Open Table Model - a team approach to alleviating poverty and transforming the community

Congregations in over 120 cities across America are using the Open Table model to create community and transformation with those impacted by poverty – the homeless, working poor, young adults transitioning out of foster care, veterans, or victims of human trafficking.

Open Table is a national movement that was inspired by Jon Katov, from Phoenix, Arizona, who had a chance encounter with a homeless man at a church outreach event. His experience revealed that through authentic, transformative relationship people can move from poverty to community.

So what is the Open Table model?
It is a highly relational, group-mentoring model that seeks to achieve long-term transformation with an individual (Brother/Sister), not just a short-term transaction. A “table” is comprised of 10-12 volunteers (life specialists/encouragers/advocates) who offer the Brother/Sister relationship and support over an 8-12 month period. Table volunteers commit to weekly, one-hour meetings with the Brother/Sister so that consistency and trust is developed. Each meeting focuses on the team sharing ideas, resources, and support that help the Brother/Sister progress toward accomplishing their defined goals for becoming self-sufficient.

How do I launch a Table?
Congregations desiring to implement the Open Table model first become licensed with Open Table. Becoming licensed provides your church with the comprehensive support to launch a table effectively. Included in the Open Table licensing is access to coaching from national team members, training materials, online tools, psychological assessments and consulting.

Licensing fees are based on the size of the congregation and range from $250-$1,000.

Want to know more?
To learn more about the Open Table model and see how it might fit into your congregation’s outreach efforts, please contact:

Amy Mitchell
(Open Tables for Adults)
216-281-4673 x 1003
amy@buildinghopeinthecity.org

Amber Donovan
(Open Tables for Young Adults)
216-776-8088
amberdonovan@opentable.org

You can also read the Open Table Brochure or visit www.theopentable.org.