Our Mission

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up". 

Why a hand-up instead of a hand-out?

     ATLAS of Lyon County's "hand-up" approach is deeply rooted in Biblical principles of empowerment and dignity, which reflect God's love and intention for each individual to grow into the fullness of their potential. In the Bible, several passages underscore the value of work, community support, and stewardship, aligning closely with the concept of providing assistance that encourages self-sufficiency rather than dependency. 

     One powerful example is found in Galatians 6:2 and 6:5, where Paul writes, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ," but shortly after says, "each one should carry their own load." This balance between shared support and individual responsibility encapsulates the philosophy of a hand-up. By first offering spiritual mentorship and support, we come alongside individuals as they work toward their unique goals, but ultimately, we encourage them to carry their own weight as they are strengthened in faith and ability. 

   In Proverbs 22:6, we're instructed to "train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." While this speaks to the importance of imparting wisdom to children, it also underscores the value of teaching life skills and godly wisdom at every stage. ATLAS's person-centered approach involves listening to individuals' stories and identifying barriers, whether emotional, financial, or spiritual, that hinder their progress. By mentoring and equipping them with tools to overcome these barriers, we fulfill the spirit of this verse-helping people learn to sustain themselves with wisdom that endures beyond the immediate circumstance. 

A hand-up approach is not only practical but compassionate, as modeled by Jesus in his interactions with others. When Jesus healed the sick or fed the multitudes, he often spoke to their deeper needs. For example, in John 5:1-15, Jesus heals a man who had been unable to walk for 38 years. Before healing him, Jesus asks, "Do you want to be made well?" By engaging the man's will, Jesus highlights the importance of personal desire and intention in healing and transformation. At ATLAS, this belief in empowerment drives the process of co-creating person-centered goals. Our hope is to reveal to each person their God-given gifts and potential, offering more than temporary assistance, but a renewed vision of who they can be through Christ. 

     Finally, Ephesians 4:28 offers a perspective on work and giving that applies well to a hand-up philosophy: "Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need." This verse reinforces the idea that, once strengthened, a person is not only able to meet their own needs but also becomes a resource for others. The transformation ATLAS seeks is one where individuals, once they've overcome their own barriers, can contribute positively within their community and even extend help to others, continuing the cycle of support. 

     In essence, providing a hand-up aligns with Biblical values of dignity, stewardship, and relational investment. By fostering self-sufficiency through spiritual mentorship, ATLAS allows the Holy Spirit to work deeply, inviting individuals to not only receive help but to recognize their own worth, purpose, and God-given potential. This kind of personal investment in each individual opens doors to lifelong change, both practically and spiritually, as they become stronger, more resilient, and equipped to serve others in turn. 

God Bless.