ROC Ripples – 3.29.16
One day my phone rang and it was a woman from the Rural Outreach Center. She was calling about a reading program they were offering. My children were grown and I thought she was probably calling for one of my adult daughters. After we chatted for a few minutes she explained to me what the ROC was all about. I took her name and number. I don’t know if it was hours later or a day but I made the call that changed my life forever. The ROC has gone above and beyond what a person could hope for. As a wife and mother it is instinct to do what you can to care for your family. The ROC has walked with us step by step with my husband, children and myself through the most trying of times. We received help for our family. Someone has always used their knowledge and caring ways to help our family whether it be health, financial, personal or family issues. All this from a woman and a phone call.” Thanks to YOUR support!
Thank you!
In 2015…
Maria, our social worker, and our UB interns, served 447 participants, not including 151 more intensive home visits, and intervened in 51 crisis (domestic violence, Child Protective Services involvement, eviction notice, lack of food and supports) situations. Over $600 in gas and food cards were distributed to alleviate urgent needs. To those who donated these cards – we thank you.
We work intensely with between 50 and 60 participants and another 80 to 100 closely. Your support makes this possible – thank you.
New Paths Redistribution Center, open Wed. at 6:00 pm and Sat. at 9:00 am with almost 20 volunteers, served 268 households and distributed 703 items, with a value of almost $24,000. Participants paid modest amounts, totaling $8,927, or volunteer, to promote self-sufficiency. To those 158 persons who thought of us when they had something to donate – we give you thanks.
Friday snack packs for kids provide nutritious food for over 50 children at risk of not having food during weekends.
Many individuals and community groups help to collect food and pack the backpacks: Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions Club, Pathways Christian Fellowship, the Christian Church of East Aurora, the Moose Club, the Aktion Club, the special education class in the Holland School District, the East Aurora Fire Auxiliary and Fisher Price – and to them we say, “Thank you!”
The ROC also distributed 125 new school supply-filled backpacks at the Boys and Girls Club of East Aurora; haircuts, eye and dental exams, nutrition information, photo portraits and $25 gift cards for shoes also were available. Thanks to all who supported this program.
Free health care for uninsured adults was offered on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings at the TROC with 17 health care and other volunteers. Dr. David Holmes is now the medical director of this service. We thank these dedicated volunteers.
Patients received necessary care and referrals. A “Living with Diabetes” class was offered and health-related programs, e.g. bone density, flu shots, were available at the community dinners.
Our 15 trained SWAT (Social Work Assistant Team) participants provide one-on-one mentoring and accountability to our participants. These volunteers contribute greatly to our participants who have dramatically moved toward self-sufficiency. (see sidebar). These motivated, dedicated volunteers deserve a hugh thank you!
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Non-food items such as personal hygiene supplies and toilet paper can’t be purchased using SNAP benefits, so we collect and distribute these to participants in need.
Housing Improvements: Five participants sustained previous housing improvements. Six of 15 participants identified as needing improved housing upgraded their housing.
Employment Improvements: Seven participants sustained improvements in employment. Eleven of 13 participants identified as candidates for employment assistance became employed or improved their employment status.
Emotional Stability Improvements: Thirteen participants sustained their previously gained emotional stability. Twenty-eight of 35 participants identified as requiring greater emotional stability improved.
Health Status Improvements: Five participants sustained earlier improved health status. Nine of nine participants identified as requiring improved health status were able to do so.
Income sources: In 2015 we raised $131,000 to support the ROC. Of this, $34,382 came from local foundations, $87,650 from individual donations and $9,500 in revenue.
