The Philosophy of The Walter Hoving Home 

The Walter Hoving Home believes in the potential of each individual woman that visits and participates in their residential program. Jesus said some wonderful things about us. He said we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. And that's what the staff, directors, and women live out in their lives on a daily basis. The directors believe in the women who come to them for help. It's the same type of belief they have in their staff and in those who help pray for them and support them in this ministry.

Along with the belief in the potential of each resident, the staff at Walter Hoving believe in the giftedness of each woman. God has given each one of us certain gifts. It is the responsibility of the staff and directors of the Walter Hoving Home to help each woman find their giftedness. After that discovery is made, the staff and directors use that information to make work assignments and delegate responsibility according to each individual's giftedness. 

Upon evaluation and entry into the Home, it is the objective of the staff to assign each woman to a team that will best exemplify her giftedness. People who are involved in the work of the ministry need to have direct input into the activity and action of the organization. We all tend to support what we help to create. That's human nature. 

In the Walter Hoving Home, the women, as well as the staff will all have insights that will help improve the program. The directors want to create an environment that will allow all persons involved the opportunity to flourish. The ideal is to train the women and assign responsibilities in the work of the home and ministry. And then, as the commitment and dedication increases along with responsibilities, the women will become more commited and dedicated Christian women working for the glory of God and the kingdom. 

The basic responsibility and role of a staff member in this scenario is to act as a role model and trainer. The women in the home are delegated the responsibility to oversee the "work" of the ministry. It is the goal of the staff and directors of the Walter Hoving Home to help the women develop this kind of responsibility.

Much of the philosophy of the Home centers around I Corinthians 12. We are the same in relationship, yet different in function.

"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; 
and though all its parts are many, they form one body. I Corinthians 12:12

"The eye cannot say to the hand 'I don't need you,' and the head 
cannot say to the feet, 'I don't need you.'" I Corinthians 12:21

"Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it." 
I Corinthians 12:27

The vision of the Walter Hoving Home is to welcome each woman with open arms. And as she arrives, she is welcomed come into the Body of Christ. An atmosphere of genuine love, compassion, trust, and hope in the future. To love as Christ would love.

Here are the six values are taught at the Walter Hoving Home:

• We will treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• We will not complain.
• We will be part of the solution, not the problem.
• Our relationship will be guided by 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.Equal in relationship; different in function.
• We will support each one’s potential and giftedness.
• We will give superior service and do everything with excellence.

Although there is a corporate tradition that holds to the idea that the staff of an organization tends to be more important than the people whom they serve, the directors, staff, and board of directors hold this to be a false concept. We are all the same. However, in understanding Scripture and especially I Corinthians 12, it is understood that there is a difference in function. Though the Scripture says we're one in body we all have different functions. And those functions are related to our giftedness. That is the lifestyle of responsibility and direction that is experienced at the Home. 

Discipline and Discipleship

Traditionally, residential programs similar to the Walter Hoving Home present various forms of punishment when someone does not adhere to established guidelines. However, Walter Hoving believes that we must make a distinction between discipline and punishment. They have a highly disciplined program at the Walter Hoving Home. They get up early. They commit themselves to prayer and the study of God's Word. They are diligent in their work responsibilities. At times the hours are long and the burden is awesome. This takes real discipline.

The staff and directors believe in treating the women residing in their homes, as adults. That's what they are and they feel secure if they're treated in that manner. The objective at Walter Hoving is to help the women develop independent thinking. Traditionally, programs with high punishment motivations do not develop successful ladies. When they complete that type of program and go beyond that environment they quickly fall. We want these women to be able to complete the program with a very close relationship with the Lord, one who prays to God concerning her future.

They do not have "rules" at the Walter Hoving Home. They have "procedures." Semantics? Most problems encountered in organizations such as this one is a result of weak procedures - sometimes better described as "process." The staff at Walter Hoving are constantly reviewing the process that brings about God's fulfillment to each person in their care.

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