About our programs As an umbrella organization for numerous community programs, INCH serves as a bridge between those who have more than they need and those who need more than they have. Currently INCH is involved in six significant programs, which help people ‘get back on track’, providing a hand up not a hand out. Each of these has emerged when community need and opportunity meshed with the philosophy and approach of the organization.

INCH Programs:
a hand up - not a hand out

Scholarships

This program identifies talented but economically-disadvantaged 8th grade students, helping them stay in school and continue their education. These students receive $2500 scholarships, conditional on both high school graduation and acceptance to college or a vocational / special skills training program. How it works:

• Pastors & educators identify talented, at-risk students primarily within East Palo Alto / San Mateo County
• Applicants are rated for motivation and potential
• Scholarships are awarded at end of 8th grade
• Students are tracked through high school
• Tutoring assistance and college / university admission information are provided
• Funds are disbursed to student’s college or vocation school upon enrollment . When these students see that others find potential in them and invest in their futures, they discover value in themselves.

Gospel Music Festival

Every year this two night benefit concert rocks a local church, with all donations supporting INCH’s scholarship program. These high energy, spirit-filled evenings showcase some of the best Bay Area Gospel choirs and internationally renowned jazz musicians.

Auto Ministry

Self-supporting people need reliable transportation to get and keep jobs. INCH’s Auto Ministry provides that. Here’s how it works:

• People donate cars in good running condition
• INCH provides an IRS-friendly receipt, for a tax deduction of the car’s fair market value
• INCH partners perform SMOG testing and minor repairs
• Churches and civil agencies qualify needy drivers
• INCH delivers cars to qualified recipients
• Lives change!

Youth Detention Center Chaplaincy

INCH supports a groups of dedicated Chaplains who regularly visit a juvenile detention center. They provide companionship, teaching, spiritual training, and support for positive life style changes to overcome the difficult life situations of these young people.

Chaplains further assist with re-entry into the community, providing transition follow-up, job training, and education.

Help for Young Mothers

Teenage mothers with young babies need almost everything. Here’s how INCH helps:

• INCH’s member congregations donate baby clothes, diapers, blankets, and other baby essentials.
• Agencies identify needy mothers and young families.
• INCH volunteers collect, sort, and package gifts, distributing them to 15 local agencies that serve these parents-in-training.
• Agencies provide programs for young moms to finish high school, obtain vocational training, find temporary housing, and give advice on infant care.

Holiday Sharing

Families living in the transitional housing facilities of the San Mateo Shelter Network receive holiday gifts and gift certificates through the INCH coordinated Holiday Sharing program. Member congregations, companies, and individuals adopt individual and families for joyous sharing of the season