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RON MOT grant helps forge ‘Caring Connections’

July 24, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Susan Hardy, Reaching Our Neighbors Ministry Oversight Team (RON MOT) member, has toured some of the ministries that received grants in RON MOT's 2013 round of funding. In this story, she recounts her visit to Caring Connections in Oneonta. Caring Connections is a collaborative effort of more than 30 faith communities and serves as an entry point for families and individuals who may not qualify for assistance from a social services agency. Photo courtesy Susan Hardy.

I visited Caring Connections in Oneonta on July 7, 2014 as part of Reaching Our Neighbors evaluation process. This ministry is a collaborative effort of more than 30 faith communities. Caring Connections serves as an entry point for families and individuals who may not qualify for assistance from a social services agency. Still, these persons have an urgent need and are looking for help from their community.

I with Lynn Glueckert, Director ofCaring Connections, and two volunteers engaged in a training session. I asked about this ministry's day-to-day operations and its effectiveness.

Glueckert answered, "We tend to see persons who need help with a one-time situation. They may have a car repair bill, utility bill, or medical expense that cannot be handled through their usual budget. We assist many who might be termed the working poor."

I had noticed when I entered the reception area that a secretary was fielding phone calls and directing visitors to appropriate staff. I watched as a trained interviewer ushered a young couple into an office to listen to their current challenge.

 A visitor, who explained that she had opened her home to another family, asked for help locating diapers. A staff member identified a church with that resource available, and asked "Is there anything else that would help at this time?" The person replied that toilet paper would be welcome. This resource was also located, and help with transportation offered, but declined.

 I saw that all persons were treated with respect, and no one was ignored or told to come back later.

As part of the 2013 Reaching Our Neighbors grant application process, Caring Connections had requested $3,000 to train volunteers so that they could expand their service hours. I asked Glueckert if the goal of training volunteers and expanding their hours had been met.

"Caring Connections has welcomed six new volunteers, now fully trained and oriented to the program," she said. "This has allowed Caring Connections to expand its hours beyond Monday and Friday to include time on Tuesdays and Wednesdays." 

I asked Ellen, an experienced volunteer, why she chose to donate her time and skills to this ministry. "I retired and wanted meaningful work," she said. "I came to the first training in February of 2102, and I've been here ever since."

Ed, a potential volunteer who was going through orientation with Ellen that morning, said, "This is my second visit, and I am looking for a way to be productive. The people here treat everyone with dignity, and I appreciate that."

The Rev. Teressa Sivers, pastor at First UMC in Oneonta, joined us then, and described how, prior to Caring Connections, people were left searching from place to place for help, which she said "felt piecemeal and neglectful."

She affirmed that every visitor's story is given full attention and that most people they serve don't return for more assistance.

"A majority are the working poor who have hit a bump and need help for a one-time challenge," Rev. Sivers said.

She also emphasized that Caring Connections serves as the network for all faith communities to pool their resources.

So, is Caring Connections perceived as just another agency in Oneonta?

I found the answer before even going inside. When I first walked up the street, a man in a wheelchair asked, "Are you looking for the church? It's right there."

Read Hardy's story about Schenectady Inner City Ministry's Summer Lunch Wagon here.