The Hardee Help Center Mission Statement is “A Christ-centered community service organization bringing hope and healing to Hardee County families in difficult seasons of life.”

The foundation of the Hardee Help Center Mission Statement is the phrase “Christ-centered community.” In order to bring hope and healing to Hardee County families, Hardee Help Center Board of Directors and Staff endeavor to live as Christ-followers, submitting to the truth of the Gospel as found in the Word of God.

This diversity and inclusion statement describes the biblical view on diversity that emerges from the beginning of creation, continuing through the fall of man, and culminating in the redemptive work of Christ that is available to all people.

Creation: God created humans in His own image. All people are to be considered as equal because they all originate in the first humans created by our Divine Creator. All people, regardless of race, gender, identity, ability, culture, or class are created in the image of God. A biblical understanding of diversity values all people as created in God’s image and as such, are to be treated with respect and dignity. (Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2:7, Genesis 2:21-22, and Genesis 9:6)

The Fall of Man: Sin was introduced into the world through the fall of man. The consequences of sin introduce conflict, injustice, and oppression, leading to brokenness of relationships. The Bible is filled with evidence of human inclination to sin, destroying relationships, community and affecting all creation. Each one of us must resist the temptation to sin, to mistreat others, or value people as lesser than ourselves. (Genesis 3, Ephesians 2:1-3, Romans 5:12-21, Matthew 25:31-46)

Redemption: Sin separates all people from God and leaves us all in need of redemption. God offers redemption (salvation) to all who would repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ. Salvation through Jesus Christ is offered to all, equally, regardless of race, gender, identity, ability, culture, or class. (Luke 24:47, Acts 10:27-28 & 34-35, Galatians 2:6-16, Ephesians 2:13-19)

As Christians, we live in the understanding that all people are created in the image of God, that sin entered the world through the fall of man, and that redemption of sin, through Jesus Christ, is offered equally to all people. Through Christ’s redemption, we are restored in right relationship with God. As followers of Jesus Christ, we follow His example of restoration within our human relationships, and resolve to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to treat all people as we would treat Christ himself. (John 13:34-35, Matthew 5:43-38, Psalm 82:3) 

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Approved by Hardee Help Center Board of Directors on January 11, 2022.