Caring for one another in the Lord’s way
Members of the Church strive to “bear one another’s burdens” and to “comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:8–9). Welfare and self-reliance is how we do that for temporal and emotional needs: food, housing, work, education, health, and preparation for hard times.
Self-reliance is the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family.General Handbook 22.0
The Utah Area’s vision, Joyfully Gathering Israel One by One in Christ, asks us to search for the one while we continue to minister to the ninety-nine. Caring for temporal needs is one of the most direct ways we do it.
This page gathers the Church’s guidance and the Utah Area’s resources in one place. The stake’s own plans continue to be developed and will be added here as they are ready.
If you need help, start with your ward
Talk with your ministering brothers or sisters, your Relief Society or Elders Quorum presidency, or your bishop. They can help you look at your situation, find resources, and make a plan. Conversations about Church assistance are kept confidential.
In an emergency, call 911. For any emotional or mental struggle you are experiencing, call or text 988. Get more information at 988.utah.gov.
Building self-reliance
Spiritual strength
Faith in Jesus Christ and keeping God’s commandments bring guidance from the Holy Ghost for solving problems and serving others.
Physical and emotional health
The Word of Wisdom, rest, exercise, healthy relationships, and professional help for mental or emotional challenges when needed.
Education and employment
Education and training lead to better work, so you can provide for yourself and your family.
Temporal preparedness
Sound finances and a supply of food, water, and other necessities, so you can care for yourself, your family, and others in times of need.
Preparedness
“If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”Doctrine and Covenants 38:30
The Utah Area Presidency has invited stakes and wards to strengthen preparedness among members: wise financial practices, food and water storage, emergency planning, and emotional resilience. The aim is not a new program or a sense of alarm. It is steady, ongoing preparation, one small step at a time.
Emergency planning
Know which disasters are likely here, prepare your home, build kits for home, car, and work, and make a plan for how your family will communicate and gather.
Home storage
Start small with a week of foods you already eat. Store at least a gallon of water per person per day for two weeks, then build a longer-term supply over time.
Financial preparedness
Pay tithes and offerings, avoid debt, live on a budget, and build an emergency fund of at least one month’s expenses.
Emotional preparedness
Turn to God, build healthy coping skills and relationships, and know the signs that it is time to seek professional help.
Work and education
Employment services
Coaching, workshops, and help with your job search, whether you are out of work or looking for something better.
Self-reliance groups
Free courses on finding a better job, starting a business, education, personal finances, and emotional resilience. Join a group online or nearby, or ask your ward leaders.
Education
BYU–Pathway Worldwide, certificates and training, and the Utah Area’s education initiative.
Church assistance
“With the help of the Lord, members seek to provide for themselves and their families. Extended families are encouraged to help as needed. When members need additional assistance, they may turn to other sources,” including government and community resources and Church assistance (General Handbook 22.4). Church assistance follows five principles:
- Encourage personal and family responsibility.
- Provide temporary assistance for essential needs.
- Provide resources or services rather than cash.
- Offer work or service opportunities.
- Keep information about Church assistance confidential.
That help comes from the Lord’s storehouse: the time, talents, compassion, materials, and money members offer one another, including fast offerings given each fast Sunday.