The CityReach Partnership is a collaboration of Christian ministries and churches committed to the transformation of individuals, families, and the community by intentionally working in covenant together. CityReach Partners commit to:
- Develop purposeful relationships with each member of the Partnership
- Direct individuals with specific needs to specific services and resources within the Partnership network
- Document the journey of each individual so that it can be shared and used for assessment and measurement purposes
- Support other CityReach Partners and initiatives by praying for them, providing expertise, encouraging them, and participating with them at least once each year
- Be accountable to one another by faithfully attending all scheduled meetings
- Complete and submit all reports to The Milwaukee Outreach Center on time
- Follow the agreed upon guidelines and procedures of the CityReach Partnership
CityReach is an initiative of Operation Blessing International Relief and Development. The Milwaukee Outreach Center is privileged to have been chosen as one of seven cities in our nation to participate in this initiative.
The CityReach Initiative is a dramatic change from ministry of the past that primarily met the temporary needs of individuals. The goal is to move families from dependence on the government or social service programs to self-sufficiency and self-determination. To break the cycle of dependency and suffering that has held many families in poverty for generations we will need to address multiple issues that hinder their progress in an integrated fashion. We have identified nine key areas in which we hope to offer assistance.
| Family Life Development | Bless-A-Child | Livelihood |
| Housing | Hunger Relief | Emergency/ Disaster Assistance |
| Elderly Care | Medical/Dental | Spiritual Integration |
Our philosophy of ministry must change from “helping the hurting” to “developing sustainability”. Instead of being an agent to provide a service, we need to see ourselves as providing a lifestyle. The goal is the transformation into a healthy family unit. The CityReach Initiative challenges us to think in terms of “wholeness” and “completeness”.
The goal is attainable but will not come easy. It will involve not only physical assistance but also education enabling recipients to overcome a poverty mindset so they can live in wholeness. Because of the complexity and breath of this initiative, strong partnerships between hurches, civic/government organizations, local nonprofits and Operation Blessing will be required.
Local CityReach Partners are key to the success of this program. You live, work and play in the city and know the pulse better than anyone. TMOC and Operation Blessing will partner with you to implement the initiative so we can all see success in the lives of those we serve and reach with the gospel. The testimonies that come from this initiative will strengthen our city as well as provide encouragement to others.