The Center for Groveport Madison Human Needs (CGMHN) is increasing its efforts to help those in need.
"In these difficult economic times there is a greater amount of human needs," said CGMHN board member Christine Boucher in a Sept. 3 interview.
At its Sept. 2 meeting, the CGMHN announced the formation of two teams – Informational and Operational – that will enhance the group’s efforts to "connect people in crisis with resources and to promote cohesive households through community partnerships."
"The Informational Team are our ambassadors to potential community partners (those who support the mission financially and with volunteers)," said Boucher. "The Operational Team assists the CGMHN with raising money (fundraisers, grants, etc.) for the operation of the center (overhead expenses). Our next step is to move these teams into action and further discuss plans for enrichment workshop opportunities and the potential for a community Free Store."
Boucher said it is important to gather more community partners to help support the programs.
"The more community partners we have contributing a little bit, the more it helps the big picture, rather than a few partners giving a lot," said Boucher.
Community partners thus far are Asbury United Methodist Church, Clothesline Plus, Go Groveport, Groveport Madison Schools, Groveport Presbyterian Church, Groveport United Methodist Church, Groveport Zion Lutheran Church, and St. Mary Groveport St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Fundraisers
At the Sept. 3 meeting, the CGMHN announced these four upcoming fundraisers to raise money to help those in need:
•Sept. 20 – concession sales at the "City Folk" concert at 8 p.m. at Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St.
•Sept. 21 – a 50/50 raffle at the Groveport Hometown Classic Car Show in downtown Groveport from noon to 3 p.m.
•Oct. 3 – concession sales at Connect With Groveport at the Groveport Recreation Center from 4-7 p.m.
•Oct. 11 – concession sales at Apple Butter Day in Groveport in Heritage Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"In addition, gently used books are also always available at the Bierberg Mercantile (located at 607 Main St. in Groveport) with proceeds to benefit CGMHN," said Boucher.
About CGMHN
"We’re not just about cash assistance," said Boucher. "We’re also about working with people and what they need day to day. We also work with them to help them find resolutions to their problems."
CGMHN services include:
•cash assistance (housing up to $350, utilities up to $150, and emergencies up to $125);
•household goods;
•job referral assistance;
•assistance in preparing and filing applications for food stamps, child care subsidies, home energy assistance, and children’s health care insurance; and
•summer food program.
Criteria include: must be a Groveport Madison school district resident; cash assistance maximum is $500 in a year and no more than $1,000 per household lifetime, and cash assistance provided only when all other forms of assistance are exhausted.
Board members are: Bob Dowler, president; Jeannie Henkel, vice president; Kathi Faulstich, secretary; Mary Mashburn, treasurer; and board members Chris Bowser, Christine Boucher, Leanne Poor, and Pastor Rob Spicer.
For information on CGMHN call (614) 586-4017.
