Compassion and collaboration at the WHC food distribution
The Wooster Hope Center (WHC) is on a quest to assure community members are fed, clothed and receiving assistance for which they qualify. With a mission filled with so much heart, it comes as no surprise that the services of the WHC continue to swell and expand.
The next food distribution will take place June 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in the FFA building. The WHC has been collaborating with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank since May 2011 to provide food to the community. To receive food at the distribution, participants must be Wayne County residents and provide a state ID or driver’s license. The household income of the applicant must fall within 200 percent of the poverty level and the applicant must sign a self-declaration form.
The event has become less about groceries and more about improving the quality of lives, however. At the next distribution, the Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) will be in attendance, offering applications for food assistance, health care, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and child care subsidies.
“In only 30 minutes, potentially eligible clients can submit different applications directly to either the county or state to make applying for benefits easy and efficient. Sometimes 30 minutes can mean health insurance or hundreds of dollars in food stamps, so checking eligibility is of the utmost importance. Collaborating with the Wooster Hope Center at their food distribution is just yet another example how organizations can work together to serve people that need extra assistance,” said Russell Allen, OBB express enrollment specialist.
Feed HIS Family Ministry, Inc. will also be at the distribution, providing water and something warm to eat for community members in line. The social service fair will take place at the distribution as well—presenting a holistic bundle of assistance.
Transportation services will be offered for the food distribution from eight different locations in Wooster. This is a result of collaboration with Grace Brethren Church. For information regarding the transportation schedule, visit the WHC’s Facebook page or call 330-683-2242.
“The last time the Ohio Benefit Bank was here in November, at our food distribution, 18 families left receiving assistance that they did not know they qualified for. My long-term goal is to start providing Ohio Benefit Bank counselors through the Wooster Hope Center on a weekly basis so that our food, personal hygiene and clothing recipients can apply for assistance while they are already there receiving services,” said Richard Frazier, administrator of the WHC.
Frazier added that this is the best way to save time and money for both Ohio and the recipients of the services. The WHC continues to operate completely with volunteers and by donations.
The WHC’s pattern has been consistent, too—collaboration and compassion. Measuring success by the number of families served and the quantity of needs fulfilled, the WHC is modeling a prototype for serving community members—on a tank filled with kindness and generosity.
“It means a great deal for Feed HIS Family to be a part of WHC’s food distribution program. Anytime we can show Christ’s love to those that need it, we are there. Feed HIS Family Ministry, Inc. was started as a calling from our Lord,” said Dennis Davie, administrator of Feed HIS Family Ministry, Inc.
Frazier said that when the community is united, as Wayne County has been with the WHC, the recipe for making a difference has been crafted. But those who have been fed, clothed and cared for by the WHC would probably say the difference has already been made.
“It is an honor to be part of this community ministry, because not only do I get to be part of making a difference, but I get to meet and work with so many great people,” Frazier concluded.
The next food distribution will take place June 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in the FFA building. The WHC has been collaborating with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank since May 2011 to provide food to the community. To receive food at the distribution, participants must be Wayne County residents and provide a state ID or driver’s license. The household income of the applicant must fall within 200 percent of the poverty level and the applicant must sign a self-declaration form.
The event has become less about groceries and more about improving the quality of lives, however. At the next distribution, the Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) will be in attendance, offering applications for food assistance, health care, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and child care subsidies.
“In only 30 minutes, potentially eligible clients can submit different applications directly to either the county or state to make applying for benefits easy and efficient. Sometimes 30 minutes can mean health insurance or hundreds of dollars in food stamps, so checking eligibility is of the utmost importance. Collaborating with the Wooster Hope Center at their food distribution is just yet another example how organizations can work together to serve people that need extra assistance,” said Russell Allen, OBB express enrollment specialist.
Feed HIS Family Ministry, Inc. will also be at the distribution, providing water and something warm to eat for community members in line. The social service fair will take place at the distribution as well—presenting a holistic bundle of assistance.
Transportation services will be offered for the food distribution from eight different locations in Wooster. This is a result of collaboration with Grace Brethren Church. For information regarding the transportation schedule, visit the WHC’s Facebook page or call 330-683-2242.
“The last time the Ohio Benefit Bank was here in November, at our food distribution, 18 families left receiving assistance that they did not know they qualified for. My long-term goal is to start providing Ohio Benefit Bank counselors through the Wooster Hope Center on a weekly basis so that our food, personal hygiene and clothing recipients can apply for assistance while they are already there receiving services,” said Richard Frazier, administrator of the WHC.
Frazier added that this is the best way to save time and money for both Ohio and the recipients of the services. The WHC continues to operate completely with volunteers and by donations.
The WHC’s pattern has been consistent, too—collaboration and compassion. Measuring success by the number of families served and the quantity of needs fulfilled, the WHC is modeling a prototype for serving community members—on a tank filled with kindness and generosity.
“It means a great deal for Feed HIS Family to be a part of WHC’s food distribution program. Anytime we can show Christ’s love to those that need it, we are there. Feed HIS Family Ministry, Inc. was started as a calling from our Lord,” said Dennis Davie, administrator of Feed HIS Family Ministry, Inc.
Frazier said that when the community is united, as Wayne County has been with the WHC, the recipe for making a difference has been crafted. But those who have been fed, clothed and cared for by the WHC would probably say the difference has already been made.
“It is an honor to be part of this community ministry, because not only do I get to be part of making a difference, but I get to meet and work with so many great people,” Frazier concluded.
Published: May 30, 2012
