Description
We provide temporary/emergency assistance service for families and individuals with basic needs. Many people find themselves temporarily unemployed and their financial resources severely curtailed due to health or employment issues or other reasons. Until employment can be secured or, in some cases, state assistance can be initiated, these people may find they need immediate assistance with food, clothing, utility or rent payments. Our agency attempts to provide these necessities and to assist in long-term planning with the individual families. Referrals are made to appropriate agencies along with contacts for churches or organizations in the community who are known to be able to provide assistance with employment, housing, etc.
A "Family Action Plan" is designed for each family in an effort for the family to develop self-sufficiency. If the family needs assistance in the future, verification is required to show progress on the Family Action Plan. Some examples of the plan would include:
Register with Workforce Oklahoma,
Apply for employment,
Apply for WIC,
Apply for SNAP Benefits
Decrease household expenses (i.e.: cable bills, rent to own payments, etc).
Every Family Action plan is different; it is developed based on the family’s situation.
Family Forward is a new program beginning in 2015. Families that have at least one person over the age of 18 in the home that is not working, able to work, and not collecting unemployment will be required to participate in the Family Forward program. The member of the family that is not working must attend self-sufficiency classes that focus on employment before the family qualifies for financial assistance.
Participants of Family Forward will receive gas cards or bus tokens to get to and from each weekly class. SSCS partners with local employers, colleges, and professionals for career exploration, resume development, mock interviews, and skill development opportunities. SSCS will also provide participants individual, intensive case management and budgeting classes.
A participant can drop the classes once employment is obtained. If the participant is laid off or loses their job within one year, the participant will be required to attend the Family Forward again.
SSCS is here to EMPOWER individuals and families to become self-sufficient, and we are excited about breaking the chains of generational and situational poverty!
