Network of Community Ministries

Mission:

Volunteers with Network serve in a number of ways, but the majority either interview clients, distribute food to clients from the Network food room, or serve as receptionists.

Interviewers go through a short training period during which they are introduced to the various kinds of aid that are offered through Network, learn how to identify clients who are eligible for and will benefit most from the aid that might be appropriate for them, and learn about the process which they must go through in order to have their recommendations for each client approved. The most common types of aid provided through Network are rent, utility assistance, and food. Although all clients seeking food must first go through the interview process, hungry individuals or families are rarely turned away without food.

Volunteers who have served as interviewers for a period of time may be designated as Coordinators, who have the responsibility in most cases of approving the recommendations being made by the interviewers. In some cases, an interviewer may seek a full collaborative review of the facts with the Coordinator that leads to the final decision. In other cases, final approval may be made only by the Director of Case Management.

Special seasonal activities include such things as providing school supplies at the beginning of each school year and acting as Santa’s Helpers during the Christmas Season.

For more information contact NETWORK at 972-234-8880.