Breaking the chain of Poverty-One relationship at a time
Open Table, a registered nonprofit, was formed to involve churches, businesses, colleges, government, and social service agencies in bringing about a better life for individuals or families facing poverty, transitioning from foster care or incarceration.
For decades, efforts to alleviate poverty have focused on “fixing” these problems with transactional approaches that do not address the root cause. These methods can create a cycle of dependency that can do more harm than good. With a perspective that long term poverty is mostly relational, our approach brings community members together to share intellectual, spiritual and relational resources that produce change.
Creating Transformational Change
Using the model of the Open Table, we provide a platform for relationships that transcend social, economic, racial, and generational barriers. In this model, 6-8 volunteers are provided with extensive training to form natural support groups called “tables”. These table teams support individuals or families through the implementation of a “life plan”. Tables transform the knowledge and life experiences of members into tools that brothers and sisters (those being served) can use to create transformational change.
With this approach, everyone is motivated to engage in a common goal, receive support through trusting relationships and experience lasting impact.
Empowering Women, Fortifying Men
Women in poverty face particular challenges that often relate to single parenthood, gender stereotyping and discrimination. Open Table is firmly committed to supporting women and has extensive experience in working with women’s issues. For more information on our experience in the Women’s Empowerment movement, click here.
Experiencing poverty as a man has a set of challenges that can relate to expectations of others and fulfilling the role of the head of a household. With a significantly higher rate of men with criminal records, the challenge of gaining meaningful employment is even greater. Our model assists with social and professional connections that increase the chances of getting a job through a broader network of contacts.
The Ripple Effect
The Ripple Effect is based on the understanding that we are all connected. These connections or relationships, have a powerful influence on our ability to make positive change. With the contacts of each table member brought together as a shared resource, everyone grows in their knowledge of “who’s who” in the neighborhood. The reach of this resource goes out with every new story of success that is shared throughout the community.
Our Story
Matt Schubert began his journey with Open Table while working in a leadership role for Social Solutions, a company whose Efforts-to-Outcomes software measured social service efforts and related outcomes for more than 15,000 organizations. During that time Matt noticed that the highest performing organizations consistently prioritized building relationships with clients. This relational model, stood in contrast to the more common transactional model pervasive in human and social services. Today, we know, programs that intentionally build strong relationships with clients, consistently experience better client outcomes in both human and social service programs.
+ READ MORE
This highly relational approach is at the heart of the Open Table model – a model designed to bring hope to individuals in poverty. Open Table, a national, evidence-based movement is changing the way we break the chains of poverty – one relationship at a time. (see websites below).
After many months of exploring the model and seeking a partner for the initiative to be brought to Lynchburg, Matt met Neal Massey at a meeting of Christian business leaders. At the time Neal was working for an international organization interested in bringing their model of faith-based community development to Lynchburg. Matt and Neal formed a team of individuals focused on bringing transformational change to our community.