Who are we?
east to west is a registered charity, moved into action by the suffering and brokenness of the young people in our midst. east to west sees itself as a community of both paid and voluntary Christians who outwork our mission, passion, ethos, commitment, method and inclusivity in partnership with the Local Church (Why? Because the Church has for centuries been at the forefront of social reform and justice and still remains passionate about wholeness for all).
Our mission: what do we seek to do?
Bringing Hope to young lives.
By serving our communities and actively pursing emotional, physical and spiritual wholeness for all young people.
Our passion: what drives us?
To see Young People impacted by Hope and so to transform lives and communities by Hope.
To see Youth Workers and Churches empowered and equipped to impact Young People with Hope.
Our ethos: why do we do what we do?
The ethos of east to west is the engine that drives the entire organisation. east to west is a community of individuals who are personaly and corporately inspired by the message, life and example of Jesus Christ. We believe that the message of Jesus Christ is nothing short of the total restoration of all of creation and that our mission is to be a part of that restorational process. We believe Jesus Christ came to be in relationship with people, so He inspires us to have a relational ethos. Our Christian Faith inspires us to pursue and to be our Mission Statement; bringing Hope to Young Lives.
Our ethos words enhance our mission, passion, commitment and methodology as we want to be people of integrity who are selfless, committed, passionate, innovative and fun. These values express our desire to develop and grow as individuals and as a team, in order to bring Hope those we serve.
Our commitment: how do we want to be known?
- Clear and concise in our communication
- Committed that our "yes" means "yes"
- Wholehearted in all our endeavours
- Focused to overcome obstacles through creativity
- Supporters of those whom we partner with
- Approachable by all
- Accountable to funders, supporters and partners
- Innovative in overcoming obstacles
Our method: how do we do what we do?
Our methodology is about personal ownership of projects. What this means is that when, for example we place a worker into a school, east to west looks to that worker to own, lead, personalise and develop that work not simply follow a pre-made east to west blue print. We have created an environment where each team member works alongside the Operations Manager to put in place what Hope needs to look like in their particular setting through their particular skills and style.
We also want to act as a conduit for the local churches engagement in their desire to support 'at risk' young people. This means that in every project there is the desire to physically link in the local church. It also means that east to west will not deliver for example youth clubs in isolation of the local church instead we will seek to deliver a youth club through a church.
Our inclusiveness: do we ever discriminate?
east to west will not discriminate or treat any young person less favourably on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation, because east to west believes that everyone is made in the image of God and therefore everyone is of equal value and of unfathomable worth.