Victory United Methodist Church programs and social services.
Addressing poverty in counties such as Blaine and Kingfisher is one of the goals of the staff and volunteers at Victory United Methodist Church. The charity and its partner churches will offer help for basic needs whenever possible. They also provide referrals to other local agencies, or provide linkage to social service centers in the Northwest Oklahoma region.
While the resources are limited, the charity will do the best they can to meet the needs of the poor and people facing poverty. They also rely heavily on volunteers and donations from the community, so resources will also be limited.
Holiday programs
The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays increase the demand on the church. Many people request toys for their children, meals, clothing and gifts, so Victory United will try to help low-income, financially struggling households in northwestern Oklahoma.
Providing these families, especially their children with free food, gently used or new clothes, toys and a holiday party is one of the essential components of the services provided. Churches across the region partner with charities and groups such as the Salvation Army on this endeavor.
The holiday program relies heavily on community donations especially around the Christmas time. However, any excess items or funding is used throughout the year to help those in need in communities such as Woods and Harper who are struggling in their lives.
Examples of other Christmas assistance that is free to those in need includes adopt a family, Holiday parties for youth and older adults, and food baskets. The list continues though with Coats for Kids and Community Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners that are served in Oklahoma. Volunteers are needed to keep these services operating each year, so please give back if possible.
Basic needs and financial aid from Victory Church
The Victory United Methodist Church Family Service Center offers many of the resources currently available in the community to income qualified or unemployed clients. Material goods and guidance is available to anyone in need or struggling, regardless of background, age, or religion.
One in demand service, emergency shelter, is a high priority for those who are homeless or at risk for being evicted in the community, especially during the colder months in Oklahoma. The Victory United Methodist Church may offer resources in partnership with other local charities or non-profit agencies. Temporary housing for women, senior citizens, children, and intact families may be available. While residing in the shelter, free hot meals, clothing and food is also served to clients.
In addition to receiving this short term shelter, individuals and families have access to working with case managers and housing specialists to guide them towards a stable, self-reliant life with permanent housing in Guymon Oklahoma. Other basic skills and education offered include financial literacy, budgeting, job training programs and other self-help resources. If an individual or family is in the process of moving, the center can guide them to local resources to assist them with paying renal deposits or maybe the first month’s rent.
Referrals are offered in collaboration with other local charities and non-profit agencies. This allows Victory United to broaden its scope of resources for those in-need and at-risk living in the community. Some of these partnerships include working with the state of Oklahoma Department of Human Services and churches. By partnering together, working poor and in-need people will have access to various emergency programs to meet their needs of daily living including medical needs, food, health care, financial assistance and much more.
When funds are available at the church, the money is distributed in the following areas for people in need. The first use of excess funds or donations will be for rent as a form of homeless prevention. There is also emergency aid and case management services.
Those residents who meet eligibility for funding may have access to other support. This may include short or long term housing subsidies, they can receive education on management through a workshop, learn about renter’s responsibilities and other forms of case management that meets their individual needs and situation.
Due to limited funding, only a small number of applicants can have requests fulfilled. Those who do must meet eligibility criteria as determined by the non-profit and in turn, will be offered financial support and other forms of assistance. The main purpose is to prevent evictions and homelessness in the community.
The local northwestern Oklahoma Transitional Housing Program works with homeless families to teach them life skills that will help them become self-reliant and independent while living in a stable environment. Services available for participants of the program include case management, temporary housing, life skills training, and transportation assistance. When possible, the charity will also try to offer budgeting and nutritional counseling, referral to community services, mental health care, and providing basic household supplies and furniture.
Some agencies in counties such as Ellis or Blaine utilize and emergency mobile canteen to bring free food and meals to those individuals or families struggling with hunger as well as the homeless. The canteen typically drives to neighborhoods to distribute hot breakfasts the needy, and volunteers coordinate this service.
Through generous donations from volunteers, local business and various groups, individuals the food and meal distribution program can serve many people living in the community struggling with the issue of hunger.
Individuals and families may apply for all the programs and support offered at Victory United Methodist Church. In order to meet eligibility requirements and pre-determined criteria, candidates must bring proof of ID which may include: a social security card, birth certificate or a picture ID for everyone in household. In addition, most of the grants that are part of financial assistance programs have certain income requirements in order for potential candidates to meet eligibility.
For more information or referrals to agencies or church based programs, families can dial 877-362-1606. Referrals will be provided.
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