How We Help Overcome Poverty

Rent and Utilities Assistance 

• Rent and Utilities Assistance population served:  More than 15% of Jasper County residents live below the federal poverty level. With the rent averaging approximately $650-$700 per month for a two-bedroom apartment and $800-$1200 for a two- or three-bedroom house, many families need support to cover basic expenses like food, rent, utilities, car and health insurance and prescription costs.
• Rent and Utilities Assistance program summary:  No one should ever have to choose between paying the electric bill and refilling a prescription or paying rent and buying groceries for their family, which is why we can help low- to no-income individuals and families close the gap for a month when there is a financial shortfall. 

Material Assistance and Back-to-School Supplies 

• Material Assistance and Back-to-School Supplies program schedule:  Material Assistance provided year-round. Back-to-School Supplies provided every August.
• Material Assistance and Back-to-School Supplies program summary:  We provide clothing vouchers and household goods year-round, as well as new school supplies for families with school-age children every August.

Thanksgiving and Christmas Assistance

• Thanksgiving Assistance program schedule:  Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Thanksgiving and Christmas Assistance program summary:  Because the holidays can put an even greater strain on Jasper County families who are on a tight budget, we provide free meals on Thanksgiving Day (from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.) and Christmas food boxes so families can cook and serve holiday meals in their own homes. We also offer Christmas toys to families who have children ages 12 and younger.

Food Programs

• Food Programs summary:  Hunger is one of the most crushing effects of poverty. Learn more about our food programs.

Pathway of Hope

• Pathway of Hope population served:  The goal of Pathway of Hope is to guide families with children 18 years and younger, as well as individuals through crisis and instability to a place of security to ultimately break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. 
• Pathway of Hope offers strengths-based casework, providing services such as:
  • financial counseling and planning
  • goal setting with manageable action steps
  • job training, referrals and employment assistance
  • assistance with securing housing and childcare
  • emotional and spiritual support 
• Pathway of Hope program summary:  Pathway of Hope works with people where they are, offering practical guidance to help families overcome obstacles and achieve their big-picture goals, one step at a time.