COMMUNITY SERVICES

SARATOGA COUNTY EOC COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

The Community Services Department is composed of many programs. These programs are funded through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) funds, Federal Emergency Management funds (FEMA), agency fundraising activities and private donations. In-kind donations, community partnerships and volunteer support are also vital to the success of this department.

Below is a brief description of the major components of the Community Services Department.

Crisis Intervention Services: Crisis intervention is a short-term helping process to address the individual/family's emergency needs. The focus is on the resolution of the immediate problem through the use of personal, social, and environmental resources. An individual/family assessment is developed to determine the nature of the crisis and a formalized service plan is negotiated between the family and the crisis intervention worker.
Some common types of crises we address include:

• Housing - pending evictions, landlord/tenant relations, pending utility shut off
• Financial - customers in financial crisis
• Domestic violence
• Drug and alcohol
• Mental Health
  

Family Development: Family Development is a strength-based, helping process in which the individual/family works with EOC on a weekly/monthly basis to address reaching their personal goals. An individual/family assessment is completed to determine the needs and a formalized service plan is developed. The individualized service plan addresses goals such as affordable housing, education and training, financial stability, employment, health, and effective parenting. Each service plan is individually tailored to meet the client's specific needs.

Emergency Food Pantry: The pantry is located at 40 New St., Saratoga Springs, NY. Current operating hours are:

If last name begins with A – L:

Monday 12:30 – 2:00pm & 3:30 – 5:00 pm

Tuesday 9:00 am – 12:00 noon

Wednesday 9:00 am – 11:45 pm & 12:30 pm – 2:15 pm

Friday 12:30 pm – 2:15 pm

If last name begins with M – Z:

Monday 2:00 – 5:00pm

Tuesday 9:00 am – 12:00 noon

Wednesday 9:00 am – 11:45 pm & 2:15pm – 4:00 pm

Friday 2:15 pm – 4:00 pm

Every individual and family coming to the food pantry will complete an initial intake form and will be assessed for crisis intervention services. Customers receive a 3-day supply of food, which is packed by volunteers. The order is appropriate to family size, dietary needs, and cooking facilities. Assistance is available to bring the groceries to the individual/family's car if needed.

Soup Kitchen: Lunch is served 7 days a week Monday - Saturday 11:45 – 1:00 pm and Sunday 3:00pm -- 4:00pm. It is open to the public and the only information collected is the number of meals served each day. This program is located in the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church, 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs, NY. Free Baked goods and breads are available most days.

Rural Food Delivery: This service is a bimonthly delivery of food to customers that are elderly and/or disabled and homebound living in Saratoga County. Customers to this program are referred by different sources and accepted into the program by the Family Development Specialist. EOC runs this project in collaboration with the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church from our Soup kitchen program and community volunteers make deliveries 2 Sundays per month except July and August it is once per month.

Summer Youth Feeding: This project provides a nutritious lunchtime meal to low-income children during the summer months when there is no school. In collaboration with the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority, lunches are disbursed at the Jefferson/Vanderbilt Terrace Monday-Friday, between July 5 and August 31.
This project is run through our Soup Kitchen and is staffed by part time staff and volunteers. EOC also collaborates with Cornell Cooperative Extension to provide nutrition education to customers during the lunchtime meal.

VITA (Free Tax Prep): Free tax preparation service to qualified individuals. Taxes are e-filed and confidential.

Dress for Work: Provides appropriate interview or work clothing to individuals in need. This is a collaboration between EOC and Treasures Consignment/Thrift store. Interested individuals need to come in and meet with a worker to obtain a voucher.

Seasonal Projects

Thanksgiving Baskets: EOC provides a full Thanksgiving meal to families in need in Saratoga County. Families receive a basket based on family size. Eligibility: Families of 2 or more, income at or below 125% of poverty level.

Holiday Meals: A full-prepared holiday dinner is also served at our Soup Kitchen on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and St. Patrick’s Day. Home delivery of meals is available for Thanksgiving and Christmas.