CIS Receives $3,500 from local sources years ago
Seeks to establish Family Assistance Network
At the CIS (Communities in Schools) Interagency meeting in Marion Friday, executive director Linda Ogden reported the agency received donations of $3,400 from Golden Heritage Foods of Hillsboro and $100 from Eastmoor United Methodist Women to meet emergency needs of families in Marion County.
"The money was a godsend," Ogden said. "We were out of funds."
As has been the case for the past five or six years, Marion County received $3,000 in grant money in 2005 to be used as Flex Funds.
Funneled through Prairie View, the money was used to provide financial assistance to working families facing emergency situations.
This current fiscal year (July 2005 through June 2006), the needs were so great that the fund was exhausted by the end of December. At least 16 requests were received and 24 adults and 32 children were assisted. The average allocation was $141, although some requests were as high as $200.
With the private donations, money still is available to help more people.
Ogden said she realizes the one-time assistance is just a Band-Aid. It doesn't resolve the situation but can provide a glimmer of hope.
Requests come mainly through various local agencies. A CIS Interagency committee reviews the requests and allocates funds.
All requests are confidential. Individuals must provide documentation, and if their request is approved, the money is sent directly to the provider of the goods or services.
Family assistance funds are available for people who "fall through the cracks" and can't get help through other channels.
"We're trying to help the people who have no other resources," Ogden said. "It also helps us gauge the level of need in our county."
Items approved for funding on a once-a-year basis include rent, utilities, car repair, shoes, doctor visits, and other basic necessities.
Communities in Schools is seeking help from United Way in Marion County to establish a Marion County Family Assistance Fund and Network.
It would access three levels of funding: 1) ministerial alliances, Salvation Army, SRS, and Mid — CAP; 2) Flex Funds; and 3) CIS of Marion County.
Financial assistance for approved emergency needs first would be sought from level one. If help was not forthcoming for any reason, funding would come from level two Flex Funds. If those funds were exhausted, money would be made available through CIS from private donations.
CIS hopes to improve communication and cooperation among service and financial assistance providers, clients, landlords, utility companies, local government, and businesses.
