Self-Reliance / Pathway

One faithful next step

Self-reliance is learning to care for ourselves and others spiritually and temporally with the Lord’s help. Pick the area that fits what you need right now, take one practical next step, then reach out to a ward or stake leader if you need help choosing what to do next.

Important: This page is a starting point for resources. Confidential welfare needs and financial assistance are handled directly by your bishopric.

Start here: choose the closest topic

Use this like a doorway, not a directory. Choose one lane, open one useful link, and take one next step today.

Emotional Resilience

When life feels heavy or overwhelming.

First step: Choose one stabilizing step today: talk with a trusted person, use the Church emotional resilience material, eat, sleep, pray, make an appointment, or handle one avoided task.

• Emotional Resilience

• Arizona Crisis Resources

Personal Finances

Budgeting, debt, savings, rent, utilities, food, and money basics.

First step: Write one simple 30-day budget: income, bills, food/gas, debt minimums, and one small savings goal.

• Personal Finances

• 2-1-1 Arizona

• MesaCAN / A New Leaf

Find a Better Job

Resume, job search, interviews, applications, and networking.

First step: Update or create a one-page resume, choose three jobs to apply for, and ask someone to review your resume or practice an interview with you.

• Find a Better Job

• Church Employment Services

• Workforce Center @ Mesa

• AZ Job Connection

Education for Better Work

BYU–Pathway, MCC, certificates, training, and career direction.

First step: Choose one career direction to research, then compare BYU–Pathway, Mesa Community College, and short certificate options that could help you qualify for better work.

• Education for Better Work

• BYU–Pathway Worldwide

• Mesa Community College Programs

• Maricopa Fast Track Certificates

EnglishConnect

Practice English in a supportive group.

First step: Find an approved EnglishConnect group or online option, then practice weekly with a real person.

• EnglishConnect

• Church Self-Reliance Overview

Starting or Growing My Business

Ideas, customers, pricing, planning, and next actions.

First step: Write the simplest version of the business: who you serve, what problem you solve, how you get customers, and the next dollar-producing action.

• Starting and Growing My Business

• Mesa Public Library

• Mesa THINKspot

Need a person?

If you are not sure where to start, text a ward or stake self-reliance contact after those contacts are approved to be listed.

Suggested text: “Hi, this is [name] from [ward]. I’m looking for help with [job / school / finances / emotional resilience / EnglishConnect / business / basic needs]. Is there someone I can talk to or a good first resource?”

• Jobs, school, EnglishConnect, or business: ask for the ward or stake self-reliance contact.

• Money, food, housing, or confidential welfare needs: talk with your bishopric.

• Emotional or spiritual support: talk with your bishopric, Relief Society presidency, elders quorum presidency, or another trusted leader.

Route urgent and sensitive needs clearly

• Immediate danger: call 911.

• Suicide or crisis support: call or text 988.

• Confidential welfare or financial assistance: bishopric.

• Abuse, addiction, or severe mental-health needs: bishopric plus professional or crisis resources.

Upcoming self-reliance event idea

Resume + Interview Sprint

Need a job, internship, or better resume? Bring a laptop and a current resume if you have one. We’ll work on resumes, applications, LinkedIn/profile cleanup, and interview practice. No lecture marathon — leave with one thing improved and one clear next step.

• Laptop if possible

• Current resume, if you have one

• One to three job postings you might apply for

External resources are helpful leads, not Church endorsements. Please verify details directly with each organization. Official policy and confidential decisions remain with authorized Church leaders.