Program areas at ROOF
Food Bank Program-Throughout the year, the ROOF Food Bank was open three days a week from 2:00-5:00. Rochester residents can receive services from the Food Bank twice a month, plus receive government issued USDA Commodities. During Fiscal Year 2023, 2,159 individuals from 703 families made a total of 13,122 visits to the Food Bank. 201,044 pounds of food were distributed to clients. Food was procured from the following sources:Community donations-47,953 poundsNorthwest Harvest/Coastal Harvest-14,860 poundsFood Lifeline-59,951 poundsCommodities-64,782 poundsCSFP Commodities-7,008 poundsThurston County Food Bank- 3,527 poundsFood purchased by ROOF-26,403 poundsOf the food we distributed in FY23: 26% was fresh produce 24% was protein 6% was dairy products 15% was breads, grains and rice 29% was canned/boxed/processed foodsThrough the Food Bank, clients were also able to receive personal care items and baby items such as diapers, wipes, and formula. Pet food and cleaning supplies were available as well.
Community Projects-Back to School Supplies were given to 145 low-income Rochester children once school resumed.Operation Santa provided new clothes and toys to 308 low-income children from 99 families.
Kids' Place After-school and Summer Program-ROOF Community Services' Kids' Place After-School and Summer Program provides tutoring, prevention, and enrichment activities to Kindergarten through fifth graders attending the Rochester Primary and Grand Mound Elementary Schools. Children attending qualify for free or reduced school lunch and are referred by their teacher or school counselor due to academic, social, or behavioral needs. Transportation is provided to and from the program. The main focus of Kids' Place is academic tutoring. Children also participate in weekly Too Good for Drugs (a drug prevention program), Girls' Energized & Motivated (GEM), a boys group, arts and crafts, library visits, and physical activities.
Emergency & Family Services-ROOF's partnership with Salvation Army Warm Home Vouchers assisted 48 families with Puget Sound Energy bills. 28 households received emergency Salvation Army vouchers for such things as water utility bills or transportation for medical or job-related travel.Rental assistance helped 79 families remain in their home thus preventing them from becoming homeless.145 individuals received assistance with emergency needs such as auto repairs, items needed for employment, education and improved health. 47 households received assistance with utility bills and small home repairs to improve the health and safety of the home. Free Head Lice Shampoo was also available at ROOF for needy families. Well Water Samples: ROOF Community Services continued to be a drop off site for Well Water Samples, tested by Thurston County Environmental Health. Samples are picked-up once a week by a county employee and test the quality of well water in the Rochester area for private citizens or businesses. Community Service: Juvenile and adult offenders who have been through the court system, or juveniles who have participated in Diversion, have been able to fulfill their community service hours at ROOF. These offenders help with Food Bank and general custodial duties. 6 adults and 5 youth assigned community service through the courts or a diversion program provided 95 hours of service.