The Open Link

Overall, our staff responded to 13,186 contacts by phone, email and in person for information, referral and services. Community services: provided residents free resources necessary to be safe, healthy and move to self- sufficiency. Benefits acquisition support (including snap/food stamps, medicaid, liheap, unemployment) was provided to 181 households. Budgeting and financial assistance of 11,379 (including rental, utility, medical transportation and other basic needs) was provided to 166 households; domestci violence counseling was provided to 29 individuals; holiday gifts to 480 children; back-to-school supplies to 214 children. Food and nutrition: The Open Link's food pantry provides a choice pantry experience while allowing The consumer to order online. This past year, The pantry served an average of 502 people monthly a total of 271,080 pounds of food, a 30% increase from The year before. Through The "pantry without walls" program we delivered groceries to 65 senior households with mobility or transportation issues. Volunteers and staff distributed 17,668 meals to children through The summer kids meals program. Through tol's meals on wheels program, volunteers and staff prepared and delivered12,777 nutritious meals straight to The homebounds elderly; community lunch: 4,472 nutritious lunches were served to seniors through The daily community lunch; distributed thanksgiving dinners serving 476 people; played a leadership role in first monday community meal providing 200 meals/month to folks throughout The community. Education: instructors and tutors gave free assistance to 11 adult learners preparing to test for their high school diplomas; 31 adults were provided employment counseling and job placement assistance.