CES made a SWOT analysis to assess its current Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

STRENGTHS:
Networking capacity.
Church partnerships.
Longevity in this ministry.
Spiritual emphasis.
Volunteer utilization.
Dedicated Christian staff.
Hundreds of thousands helped over a 28-year period.
Number who have come to faith.

WEAKNESSES:
Noncompliance with ADA standards in the facility.
Old facility – much deferred maintenance.
Multi-level food storage.
Board recruitment.
Aging van (15 years old) is beginning to wear out.
Need for computer upgrades, consultant/tech support.

OPPORTUNITIES:
Endowment development to counter the fluctuation of resources.
Church partnerships.
Neighborhood relationship development and maintenance.
Recipient training (e.g. budget management, family relationships, job skills, etc.).
Broadening the support base of individual donors.
New program potentials (expand outreach programs).
Many continuing unmet needs among those in crisis.

THREATS:
Neighborhood crime.
Potential neighborhood opposition.
Expensive and rapid technology advances. (It is difficult for CES to keep up with cutting-edge technology.)
Increased competition (from other nonprofits) for funding.
Inadequate discipling/mentoring sheltered living settings for those who do come to faith through this ministry.

Top Priorities

CES’s top priorities include:

- Generating funding for the transitional housing program called the Joshua Family Housing Program.
- Generating funding for the Revitalizing Persons Project.
- Purchasing needed equipment for the Kids Care Program.
- Upgrading the donated fourplex.
- Obtaining portable conveyor belts.
- Repairing the chimney.
- Shingling the roof.
- Obtaining a laptop computer and video projector.
- Improving sanctuary lighting.