Agency Programs

 

As the community and Clients have changed, The Place has adapted to the needs.  The programs provided by The Place include:

 

Food Program

  • Food Pantry

The objective of our Food Pantry is to ensure no one in our community goes without food. The Place receives food from many sources. This community-collaborative effort with churches, schools, local businesses, individuals, and civic groups ensures that our Food Pantry will always be able to meet this fundamental need.

  • Surplus Food

Surplus foods are picked up and made available six days per week and shared with people that need it. Our policy is to feed any one in need- no one is denied food. This program (assistance) supplements our Food Pantry by providing bread, produce and sweets.

  • Wednesday Noon Day Meal

This assistance complements agency food program objectives to ensure that no one goes without food. Every Wednesday, a (hot) healthy meal is provided to 50-70 people.

  • Senior Luncheon

A monthly luncheon is held in our Activity Center and is sponsored by civic organizations, local businesses and church groups in our community. This luncheon is a key element of our Elderly Assistance Program. This event is held monthly to ensure that we are aware of the needs of this population in our community.

 

Direct Emergency Assistance Program

This is the core program of The Place offering help for residents with short term emergency needs. Applicants need to call to schedule an appointment and to learn what documentation they need to bring to the office for their interview. We require photo ID, proof of residency, documentation to support need, and proof of household income (pay stubs) and expenditures (receipts). During the interview a caseworker will evaluate need and determine the best way to address the situation. No decisions can be made over the phone and resources are limited.

 

This program depends on monetary donations. Undesignated donations will be used for Direct Emergency Assistance.

 

Clients in crisis encounter staff who:

  • Listen with compassion to their struggles in order to comprehend the situation.
  • Determine how we can address their most pressing need (i.e. paying a utility bill to prevent disconnection or assist in paying rent/mortgage to prevent homelessness.)
  • Work to address the more complex, long-term problems facing the client and to encourage clients to develop their own solutions and potential, which may translate to better income and living standards.

 

A key component of Direct Emergency Assistance is advocacy, education, and referrals and encouraging clients to give back by helping at The Place.

 

  • Emergency Assistance (Assistance of $200 or less)
  • Elderly Assistance

This assistance demonstrates to the seniors in our community that they are valued and ensures that their basic needs are met. These funds supply medicine, heat and other utilities, food, clothing and prevents homelessness. A key element of Elderly Assistance is a monthly Senior Luncheon social in our Activity Center sponsored by organizations in the community.

  • Extreme Emergency (Assistance over $200)
  • Medicine Vouchers
  • Hispanic Assistance

Our bilingual staff assists the needy. The objective is to assist the Hispanic/Latino residents in obtaining basic survival needs and serving as advocates and referral sources during their adjustments to our culture.

  • FCMF (Forsyth County Medical Fund) Medicine or Dental Assistance for Pain

The Medical Fund provides clients with a voucher to acquire critical prescription medicines and limited emergency dental care. It is primarily funded by The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Inc. and private donations by local churches. This assistance is for Forsyth County residents.

 

Hands Across Forsyth Program

(October 1st – December 18th)

Hands Across Forsyth is our seasonal program which provides residents in need with Thanksgiving food and Christmas gifts for their children in the true spirit of the season. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, you may call 770-887-1098 extension #226 beginning in October.

 

Youth Program

The Youth Program is to provide unduplicated needs for Forsyth county children living in poverty. The goal is to ensure that the needs of all the children are met thereby building their self-esteem so they may become great assets to the community at-large.

 

  • Holiday activities (Easter Baskets)
  • YMCA Summer Day Camp Scholarships
  • Back to School - School supplies for needy children enrolled in our program
  • Youth Events
    • Christmas Party sponsored by Scientific Games

 

Thrift Store Program

The Thrift Store Program works to foster self-respect and dignity for those in need by providing attractive clothing, household goods and furniture through our voucher system or that can be purchased at very reasonable prices. Staff members work with County agencies to provide individuals with a supervised work experience. The store has an abundance of quality clothing and unique items providing an ever changing second-hand boutique atmosphere. Items that are not given to the needy are reasonably priced so everyone can afford to shop here.

 

Shoppers at the Thrift Store are making a difference – all funds generated support agency operations and help ensure we will always be here to help our residents in their time of need. Everyone is encouraged to come and experience one of the best thrift stores in Metro Atlanta.

 

  • Thrift Store Vouchers for Basic Needs
  • On The Job Training
  • Back To Work Clothing
  • Inter Agency Child Need Voucher

 

Other Activities

  • Coordinate - Community Christmas Day Dinner
  • Walkers, Wheelchairs Fans, Heaters, etc.
  • Winter Coats Distribution

 

Services are coordinated with and referrals are made to local churches, agencies and organizations.