Advocacy:The
Family Services staff can help you negotiate the sometimes-confusing
systems of Federal and State programs.We can act as liaisons between you and another entity such as fuel
providers and electric companies and work with you to assert your rights;
or just help you set up reasonable payment plans and agreements.
Crisis
Intervention:If you find yourself in an unpredictable circumstance, Outreach
Workers can help you assess your situation and either directly provide you
with assistance or refer you to the appropriate agency to assist you.Referrals are made to the local food shelves for individuals in
need of food.Vouchers are
available to SEVCA’s Good Buy Thrift Stores for clothing and /or
household items.
Short Term Case
Management:We can work with individuals and families on an ongoing basis.Our goal is to help people become self-sufficient.This is accomplished by providing awareness of barriers and helping
motivate clients to overcome them as well as providing support along the
way.
Housing:Assistance with
landlord-tenant mediation; including tenant education responsibilities and
rights is provided.Information
and referral to area shelters, landlord lists and assistance in completing
necessary applications for affordable housing possibilities such as
Section 8 vouchers, Community Land Trusts apartments and houses.
Community
Networks:Family Services staff collaborate with members of various agencies and
businesses in the community to ensure delivery of services.Information and referrals are made to appropriate community
programs, services, and resources in the community based on the needs of
the individual/family as well as eligibility criteria for each of these
programs, services, and resources.
Information
& Referral:Sometimes it helps to tell someone what is going on.
The Family Services staff
provides support and encouragement throughout difficult
processes and situations.Knowing the services and the resources in the
community is an important part of Family Services workers role.Helping you to get those services is vital.
Crisis
- Fuel:If you have a heating emergency in your home, SEVCA is available
to help.This assistance
includes help with the purchase of oil, kerosene, propane, or wood
depending on your primary source of heat.We also work with the electric companies to prevent disconnection.We will help you to negotiate payment plans. SEVCA serves
over 1,400 families annually with fuel assistance through
"Crisis Fuel", "Shareheat", "Warmth"
and "Bulk Fuel" programs.
Nutrition
Education & Food Stamp Outreach:
Family Services staff provide nutrition education and supports on an
individual basis as well as in group settings.The focus of these services include but are not limited to
nutrition resource management, development of healthy low costs meals and
utilization of recipes.In
the spring and summer months we work in conjunction with the local farmers
markets to make fresh vegetables available to individuals and families and
have seeds available for those who wish to start their own gardens.
We also help with you fill out Food Stamp applications.
Susan Howes, Outreach Worker
Ellen Paquette, Crisis Fuel Coordinator
Pat Burke, Family Services Program Director
91 Buck Drive
802-722-4575
800-464-9951
Fax802-722-4509
