No Agency is an Island
Sep 10, 2009
Partnering with West Suburban PADS, OPRF Food Pantry has secured the services of a part-time AmeriCorp Benefits Coordinator for three years. While only a minority of OPRF Food Pantry clients are homeless, many share some common barriers to employment and self sufficiency, including lack of education and job skills, substance abuse, or mental and physical health issues. Collaborating with PADS to address common needs made sense.
Beginning this October, the Benefits Coordinator will address one of our clients’ most pressing needs: navigating the web of public benefits and private resources that are available, but often not utilized, by those who need them most. Among the benefits the coordinator will help clients secure are Food Stamps, Public Aid and Social Security. Clients will also be assisted with accessing veterans’ benefits, home heating/cooling assistance programs, mental health services, and other health-related programs. Working half-time at the OPRF Food Pantry, the Benefits Coordinator will work individually with our clients on an as-needed basis.
The Benefits Coordinator will also work with West Suburban PADS clients and with PADS staff to coordinate information and services. In a key position to provide referrals to PADS Emergency Shelter and Support Center, the Benefits Coordinator will be instrumental in helping to identify potential clients for PADS “Career Passport” program—-a career development program which uses a therapeutic or clinical approach to end chronic joblessness and thus poverty.
OPRF Food Pantry is indebted to West Suburban PADS for their leadership in securing this grant, and to the Corporation for National and Community Service for funding this important initiative.