Program Update

Program Update

We provide three primary services: information and referral, along with basic case management, financial assistance, and a mentoring opportunity. Our Caseworkers have been very busy this quarter (April 2010-June 2010) providing quality care to the working poor in our community.

• Information and Referral

We take many phone calls and walk-in inquiries every month about where to go for help with the basics of life. We are very fortunate that in this community we have many resources available, but if one doesn’t know about them they aren’t of much use.

• Basic Case management

Many of the people we serve have never needed to use the “system” before and feel very over whelmed by the process; we help them walk through the process step by step. We will meet with them and help them create a plan to resolve the crisis situation they are in using local resources already available within our community

• Eviction Prevention and Utility Shut off Preventions

Sometimes people find themselves in a financial crisis and they have nowhere to turn. They just need one time help to get back on their feet and that is where The Community Outreach’s financial assistance can help. We have some generously given, but limited funds available to help keep families in their homes and keep their basic utilities on. The limited financial assistance we provide is a “last resort” for those not qualifying for other public or private programs. Those seeking financial assistance must make an appointment to meet with our intake caseworker and complete a budget plan.

• Transportation

We can provide monthly bus passes to those seeking employment through a partnership with the South Dakota Department of Labor and thanks to a generous grant from The Sioux Empire United Way and First Lutheran Church. We can also provide gas cards to those using their vehicles to seek employment.

• Genesis

Genesis is a four month mentoring program that provides those that want to help an excellent way to reach out to those who want help. Genesis focuses on building relationship, while working on financial literacy and basic life skills. Genesis families are also given the opportunity to continue to receive case management with our Program Case Worker for six months after completing the mentored portion of the program.

The following reflects the number of people we have been able to assist in the past quarter:

  Print This

  Email This