"PCHS has been very busy, and service needs continue," reports director Jacki Frain.
She reports PCHS was recently awarded funding to continue providing daily, hot nutritious meals for senior citizens at both the Westside Center in Medaryville and the Von Tobel Center in Winamac. Additionally, a grant to assist in transporting seniors was continued.
"We have provided these services since 1975 and continue to serve our community," Frain says.
Northwest Indiana Community Action is the grantee for senior nutrition, nutrition education and transit for eligible persons age 60 or over. Daily activities and meals are available Monday through Friday. Reservations for meals are required for ordering purposes. Those interested in the senior lunch programs and/or transportation may call 574-946-6500.
"Additionally, we have been awarded a grant to secure four mobile food trucks for our county from Geminus Corporation," Frain reports.
The grant will provide the donation for Food Finders to bring food to Medaryville, Monterey, Star City and Francesville through a coordinated partnership project called “Food for Thought.” The grant was made possible by the efforts of Systems of Care, PCHS, and Food Finders working with Geminus. The Pulaski County Partners Group and Connect learned about the grant opportunity at the quarterly meeting hosted by Pulaski County Human Services. (Geminus is also the new provider for child abuse and neglect prevention funds.)
"We are very pleased to provide the mobile truck bringing food to the families and individuals of our communities," Frain said.
Pulaski County Human Services, Inc. has also submitted its 2020 budget for public transportation through its grantee KIRPC (Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission) for continued transit services.
"Our service continues to provide public, specialized and subscription service to our county," Frain explained. "Our demand continues to grow and public transit continues to be needed throughout the county, from preschool children to elderly and all ages in between. We transport riders for education, work, medical appointments, shopping and other personal business. Call 946-6500 for Arrowhead Country Public Transit. It is recommended prospective riders call well in advance for scheduled appointments.
With the summer assistance for utilities wrapping up, PCHS will soon be offering energy assistance applications for this winter.
"We will continue to receive funding to provide this much needed to service to the 300-plus households that qualify for it," Frain said. "Our grantee, North Central Community Action, provides the grant dollars to support our intake services of EAP and Energy Education as well as Community Services funding to provide services to households in need in our county. We have been a provider for these services since 1981."
The PCHS holiday giving program, CLASP, which provides food, toys, and clothes in coordination with area churches, businesses, schools, service organizations and individuals, is already in motion and applications will be accepted beginning in September for this year’s project. Over 700 people benefit from this local initiative.
Other local initiatives include the Community Reading Corner at the Westside Center offering a place for children to have access to books, toddler and preschool reading, K1000, internet, and socialization. Working with the Pulaski County Public Library and others who bring programs to Medaryville, PCHS volunteers are the heart of this service.
The Food Pantry is PCHS's other key local initiative serving the entire county. It is run part-time by volunteers and supported by donations from churches, businesses, individuals, service organizations, and Food Finders.
"All of these programs and services are provided by Pulaski County Human Services, Inc., a local not-for-profit, because of our grantees, donors and volunteers," Frain said. "Your support is needed for our mission, 'people helping people.' Since 1974, PCHS has served 1 in 3 households in some way."
