If the six billionth baby was born in one of the world's wealthiest countries, she or he is likely to live beyond age 75, to grow up with access to safe drinking water and sanitation, to be functionally literate as an adult, and to have access to sufficient calories and protein for normal physical and mental development.12 Certain moments in the life of any institution seem to be imbued with special significance and with the possibility for perceptive, even prophetic, action. Among those that have received funding or technical assistance through the General Board of Global Ministries are the ones listed below. Support groups are convened and create a strong sense of community among women in crisis and transition. Among the enterprises now in operation are home child care cooperatives, a small photography and printing business, and a community laundromat. Child care, after-school care, transportation assistance, and health care programs are designed specifically for newly employed women.
Some programs offer child care services which can be paid for on a sliding scale.
Child care programs in certain locations serve the many women who work night shifts, particularly in 24-hour catalog sales jobs. Mentoring programs offer community, encouragement, and emotional support to women confronted by the major changes in the welfare system. Mentors provide assistance in locating jobs, child care, and transportation. Some mentoring programs are run by a coalition of churches, which strengthens community among the women by offering them opportunities for regular worship together. Community outreach and organizing programs inform welfare recipients of the services that are available to them, such as transportation and child care subsidies.