remain very hopeful, trusting God for His provision of houseparents and kids. We are seeking to hire two houseparent couples and relief houseparents all at once, which will promote community on campus, an essential part of our original vision. Please pray that the Lord would lead in all of these areas, resulting in a campus that is full of kids being loved and nurtured. You can join in sponsoring the two homes and support the work of New Song through our Safe & Sound monthly giving program.
We appreciate your tenderheartedness toward children who need care that their parents and grandparents are unable to provide. There are many children throughout Indiana who need the help of a ministry like New Song Mission. We greatly value your continued support and prayers.
*The 12 year-old boy mentioned above remained in the Schlosses care for six weeks, after which he began a transition to a place that better meets his needs.