Description
Christian Social Services assists individuals and families who are in crisis situations. This would include not having any food in the home or having received a disconnect notice on a utility bill. This would also include anyone who has seen a decrease in their income during the last ninety days or suffered the loss of a home through fire or natural disaster. Food boxes received will last most families ten days. A family may receive a box up to four times per calendar year. Help with a utility, such as electricity, is available one time per calendar year. CSS follows the guidelines of recipients being at 130 % of the poverty level. Each family served must bring documentation of income and disconnect notices.
Budget
146000
Category
Religion, General/Other Christianity
Population Served
Poor,Economically Disadvantaged,Indigent, Homeless, At-Risk Populations
Program Short Term Success
During the year 2013, Christian Social Services provided food for 941 families. This was a total of 2,698 individuals. Each box contained enough food for approximately ten days. In regard to disconnected electricity, CSS helped 115 families get their electricity turned back on. Regretfully, even doing as much as we did, it wasn't enough. Many families and individuals could not be helped because funds were just not available. People in poverty and those working minimum wage jobs are finding it extremely hard to make it in this economy. CSS is working hard to find the funding needed to help 100% of the people who come into our organization needing help. It is our prayer not to have to turn anyone away who is experiencing a rough patch of life.
Program Long term Success
It is our goal to obtain additional funding to be able to help more people in our area of Eastern Kentucky. Each month, our funds are never enough to keep up with the demand for assistance. This past winter has been especially difficult. Because of the extremely cold weather and the kids being home from school so much, families have had to make extremely difficult decisions in regard to what bills they can and cannot pay. Their top priority has been heat. Because of the large heating bills, families have not been able to meet their monthly financial obligations. Christian Social Services has been working hard to help the less fortunate; however, enough funds have not been available to cover the multitude of needs. We hope to be able to generate enough funding and donations during the coming year so that we will be able to help more people during their times of hardships. Everyone has them.
Program Success Monitored By
At Christian Social Services, we take documentation and transparency very seriously. Each individual who we serve goes through a 30-60 minute screening process at the time of each visit. They are required to bring proper documentation with them showing that their income is at 130% of the poverty level or if they have had a decline in their income during the last 90 days. If help is needed with utilities, then they are required to bring a disconnect notice with them. Each individual has a file that is updated after each visit. Our Case Manager keeps the daily and monthly and yearly records/paper trail that is required by God's Food Pantry, FEMA, Community Partners, and Salvation Army. We are good stewards of donations that we receive, and we are so blessed to be able to help so many people in need in our community.
Examples of Program Success
We have numerous testimonials from individuals who have received help from CSS. Here is just one of them:
Rhonda from Morehead, KY wrote:
"I went to CSS to seek help because I was at the end of my money and there was no food. The staff was very polite and non-judgmental and helped me with my situation. I was given enough food to last me and my family until my next pay day. My husband and I work every day, but sometimes our paychecks just do not spread far enough to pay what we need to pay and still be able to feed our family. I am grateful that there is a place we can go to in the time of need that is willing to help. I just can't say enough about the professionalism and compassion shown by the CSS staff. I know that when I have to ask for help, that it will be kept private, and I don't have to worry about being embarrassed. If I am ever in the position to be able to give back, I can guarantee you that CSS would be the first place that I would send my donations. They help so many people with food, clothing, and utility assistance. Thank you Christian Social Services for all that you do for so many."