It's not just a building ... we are building lives!

An advertising campaign and a blog from a local author has greatly increased the momentum at Covenant Community Services, Inc. (Covenant)  in Bakersfield, California. Covenant is a California nonprofit with the mission of providing hope and love to abused and neglected children. Their vision is compelling and holistic; “Covenant envisions a future where every foster child lives in emotional,  physical, relational and spiritual wholeness thereby ending the cycle of  abuse and neglect in the community.

In August of 2011, Covenant embarked on a building campaign to purchase a new space for offices, coffee roasting and a coffee-house. The building, known as the Headquarters of Hope (HQ of Hope), was purchased in July of 2011 and has been in remodel since purchase. In December of 2011, Covenant launched a campaign to raise funds and awareness for the build out of the coffee-house and offices. This ambitious project was undertaken by the Covenant team to provide jobs, mentoring and training for former foster youth in Kern County.

In addition to the coffee-house, which will employ 10-15 former foster youth, Covenant has launched two other social enterprises that will be housed at the HQ of Hope. Covenant Media and Covenant Coffee Roasting were launched in 2010 to provide employment and training opportunities for former foster youth. You can learn more about these unique programs and supports at www.covenantcoffee.org and www.covenantmedianow.com.

Precious Murphy enjoying her time at Covenant!

Precious Murphy, a former foster youth employed by Covenant, has served on the Covenant team as an administrative assistant, mentoring coordinator, and an assistant in coffee services. When asked about her involvement with Covenant Precious stated, “being able to see the impact of our services on kids just like me is great. Since I have been there and lived that life, I know how important and meaningful this work is.”

The purpose of Covenant is to restore lives and transform generations. Precious has witnessed the purpose of Covenant fulfilled first hand. Her son, Aiden, is now one year old and lives with his mom in their own apartment. Precious and Aiden are lives that Covenant is helping restore and through that work transforming generations. According to Precious, “Covenant is more than a job. Covenant is a place that has taught me how to be a good mom. Aiden will never be in the abused and neglected category because of what I have learned from the people at Covenant.”

Covenant is meeting their goals to follow mission, vision and purpose. To help Covenant move froward with continued momentum in the New Year, consider following the advice of Richard Beene, CEO of the Bakersfield Californian, in his blog post on December 26, 2011:

Would you write a check for $83 to help save a life? That’s what the folks over at Covenant Community Services are asking as they try to get 1,000 people to write a check for $83 to cover the costs of renovating its offices in an old bank building in Oildale. Covenant, if you don’t know, works with foster children to put them on the path to productive lives. I visited their office at 1700 Chester Ave. and chatted with Randy Martin, the energetic founder who is devoting his life to helping those in need. Covenant also imports top qualify coffee from around the world and when construction is complete, the Chester Avenue office will feature a coffee bar staffed by former foster children. I’m writing them a check, and I hope you will do so as well. Stop by and meet Randy or send your check to 1700 North Chester Ave., Bakersfield, Calif. 93308.

Who is Covenant?

Covenant Community Services, Inc. (Covenant) is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) social service organization serving foster children, former foster youth  and their families in Kern County and through replication efforts, the United States and the world. Covenant is meeting the needs of “hurting and hopeless” children/youth and families through partnerships with local churches, community-based organizations, individuals and businesses.  Call 661-829-6999 for more information or go to www.covenantcs.net to learn more and find out ways to get involved in changing a child/youth’s future today!