Finding Resources in Your Community

The holidays can be a particularly stressful time. There’s so much to plan and prepare, there are so many gifts to buy and wrap, there are so many parties and events to attend….  In addition to the threat of having a symptom flare due to overexertion, you may face financial stress as well. This time of year is especially hard on individuals and families that are on a fixed income and have young children or grandchildren.

Fortunately, many community and faith-based groups across the country step up their efforts during the holiday season to provide food, gifts, and sometimes even holiday decorations to alleviate some of the stress for families in need. The real issue then becomes how to find the organizations that can assist you. Here are a few suggestions.

• Contact your local church, synagogue, or other faith-based organization to see if they have a community outreach program that provides gifts and other donations during the holidays. If not, would they consider a one-time donation to a family in need?
• Contact your local food bank to find out their distribution days and if they have special programs just for the holidays. For instance, Second Harvest is a multi-state program with food banks in many states. Go to http://www.secondharvest.org to find out if they serve your area or partner with a group that does. 
• Contact local community-based organizations that may serve a very specific population. Here are some ideas:  
  City Community Center
  City Recreation Department
  Assistance League
  YMCA
  Boys & Girls Club
  Elks Lodge
  Veterans Associations
  Senior Center
  Junior League International
  United Way
  Other charities
• Find out if there’s an Operation Santa Claus in your area.
• 211 is a special phone line dedicated to connecting people to human or community services in their area. However, not all states or counties in the country have a fully operational system. Find out if it’s available in your area by clicking here.
• Contact your local city Community Services Department by phone, or visit their website for information. They often have a list of what assistance is available.
• When seeking services or support of any kind, it is very important to clarify what, if any, eligibility requirements there are, and what proof is needed. Ask the following questions: 
  1. Is there a sign-up list or some other form to fill out to receive services, gifts, food or other donations?
  2. Does the recipient need to live in a certain area or zip code?
  3. Does the recipient need to provide proof of income?
  4. When can gifts or other donations be picked up, or will someone deliver them directly?

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View other articles in vol. 9, no. 11 of FMOnline:
 
In the Spotlight
Get Into the Group That’s Right for You
Support Yourself
Finding Resources in Your Community
 
In the News
Snooze News
Survey Investigates Challenges to Disability Applicants