Old Town Mission assistance for the low income.
Find help from Old Town Mission. The non-profit organization as well as partner organizations, such as churches and social service offices, strive to help the working poor in Yavapai County. While basic needs, such as food or items from a thrift store, or more common, other assistance may be available for rental expenses, vision care or paying utility bills. The Day Resource Center is the main place for information.
A local thrift store sells goods at a reduced rate, and it is open to the general public. There are items such as furniture or clothing available. In some cases, recycled goods, such as appliances, that have been donated to the non-profit are redistributed.
While the goods will vary throughout the year and based on donation levels, there may be gently used clothing or winter coats for sale, household goods, furniture, beds, cribs, and other items. Residents facing a crisis, such as a fire or disaster, or those on a very low income may be given a voucher so they can use the thrift store at no cost to them.
All proceeds from items sold at the Old Town Mission thrift store will go to paying for the various financial assistance programs that are run. It will go to maintain the thrift store operates and the general assistance noted below, so shopping at the site will make a different to the larger community. The location of the store is at 810 W Mingus & State Route 89A, Cottonwood, Arizona 86326.
Old Town Mission has a food and hygiene pantry. This will have groceries as well as other basic, everyday essential items that people need to prevent hunger and maintain their hygiene. The charity will help families each year by providing them items free of charge, including non-perishable foods, holiday toys or personal care products. This can include toothbrushes, soap, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and much more.
Old Town Mission partners with both local and regional groups too, such as Feeding America and local soup kitchens. This is done in an effort to keep the pantry fully stocked and operating. They also accept perishable food and furniture donations on an as-needed basis.
During August and September, the Back to School program is run. Churches and volunteers collect supplies such as backpacks, notebooks, clothing, and more. These goods are provided to students from families in need, no matter the age.
General financial assistance is available to the working poor and needy. There is an emphasis on senior citizens or households with young children. Funds, while limited, may be able to assist with everything from security deposits to utility bills or rent. This aid may come in the form of grant money or loans.
Advice is given too. All services from Old Town Mission are offered in confidence. This may be consultation, referrals, and intervention with landlord or energy providers. While the agency will do their best to help the less fortunate in Cottonwood, direct financial support is limited due to lack of resources. Also, the financial aid for bills is almost always for families in the immediate neighborhood and it does not cross over to different towns or cities.
Old Town Mission education and training provides individual tutoring and guidance. There is support for the unemployed as well as others that are struggling, whether immigrants or someone else. There are classes that serve adults whose goal is to pass the state of Arizona high school equivalency test, or GED. This will offer offer writing, basic math, and reading instruction.
Local agencies recruit and train community volunteers to teach clients, whether adult students or someone else, one-on-one. This is available through curriculum provided by the center. Clients that register will gain basic academic skills, improve English language skills, and immigrants can even prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Interview/Test.
In partnership with the Lions Club of Yavapai County and optometrists, Old Town Mission helps address the need for affordable eye care. There will be vision tests and check ups held on occasion, and anyone can benefit from them. From time to time free eyeglasses are also distributed from the Day Resource Center.
Holiday programs
There are a few. They range from Adopt-A-Family to Christmas or Thanksgiving Meals Baskets. The charity will partner with people and businesses in the community, and they will pair donors with a needy family. Part of the holiday service will be issuing a wish-list of items the family needs, whether it is a toy for a child or food. Also, donors from Yavapai County are also welcome to donate funds to purchase goods, or they can take part in delivering items to a family.
During November and December months, many churches will also serve a free meal or hold holiday parties. The staff from Old Town Mission often have information on these programs. Children who stop in will also usually be given some type of small toy or gift as well, as the goal is to spread holiday joy to even the lowest income in the area.
Old Town Mission is based at116 East Pinal Street, Cottonwood, Arizona 86326. The main phone number is (928) 634-7869.
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