I work for a small nonprofit in North Carolina called Cooperative Christian Ministry. We provide crisis assistance (financial, utilities, medications), food (multiple pantries across the county) and shelter/housing (overnight shelter (individuals and families), church supported overnight shelter for families, Mothers and Childrens Home (1 yr supportive housing) and Teaching Houses (2 yr transitional housing with support).

We are celebrating our 30th year anniversary this year and need a tag line. Something celebratory but also that sends the message of what we have been doing for those we serve and the community. This community is great about pulling together from churches, business and local government- so it has been a joint effort and we bring the leadership to pull these resources together to really address the needs (which have been significant in the last few years.) of those in crisis. Here is our mission statement:

The mission of Cooperative Christian Ministry is to provide immediate assistance to members of our community who are experiencing crisis in the areas of food, shelter, or finances while providing them access to resources that will empower them to move beyond crisis.

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Jay’s Answer: As I advise my clients, an anniversary tagline is more about an organization’s vanity than something for their intended audience. People don’t immediately care how long you’ve been in business. In some cases, longevity has a negative connotation (meaning old-fashioned). So, I don’t suggest that approach for you. Instead focus on what your ministry uniquely does for your audience. I’m guessing your audience includes both your clients AND your potential donors. So, your message needs to serve double-duty.

Here are a few ideas to play with:

• Concord’s Crisis Center
• The Community Crisis Support Team
• Helping People In Crisis Thrive