Statistics

• More than 1,500 children and adults living in poverty were assisted through the Back to School event. Providing children the clothing and tools needed to start school, not only encourages their self-esteem, it allows parents to focus their limited resources on maintaining housing.
• More than 1,800 children were provided a new book and breakfast during the past school year through the Breakfast Bookworm program. This program engages parents in their child’s reading habits and allows children personal ownership of the books received.
• 110 families were referred for support services through local school personnel. The needs of these referrals range from children needing eyeglasses to families in which one parent has abandoned the family. This program was initiated to provide educators an alternative to calling Child Welfare in cases where no physical abuse is present. These 110 families represent more than 200 children that were averted from Child Protective Services involvement.
• Since November 2007, more than 40 families were provided support services post Child Protective Services involvement. These services are geared toward eliminating issues that led to child welfare involvement. Outcomes include securing affordable housing, anger management tools, initiating in-home counseling, and obtaining appropriate child care. Many of these families were assisted in reunifying parents and children.
• During 2007, more than 250 senior citizens were assisted with food, rental, utility and advocacy support.  These low income seniors are often without local family members to look after them.