Help from churches in the Western Greenbrier Ministerial Association.
Families living in poverty can turn to Western Greenbrier Ministerial Association. Several churches and religious organizations make up this charity, and assistance is provided without discrimination or judgment. Whether it is a free box of groceries to feed a family, warm winter clothing, or even emergency financial aid, assistance may be provided.
The programs administered are mostly available due to the result of donations from the community as well as fund raisers held. While the various churches that make up the Association may not have the resources to help all applicants, the focus tends to be on the most vulnerable such as children as well as senior citizens in the Greenbrier West Virginia region.
Western Greenbrier Ministerial Association is part of a group of charity run soup kitchens and feeding sites that serves hot, nourishing breakfasts and lunches to those in need, every day, year-round. Thousands of free meals are served in downtown Lewisburg and across the county.
The food is the result of partnering with the community. There are numerous opportunities from anyone from the parishes to assist the less fortunate. Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve hot meals hold food drives, and sort boxes of groceries. The Association always welcomes more volunteers and support from across Greenbrier County.
The Western Greenbrier Ministerial Association works in collaboration with the national One Warm Coat campaign as well as charities such as the Salvation Army. This partnership provides needy individuals with free winter coats, hats, gloves, and more. Clothing that can keep people warm is available. The non-profit is the Greenbrier County hub for winter clothing donations and high impact distributions.
Utility bill help is provided by referrals to LIHEAP - Home Energy Assistance or the churches may have some dollar amounts to pay a portion of a heating bill for a vulnerable household. The government assists low-income households with the high costs of paying heating bills for their homes during the winter using LIHEAP grants. Applicants have the option of completing and submitting the necessary paperwork on their own, or visiting the Western Greenbrier Ministerial Association offices for a case manager's assistance with the process.
When it comes to a church offering help, this is more limited. Based on the donation levels in place, families from cities such as Lewisburg West Virginia may be given a few dollars from time to time. This money will be focused on winter heating bills so that a home with a child or senior stays safe and warm.
Through the Christmas program, Western Greenbrier Ministerial Association provides free gifts, clothing, games, stockings and toys to the area’s most needy families. The agency receives donations and purchases goods using monetary contributions. The items are passed out prior to Christmas, allowing parents to select items based on the size and needs of their family.
Some items may be available on site. When this occurs, the office is stocked and operated by volunteers under the supervision of staff. The churches from Greenbrier partner with other local charities such as the Salvation Army as well as the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program to avoid duplication and the location serves as the regional distribution channel for donated toys.
The Ministerial Association Thrift Store is run by local churches. It stocks affordably priced new as well as gently used clothing and household items as well as vouchers. The items are sold to the general public at reduced rates. The store also furnishes clothing at no charge to clients referred from various area agencies, however this is for unusual circumstances only.
The Homeless Youth Continuum offers social services and support for young people under the age of 25 and who are also in need of emergency shelter. The program also offers support that help them lead safer, healthier lives as productive members of the community.
Western Greenbrier Ministerial Association will work with partners to arrange support, including, but not limited to, a 24-hour access and assessment center; mental health counseling; alcohol and drug addiction support; and transitional housing. When the time is right for the guest to leave the shelter, they may be referred to the church's financial aid programs for rent as well as other bills.
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