Programs and Services
Those persons seeking assistance are interviewed by a Volunteer to determine how Interfaith can assist with their needs. Proper identification is required for those coming to Interfaith for help. For emergency funds that are provided for clients in need of medication and a variety of other services, the financial assistance is made directly to the provider. Interfaith has recently joined together with other local agencies, in a shared database called Pathways. This database allows agencies to record all services provided to individuals seeking assistance. This increases our productivity with data entry, as well as allowing us to monitor what other services clients receive so that duplication is eliminated. Many of the services we provided are listed below.
Food, Hygiene and Clothing Distribution
After completing the intake process, food is distributed to those in need in amounts appropriate for their family and situation by our food pantry located in our warehouse. Interfaith uses the National Poverty Level as a guideline for those qualifying for assistance to determine eligibility. Hygiene items, which are not covered by food stamps, are a great need. Those items are provided to clients in the same manner as our food services. Clothes are provided to those in need to provide for their individual or family circumstances.
When emergency prescriptions assistance is needed, those who qualify are provided assistance with a 30 day supply through our prescription program. Parntering with local pharmacies, Interfaith provides funding for one time services, then refers the client to our Long Term Prescription Program if needed. Funds for this program are mostly generated through our Thrift Store.
Identification Cards
Interfaith assists those that have recently moved to the area from out of state or county, by providing funds for Marion County Identification cards which are essential for obtaining any type of services and employment.
Gas Vouchers
Families in crisis that have medical appointments at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, can apply for a voucher for gasoline. In conjunction with a local gas station, vouchers are provided in an amount so that families can travel to Gainesville and return home.
Eyeglasses
We currently have two eye glass programs: Prescription Glasses: A client needing glasses must have an employment letter from employer stating the need to have glasses to peform the job. Or, for children in Marion County, when children need glasses for school, must have a letter from their school of attendance stating the need as well as a parent letter, proper ID, and social security cards for both parent and child. Reading Glasses: are given away at the office, we have a small reading chart to determine the strength needed for each client.
Work Boots
We give/provide work boots to Marion County Residents. Those in need require a letter from the employer stating the need, a valid Marion County ID, and social security card. This must be brought in to our main office and undergo the "intake" process.
Food 4 Kids is also known as the "backpack" program and currently reaches over 1,400 children weekly.
Our Shelter Program for the homeless in Marion County provides a safe haven and transitional services.
The Recovery House Program is home to male residents only who live in our two recovery houses behind the main complex. These houses are often a main component for recovery to the residents as they work to improve their lives and begin to get "back on track." For more information, call 352.732.7858.
Our Long Term Prescription Program provides assistance to those clients that cannot afford monthly maintenance medications. Dedicated staff and volunteers meet one on one with clients to evaluate whether they qualify for long term assistance provided by the pharmaceutical companies, at no expense to Interfaith. For more information, contact Laura or call her at 352.629.8868 x 27.
Educational Programs are offered at the Learning Center, which provides training for our shelter residents in areas such as Parenting Skills, Anger Management, as well as Tutoring for school, computers, and GED degree. Bible Study classes are provided each weekday morning for volunteers, residents, and staff, as well as for those who wish to participate.
