Client Programs
No matter your situation, Christian Help is open to all.
This means there are no income restrictions, demographic or affiliation criteria to receive support from us, simply come as you are. We offer tools and resources necessary to help build a strong foundation for the future. Whether you are seeking guidance, financial assistance, work attire or food, Christian Help has a program that will help you get back on track and meet your goals.
Free Store
Our Free Store offers a wide range of items you may need, such as clothing for men, women, children and infants, footwear for all seasons, kitchenware, houseware, home kits and toiletry items.
- Housewares Closet – Small appliances, pots, pans, dishes, glasses, cups, eating & serving utensils, baking sheets and dishes.
- Linens Closet – Tents, sleeping bags, blankets, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, drapes, rugs, towels of varied sizes, washcloths and related accessories.
- Maternity & Children’s Closets – Clothing, equipment (e.g., high chairs, strollers, car seats, bassinets) and related items such as diapers, receiving blankets, bottles and nursing pads.
- Home Packs – Household supplies and items to assist those addressing disaster recovery (e.g. fire, flood); or, transitioning from former incarceration, unsheltered or domestic violence situations, Alcohol/Substance Use Disorder (A/SUD) recovery programs and foster care to independent living situations.
The Free Store is here to promote the well-being for area residents. Clients may shop once every seven days.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Our Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) can help you in times of need by providing financial support to facilitate shelter, property, health and family security.
Vouchers are issued as support pledges to vendors to avert loss of shelter, electricity, heat, and water/sewage; prescriptions and transportation to maintain health care; or to obtain personal identification cards and other needs to facilitate employment, job training and benefit eligibility.
Confirmation of need, as well as vendor acceptance, is required for this program. Individuals are eligible for assistance on a retroactive 12-month cycle.
Food Pantry
Our Food Pantry offers emergency food assistance. We provide food orders based on a sliding scale according to the number of people in your home. We also share items from our area bakery and farmers market partners, as donations allow.
We’re able to provide non-perishable foods, baby products, including food and formula, toiletries, pet supplies and other miscellaneous items needed for 3-5 day supply, as donations allow. Food orders are available every 30 days per household. Christian Help will also help to make your holidays feel traditional. Stop in before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter for a holiday meal, while supplies last.
Career Closet
Our Career Closet is a resource for both men and women needing professional attire. Whether you work in an office, in a hospital, in retail, in a restaurant, or in a craft or labor position, we have clothing to meet your needs.
You may come in once a month to obtain work-appropriate clothing as well as clothing for job interviews and special occasions such as a capstone presentation, court appearance, funeral or wedding.
Proof of need is required to use the closets (most recent pay stub, proof of interview/hire, etc).
The Career Closet is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to 3:30 pm.
Community Events
Christian Help promotes the inclusion of everyone in key community learning and social events. To this end, we offer participants the following programs to minimize the economic strain these times can create for families on tight budgets.
- Prom Pop-Up Shops – Our Prom event provides students access to formalwear and accessories to attend their Prom celebrations! We take our stock and travel to the 3 Mon County public high schools each year, typically in late March.
- Back to School – Parents can shop for three to five outfits, new shoes, and undergarments for their children in grades K-12. Backpacks and school supplies collected are provided to school counselors for distribution to students as needed.
- Holiday Toy Distribution – New and like-new toys are provided for children 0-18 years old.
- Healthcare Clothing Fair – This program provides scrubs and shoes for students and recent graduates in area medical vocational training programs.
Life Skills Classes
Knowledge is key to improved decision making. Christian Help sponsors opportunities to broaden one’s awareness relative to job readiness, financial planning, and healthy diets. These and other subjects are offered in partnership with area professionals to support client needs.
- The Jobs for Life (JFL) course is an international, faith-based job readiness training program that helps equip you with the tools to transform your life through professional development. The program focuses on the origin, value, purpose of work, bible-based soft skills and each person’s unique gifts. The course teaches how to overcome roadblocks in your personal and professional lives and helps you discover your unique value potential. Apply now!
- Our newly formed Insurance Education Classes teach the basics of home, renters, auto and life insurance; including medicare and Medicaid. Licensed and accredited instructors will be leading this class. Apply now!
- Our Personal Finance Seminar teaches students the basics of money management including budgeting, savings/checking account establishment and credit rating implications for improved financial sustainability. Local banking partners will be leading this seminar. Apply now!
- Our Nutrition Classes consist of discussion and basic hands-on activities covering the preparation, as well as the variety, economic and health benefits of balanced meal planning. Area nutrition experts lead these series of classes. Apply now!
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Similar to traditional life skill classes, Neighbors Helping Neighbors is about community members coming alongside one another to meet their goals. Below are a couple of programs that neighbors can take part in.
Personal Finance Support
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Personal Finance Support is a program in which a community partner locates information and resources with the client to help them achieve their financial goals. When a client signs up for the program, they are paired up with someone in the community willing to explore options, encourage constructive actions and assist them on their journey toward meeting their financial goals.
Vocational Support
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Vocational Support is a program that assists clients in achieving their employment and/or education objectives. Clients are paired up with someone in the community willing to personally meet with them, explore options and foster positive actions toward their personal and/or vocational goals.