Dear Friends, Teens in crisis seeking help by texting. Increased student achievement despite higher standards. Out-of-school youth programs with triple the impact.Youth leaping grade levels while incarcerated. Pioneering care coordination for primary and behavioral health. Those are real examples of Baptist Community Ministries’ investments at work in 2017 and represent this year’s Annual Report theme: Reaching Out to Heal. We have reached out to our neighbors by making grants to local nonprofits, providing pastoral services in healthcare and law enforcement settings and working with local congrega- tions to develop and sustain wellness ministries. Over the last 22 years, BCM has invested $178 million in our five-parish service area. The goal of these collective projects is to work with community partners to create positive outcomes for individuals and families. BCM accepts grant applications twice a year, looking for proven and innovative solutions to problems identified in the community. We also work with the Board to identify multi-year strategic initiatives that include: (1) Improving coordination between primary and behavioral health providers (2) Delivering quality programming in school and out-of- school settings (3) Building capacity to connect opportunity youth to the supports they need (4) Identifying opportunities for criminal justice reform BCM also makes“in-kind”grants by providing direct assis- tance through its Chaplaincy Services and Congregational Wellness divisions. BCM has a legacy of providing pastoral care to the community via our 13 professionally trained chaplains who work in five hospitals, two nursing homes and the New Orleans Police Department. Congregational Wellness provides training for volunteer registered nurses and congregation- al health promoters. Starting with a pilot program in three churches in 1997, the program has now grown to 114 churches. Throughout our history, BCM has earned a reputation of being a trustworthy and reliable community partner. We remain steadfast in our commitment to be a philanthropic leader in the Greater New Orleans area and to provide quality programming to our most vulnerable residents. Keep reading. We’re confident you will be amazed as you see God’s healing hand at work. With blessings, R. Andrew“Drew”Jardine Charles E. Beasley Board Chair President & CEO Message to the Community Reaching Out to Heal 1