Community Services of Starke County Offers Christmas Aid
WKVI Food Drive a Success, Hundreds of Pounds Raised
Joan Haugh at Community Services of Starke County said she was pleased with the result of the food drive at Five Star. Donors put forth more than $270 to go toward the food pantry, and Five Star also made a $500 donation. A total of 166 pounds of food were raised at Five Star for the food pantry, and Haugh said it will go a long way.
Community Services of Starke County Has List of Families in Need This Holiday Season
The holidays are coming up quickly and if you’re looking to pay it forward and help a family in need, Community Services of Starke County may be able to help you.
Director Joan Haugh said she hopes Community Services can be the main place to gather names of families to help this season. She explained that some families contacted several agencies and received help while others didn’t receive any help.
Salvation Army Volunteers to Begin Ringing Bells Thanksgiving Weekend
Applications for Energy Assistance to Be Accepted Monday
Pre-application packets were mailed to elderly, disabled and at-risk households in September that were approved in last year’s program. Packets are to be returned with the necessary paperwork to complete the application process. If you are scheduled for disconnection or services have already been disconnected, call and schedule an appointment for assistance.
Starke, Pulaski Heating Assistance Programs Begin Soon
Community Services of Starke County Doesn’t Anticipate Federal Funding Problems
With the ongoing debate over the federal budget, local organizations funded with federal dollars are getting nervous that the potential government shutdown – the first in 17 years – will affect agencies at a local level. Fortunately, at Community Services of Starke County, Executive Director Joan Haugh said she doesn’t expect the shutdown, if it does occur, to affect her funding much.
Local Organizations Feeling Pinch of Federal Funding Cuts
The effects of federal funding cuts are trickling down to the local agencies that deal with transportation for older residents and other services.
Community Services of Starke County Director Joan Haugh said the organization has incurred a 24.3 percent federal funding cut for transportation, which was before the sequester took effect. Elderly services, which include congregate meals, home-delivered meals, homemaker services, and restaurant voucher programs, have been cut by 12 percent.
Starke County Food Pantry Needs Your Donations
It’s time once again to rally together in support of Community Services of Starke County, helping them in their endeavor as they serve more than one-fifth of the county’s populations with their various services. Nearly 1000 families per month visit the food pantry, while 823 people utilize transportation regularly each month. More than 700 families sign up for energy assistance and many more make use of other services offered by the organization.
Pulaski, Starke Agencies Offer Free Devices for Low Vision Residents
Pulaski and Starke residents over the age of 55 who suffer from low vision and would like to receive assistive devices are encouraged to contact Pulaski County Human Services or Community Services of Starke County to receive free assistive devices. Jackie Frain, director of Pulaski County Human Services, told WKVI that they are offering a program for those with low vision to provide them with the devices, assisting them in staying independent in their homes.
“This is a very special opportunity for up to 20 individuals who are 55 or older by June 28 to participate in a minor assessment, mostly demographic information, and to receive an assistive device to help them stay independent in their home, such as magnifying glasses that are appropriate for their need or check-writers or talking alarm clocks – things that can just help them stay in their homes,” said Frain.
Community Services of Starke County Recognizes Volunteer of the Year
Community Services of Starke County held its volunteer luncheon yesterday afternoon, recognizing more than 100 volunteers and 50 agencies for their many hours of hard work and their overwhelming contributions to the agency.
One organization in particular was recognized for going above and beyond with their assistance to Community Services. Ober Arbor Gleaners Club received the Volunteer of the Year award, having donated to the food pantry, helped pay for the air conditioner at Community Services, assisted at Golden Living Nursing Home and the Humane Society, Love INC, and countless individuals.
Starke County Triad Places Drop Box at Starke County Sheriff’s Department
A new secured drop box for unwanted prescription medication has been placed in the lobby at the Starke County Sheriff’s Department.
Starke County Triad raised funds to purchase a permanent drop box for residents who would like to dispose of their unwanted, unused and expired prescription medications. Those medications can be placed in the box at any time at the Starke County Sheriff’s Department on Pearl Street.
No liquid medications or needles will be accepted.
Community Services of Starke County plans on applying to the Drug and Tobacco Free Starke County for a pill drop box for the North Judson Police Department as well. The Knox City Police Department has a secured and monitored pill drop box in the department’s lobby and you are able to drop-off medications 24 hours a day and seven days a week at that location.
May is Older Americans Month
Community service organizations throughout the area are celebrating Older Americans Month throughout the month of May, and Pulaski County Human Services as well as Community Services of Starke County have events planned to recognize older Americans and their impacts on the community. Joan Haugh, director of Community Services of Starke County, said the month honors seniors and makes an effort to inform them of the services available for their aid.
“As most people know, May has always been known as Older Americans Month, and this probably started way back in 1965, and it is just an opportunity to recognize seniors for all the value that they give to our community and try and make sure they realize where services that can improve their lives,” said Haugh.
IU Health Starke Hospital, Community Services Partner for Heath Fair
Demotte State Bank Accepting Food Pantry Donations
In response to the Starke County Food Pantry’s need for donations, Demotte State Bank is holding a food drive at their Knox location to show their support for Community Services of Starke County’s most popular service. Community Services Director Joan Haugh told the Knox City Council in February that roughly 951 families per month visit the food pantry, and they need the help of the community to keep their shelves stocked.
Candice Miller of Demotte State Bank said the bank will be accepting donations during their regular business hours, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Starke County Food Pantry Asking for Donations
The Starke County Food Pantry is once again asking for the community to show their support for those less fortunate by donating any number of items to the pantry, alleviating some of the stress for low-income Starke County families who may have a hard time getting food on the table. In February, Organization Director Joan Haugh told the Knox City Council that the organization serves 21 percent of the county’s population through its various services: 951 families per month visit the food pantry, 823 people utilize transportation monthly, 745 families signed up for energy assistance, and many more make use of other services offered by Community Services.
Community Services of Starke County Suffering Funding Woes
While donations have been steadily coming in to the Community Services of Starke County Food Pantry, Organization Director Joan Haugh said other programs offered by the organization are suffering from a lack of funding. Haugh told the county council this week that they are incurring further reductions in funding from both the state and federal government, primarily affecting their transportation program.
DHS, FEMA Award Starke County With Emergency Food and Shelter Funds
The Department of Homeland Security and FEMA have awarded Starke County with $11,412 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.
The Starke County Emergency Food and Shelter Board will determine how the funds will be distributed among the programs within the county that are run by local service agencies in the area.
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Joan Haugh at Community Services of Starke County at (574) 772-7070 for an application. Completed applications must be received by Dec. 17 at 4 p.m.
WKVI/Five Star Food Drive a Success!
The WKVI/Five Star food drive for the Community Services of Starke County Food Pantry was held Saturday at Five Star and it was a success. The boy and girl scouts in North Judson also helped get donations for the food drive.
Several carts were loaded with food items and several cash donations were made. Community Services of Starke County Director Joan Haugh said it greatly helps the food pantry. Continue reading
