Felician Center

Direct food services -- post covid food prices continued to increase and therefore impacted the food pantry. An increase in the number of families participating also increased new registrations. The grocery bag value was approximately $25-$30 and, at various times of the year, a grocery store gift card for $10-$20 was added for meat or fresh produce products. We distributed 200 thanksgiving grocery bags in the fall, and kid-friendly grocery bags in the summer. We also distributed some extra items such as cereals and trimmings for various learning adventure dates.the food pantry is open on tuesdays and clients may participate 10 times a year plus holidays. Approximately 6,000 individuals were served from july 2022 to june 2023.

Health services - Felician Center collaborates with francis marian university to provide free health screenings during the academic year. These services are provided once a month and include diabetes and glucose screenings, and cholesterol testing. An annual health fair is also sponsored at Felician Center including services from the regional hospital. Felician Center provides residents in need with a $400 health package that covers dental and vision care. This package was previously provided for $250, but the coverage was increased in fiscal 2023 as a response to increased health care costs. Felician Center also donates to local pharmacies to cover the cost of prescriptions for residents who cannot afford their medications. In addition, limited health items, toiletries, and over-the-counter medications are available in the clothing closet and food pantry as needed. Approximately 75 people were served from july 1, 2022 through june 30, 2023.

Clothing closet -- the clothing closet features items that are advertised in advance such as 200 new shoes in october, new blankets and bedding in december, new clothing in july for back-to-school sale, baby clothing in january that attracts new clients. We have had an increase in new items donated to the Center by local businesses, churches, and individuals. This increase in new items resulted in an increase in new shoppers, especially male shoppers. To accommodate the new demand, we have been able to collect men's suits, dress shoes, work boots, and leisure wear. Free clothing, which includes hats, gloves, sweatshirts, and sweaters are put outdoors for passersby during frigid nights. The closet is open on most fridays. Approximately 1500 clients were served between july 2022 and june 2023.

Other programs -- the Felician Center sponsors a program called, learning adventures, formerly the after-school program. With the improved format of the after-school programs offered at the local public schools, more children were able to participate in their own school's on-site program. Due to this change, and the continued effects of covid weaving in and out of the community, requiring the continuation of hybrid learning, the number of children attending the Felician Center's after-school program decreased. Felician Center responded by restructuring our education program and calling it learning adventures. This program began in january 2023. For eleven (11) days between january and june, Felician Center hosted various music and math camps, and educational themed learning days such as black history month and other holidays. Small stipends were provided to our volunteers. Approximately 150 students participated in this new educational format. Felician Center continues to respond to shifting needs in local public-school systems, arrivals of legal immigrants, and local community outreach. Monies are spent on immigrant professional teachers and healthcare to support basic needs. Additional monies are spent for donations to community youth group mission trips, vital aging senior citizen programs, christmas shoebox project, and residential disability toiletries.