 |
Connie Kramer
Licking County
Coalition of Care
Newark, OH |
Transition is the word that most characterizes my last year! Away from the Ohio Community Service Council and Make A Difference Day Ohio which are very close to my heart - into the directorship of a very small, grassroots faith-based non-profit organization. The Licking County Coalition of Care was born out of the need for local churches to be able to meet the emergency assistance needs in our county. Churches routinely receive calls or walk-ins looking for financial help, staff members have difficulty discerning whether those requests are legitimate and if financial help is the best help that can be provided.
At the Coalition, we work with referrals from local churches. During the process, we coach clients through accessing local resources, conduct an Ohio Benefits Bank check with them, develop a current budget and talk about possible long-term solutions to their overwhelming financial challenges. After interviewing them and compassionately listening to their story, we verify their need and provide financial assistance to help keep shelter over their heads, utilities turned on, transpiration to a new job or doctor's appointment, or help with immediate medical needs. As a faith-based organization, we also focus on connecting them to a local church and provide Bibles and daily devotionals for them free of charge.
We are a team of 40 partnering churches and 21 volunteers who provide direct client service and come from a broad spectrum of church backgrounds. Our goal is for this ministry to provide the most effective assistance possible. The stories are endless and the need ever increasing in our current economy.
Connie served as the project coordinator for Make A Difference Day Ohio from 2000-2007. Thanks for continuing to give back!
Contact Information: Connie Kramer (740) 670-9700
If you would like to nominate a special person for the Volunteer Spotlight, please email John Poole at john.poole@ocsc.state.us