The word "assistance" describes this office because we are in the business of fulfilling people's needs, of being helpful, of addressing the person before us. The Salvation Army is notoriously generous and present on the frontlines of the needy. We get many phone calls and visits from newcomers to the community who depend upon our guidance-where to go for which need, how to approach a housing issue or transportation problems.
We have designed some guidelines and yet maintained some flexibility in how we do what we do. The structure of our programming is set up that way because each situation is unique, and our partners in the community each have their own guidelines to consider. We strive to be as accommodating as possible.
More specifically, that is practiced by having personal encounters with clients, offering financial assistance and references when needed, maintaining a food pantry, and continually striving to learn more about how to help others. Most of the time, we try to set up an appointment with the individual instead of asking them to wait in a line. During that time slot, or possibly if someone just walks in, he/she could be offered assistance in the following tangible ways:
Financial:
-By appointment, we offer a minimal amount in order to postpone the most immediate crisis.
-We rarely pay off an entire bill. This necessitates follow through on behalf of the client, either with collaboration from other agencies or personal funds to match.
Food:
-Our pantry is open on a drop-in basis. Adjusting the amount of food we serve based upon the number of people in the household. The food we offer should cover 3 days' worth of meals.
-Clients are free to come to our pantry once a month. However, if it becomes habitual, we may set aside some time to discuss further help.
Christmas:
-Every Christmas season, this office plunges forth, preparing to assist close to 1500 families with toys for their children and food that represents a holiday meal.
-Also, with their permission, we open our clients up to the community for our Adopt-A-Family Program. This avenue allows local families and business to directly help a family in need by agreeing to provide the food and toys.
See attached for more details on Christmas assistance this year.
If you would like to ADOPT A FAMILY, click here.
Special Projects:
Occasionally, seasonal or unique projects are offered here, as well.
Backpacks are provided to clients when school is first beginning. This office serves as a distribution point for a collaborative effort throughout the community.
-AEP Energy Share Assistance Program is an annual cooperation whereby the utility company gifts The Salvation Army a generous fund to distribute among those who need help with their AEP electric bills. Unique from our regular financial assistance, the AEP program pulls from a wider base of clientele and has much fewer strings attached.