GraceSafe: Protecting Our Community
At Grace United Methodist Church, the safety of our children, youth, and vulnerable adults is our top priority. Our abuse prevention program, GraceSafe—formerly known as Keeping Ministry Safe—ensures that our community is a safe and nurturing environment for everyone. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and vigilance in every aspect of our ministry.
Our Commitment to Safety
GraceSafe is grounded in comprehensive policies and procedures that are regularly reviewed and enhanced with guidance from professionals in fields such as law enforcement, child trauma, and other relevant areas. We also incorporate best practices from leading organizations to ensure our program remains up-to-date and effective. These measures are in place to ensure that every child, youth, and vulnerable adult in our care is protected from harm. Our program includes:
Thorough Screening: All volunteers and staff members who work with children, youth, or vulnerable adults undergo an extensive background check and screening process, including reference checks and interviews.
Mandatory Training: Every volunteer and staff member must complete training in abuse prevention, emergency response, and safety protocols. This training covers important topics such as recognizing signs of abuse, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and responding effectively to emergencies.
Accountability and Supervision: We ensure that all activities involving children, youth, or vulnerable adults are conducted in a safe and supervised environment. Our approach emphasizes accountability, with practices in place to maintain transparency and safety throughout all ministry activities.
How to Get Involved
Volunteering with Grace United Methodist Church is a rewarding way to make a difference in the lives of our community members. However, we take the selection and preparation of our volunteers very seriously to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
If you are interested in volunteering with our programs, here’s how you can get started:
Express Your Interest: Let us know that you’re interested in volunteering by contacting Jordan (jordan@gracemj.org) or another ministry team leader. We’ll be happy to discuss the various opportunities available and how you can get involved.
Complete the Screening Process: All prospective volunteers must complete a screening process, which includes a background check, reference checks, and an interview. This is to ensure that all volunteers meet our safety standards.
Attend Training: Once approved, you’ll participate in our mandatory GraceSafe training, which covers abuse prevention, emergency response plans, and other essential safety topics.
Ongoing Commitment: Volunteering with our programs is not just a one-time commitment. We require all volunteers to stay updated on best practices in safety and protection, ensuring our community remains a safe space for everyone.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We believe that everyone has a role to play in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. Whether you are a parent or a prospective volunteer, we invite you to join us in our commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all at Grace United Methodist Church.
For more information on GraceSafe or to begin the volunteer application process, please contact Jordan Littrell at jordan@gracemj.org.