Belvidere and Boone County Salvation Army assistance programs.
A case management process known as Bridges to Hope is provided by the Boone County and Belvidere Salvation Army. This process involves guidance as well as counseling along with funds for paying critical living expenses, namely housing, utilities, medications, food, and employment needs. The process is both for families living on a low income that want to change their future as well as anyone living in/or near poverty.
While of course many struggling families would like financial support in a, unfortunately the funds are very limited and come with restrictions. The money also goes quickly. Therefore the Salvation Army Family Services Department in Belvidere also does much more as well. Some of the other main ways they assist are below.
-Christmas – The programs include Angel Tree, free presents for kids, Toys for Tots, hot meals, and visits to the elderly.
-Easter – Easter baskets, ham meals, and more.
-Thanksgiving – Both free food to prepare a meal is given as well as Turkey dinners are held by the Boone County Illinois Salvation Army, and this allows volunteers to serve the needy or lonely.
-Free back to school supply drives are held.
-Summer camps for students to keep them occupied and learning during the summer months.
-Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation programs.
-Ministries for women, men, and single adults.
-Low cost thrift store sells household items, clothes, and other supplies.
-Free winter coat drives as well as donation programs.
-Disaster response and relief.
Case management and financial help
While all of those “bonus” services referenced above are nice to have, at the end of the day the Belvidere Salvation Army wants to help the less fortunate get on a pathway to stability. This is where the case management process is used. It is a partnership between the client as well as the case worker. It also brings in others from the community as well, ranging from free credit counselors in Illinois to job coaches, DHS social workers, and volunteers.
This process is a goal oriented partnership. There will be confidential discussions held on what the challenge is, then, at the end of the day, goals will be set. The client needs to continue to meet them to get financial help. Some targets will resolve around budgeting income and expenses; saving money; finding a new or higher paying job; gaining work skills; parenting; life skills development; and much more.
During this process, if a financial emergency occurs, the Salvation Army in Belvidere will “dip” into their pool of funds to try to help the family financially. There may be some money to pay some of any back rent or mortgage payments to stop homelessness. If heat, electric, or water is threatened with a disconnection, then emergency funds can help there. Or when a medication is needed, vouchers may assist or a NeedyMeds prescription discount program.
However the faith based Boone County Illinois Salvation Army charity can't (and won't) just freely disburse funds. The applicant needs to show an ability as well as willingness to improve their own situation through Bridges to Hope or other case management steps. If they do, and goals are met, then financial aid may come into play.
This form of assistance also helps with employment needs. As some very low income families, or say single mothers or dads, often need employment assistance. There may be a need for a voucher to pay for a partial tank of gasoline or a bus pass to get to an interview (or first day of work). Or professional work attire is needed, or the job seeker needs access to a computer or laptop. If these are barriers to financial stability, then the Salvation Army in Belvidere will also try to provide those needs.
Applying for Salvation Army services in Boone County
At the end of the day, the charity tries to serve the poor, struggling, and less fortunate. Provided the resident of Boone County Illinois is willing to do their part to help themselves, then the Salvation Army could in fact partner with them throughout the process. Which involves financial support if/when needed. For more details, call 815-544-3892, or drop in at 422 S. Main Street Belvidere, IL 61008-3740.
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