Local agencies work together to meet needs
Several local agencies and organizations are working together to meet urgent needs of individuals and families in the community.
At the Marion County Interagency meeting Friday in Hillsboro, representatives of these groups gave examples of their cooperation in serving their communities.
Linda Ogden, director of Communities in Schools (CIS) of Marion County, said various groups and agencies share information and resources when significant needs arise.
She said the financial assistance arm of CIS has helped eight families with emergency needs since Jan. 1. Approximately $1,000 of the $3,400 donation from Golden Heritage Foods Inc., Hillsboro, has been spent.
Mid-Kansas Community Action Program (Mid-CAP), with an office in Marion, also provides emergency financial aid.
Marion Ministerial Alliance and Hillsboro Ministerial Alliance are other sources of aid.
When the need is for a large amount, such as more than $200, the groups work together to meet it.
Larry King, representing Marion Ministerial Alliance, said his group's Helping Hands Fund also received a donation from Golden Heritage Foods to help the needy.
King said for years aid money mostly went to help transients to obtain lodging or fuel. But now it goes to meet local needs for groceries, fuel to get to jobs, and other necessities.
People generally are limited to receiving assistance once a year.
Lynn Unruh of Mid-CAP and Sammie Simmons of the SRS Newton Service Center, announced their agencies have free weatherization kits for those who earn income up to 175 percent of the poverty level.
Unruh said she does taxes for people and e-files returns free of charge.
Ken Grochowsky, field representative for the Newton SRS Service Center, reported applications are down by approximately 500 from the previous year.
According to Lori Bebermeyer, director of United Way of Marion County, allocation of funds is complete and recipients are being notified. She said the next year will determine whether or not United Way will continue in Marion County. She plans to schedule presentations through various agencies and groups in the county to provide information to potential donors.
Erin Engelken, court services officer for the Eighth Judicial District, said a Law Day is planned for May 1 for eighth and ninth grade students in the county. They will tour the courthouse and attend a mock youth court jury trial in the courtroom.
According to Bev Gering, director of Trinity Heights Respite Care, respite services are available for people who have developmentally disabled children ages 1-19. For service, call 316-283-6441, Monday through Friday, mornings only.
According to Barbara Bunting of Northview Developmental Services, Newton, Newton Factory Outlet Stores are sponsoring a service to provide secondhand prom dresses for free. Dress donations are being accepted. Those utilizing the service will be encouraged to use the dresses and donate them back.
Bunting said Northview to date has met approximately 99 percent of its fund-raising goal to build a $1.9 million facility.
