Salvation Army Family Center assistance programs in Maury County.
The Salvation Army does not have a dedicated operation in Maury County Tennessee, but they do partner with the Family Center in order to provide social services. Most of the support is similar to what one would expect from the church based charity, and there is everything from emergency financial help for rent or utilities to Santa Workshop for toys, job placement, free school supplies, and much more.
The Center is in effect a member of the Salvation Army. This means money is raised from a thrift store to pay for the programs and there is also the annual Red Kettle campaign for raising donated funds. A case management/personal growth and development process is also emphasized as well. So while the Maury County Salvation Army does not have its own dedicated facility, the Family Center does a decent job in meeting the needs of it.
Seasonal services and basic needs
There are four main programs that fall into this category. One is a monthly clothing giveaway. The items passed out (as well as donated), need to decent and in good condition. The free clothes can help remove stress on a family's monthly budget.
The second is the free back to school supplies. Hundreds of kids are normally assisted each year. There will be uniforms so they can meet any dress codes, free haircuts given by volunteers, and the Salvation Army in Maury County will of course give out supplies too. This may be notebooks, binders, pens, pencils, etc.
Thanksgiving meals are available as part of Adopt a Box. The box will have a turkey as well as side items or trimmings. This may be cranberry, rolls, and the like. Then, the last resource is the Santa's Workshop program. Each qualified child is given 2 or 3 presents as well as stocking stuffers. Both of those programs are driven off of donations from the community.
Financial aid and Salvation Army food programs
The Family Center – Salvation Army of Maury offers many forms of financial support. They fall under the so called Good Samaritan program. What may be offered includes free prescription drugs as part of Maury Regional Foundation as well as eyeglasses as or exams. Cash based aid is also offered two days per week, and those emergency funds can pay for energy bills and/or rent. So while the resources are limited, there is help for emergent housing needs, medical, and more. If needed, find additional programs to help with rent.
Maury County residents who receive food stamps, but that still can't make ends meet, can use the Salvation Army food pantry. It can help fill in gaps in which SNAP does not cover. Not only may the pantry have groceries, but there are also toiletries, soap, toilet paper and similar goods. When it comes to food, common items may be soup, cereal, rice, frozen meat, and much more.
Growth and Development
The three monthly education programs are as follows. There is adult literacy, job placement, and budgeting/counseling. Each of them addresses a specific need, but when taken together can be effective at breaking a cycle of poverty.
Not only will the classes give the advice that people need, but the Maury County Salvation Army will often serve lunch during the sessions. Most of the classes are held one on one with the client as well, as that is most effective for reading or development. This is particular true for job placement as well, as there are postings of positions at the Family Center and also sessions on creating resumes and more.
The Salvation Army of Maury County (Family Center) is based at 921 Beckett St, Columbia, TN 38401. For more information dial (931) 388-3840.
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