Grace Network has three programs currently.
The first program is financial assistance for essential life needs in a crisis. We help clients pay bills for housing, utilities, and some related items.
Our second program is our client-choice food pantry. The pantry can provide two week's worth of food to a family. The client "shops" for their food much as they do in a grocery store so that they only take the items their family will use.
The third program at Grace Network is our involvement with the United Way's HOPE Initiative in helping people to prepare their income taxes. We believe that when we help with tax preparation, we help clients claim all the credits to which they are entitled, and we can file the taxes electronically so that they receive refunds more quickly. This can help a client get back on their feet.
We are members of the United Way's Financial Stability Council and hope to be able to refer our clients to financial education programs in the community. During the interview process we do a complete review of income and expenses and mentor the clients on how decisions they make have an effect on their current financial picture.
Grace Network
Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County, Inc. is a first-stop center of resources for residents of Martinsville and Henry County, Virginia where essential life needs and referrals are provided by caring volunteers building a stronger community.
Highlights:
· January through December 2010, we provided $265,655.22 in financial assistance.
· We distributed over 56,688 items of food.
· 11 Volunteers work each of the six (6) shifts when Grace Network is open and serve at least four (4) hours. The Leads and Interviewers often work 5 or 6 hours. This amounts to 264-300 hours of service per week. Total of 153 active volunteers which includes special projects.
Assistance Provided
Electricity/Water/Sewer………$186,403.40
Housing (Rent/Mortgage)….... $ 67,033.16
Heating Fuel………………..…$ 4,507.77
Natural Gas……………………$ 5,466.88
Other……………………...……$ 4,226.88
Total……………………………$265,655.22
Food Items Distributed 56,688
Valued at $1 per item
Direct Client Support Total $322,343.22
Major Sources of Revenue:
Source:
Congregations………………..$139,173.21
Grants………………………....$ 57,598.54
Individuals…………………….$ 54,100.36
Foundations & Trusts………..$ 65,173.24
Business/Civic Groups………$ 26,664.83
Total…………………………...$342,710.18