The Social Services program places emphasis on the prevention of homelessness and the development of self-sufficiency. Short-term financial assistance and counseling are provided with the goal of stabilizing the family during times of crisis.
All applicants are carefully screened to verify need and determine the most appropriate form of aid. ADFAC’s two Licensed Clinical Social Workers work individually with each client to develop contingency plans, explore possibilities for education or training, keeping a budget, and other avenues that promote self-sufficiency. When needed, clients are referred to GED programs, job training, drug and alcohol abuse programs and mental health facilities. In order to qualify for assistance, clients must be employed or actively searching for employment, in school, elderly or disabled.
ADFAC maintains a clearinghouse database of over 10,000 families that is used to keep confidential records of assistance. When families request help, ADFAC’s staff is available to reference database entries to provide accurate and current information on families requesting aid.
The Social Services program answers more than 5,000 requests for assistance each year.
Utilities
ADFAC provides utilities assistance to families who are in danger of losing, or have already lost, essential heat or electricity. ADFAC’s utilities assistance program is supported by projects SAFE and ASSIST, a collaborative effort that encourages donations from local utilities customers. Project SAFE assists City of Oak Ridge Utilities and Oak Ridge Utilities District customers; Project ASSIST serves customers of Clinton Utilities Board and Powell-Clinch Utility District. For more information on SAFE & ASSIST, click here.
Rent and Mortgage
Rent and mortgage assistance helps to prevent homelessness by providing short-term financial aid to families facing eviction or foreclosure.
Rent and Utilities Deposit
The purpose of the Rent and Utilities Deposit program is to help families establish new residence or utilities service during times of crisis (i.e. a victim fleeing domestic violence or a family coming from homelessness).
Crisis Cupboard
ADFAC’s Crisis Cupboard provides basic personal hygiene items (such as toilet paper, diapers, shampoo) that are not covered by food stamps.
Fresh Food Vouchers
Fresh Food Vouchers are provided to families who need short-term assistance in purchasing fresh foods in times when food stamps and/or WIC do no last the entire month.
School Supplies
ADFAC’s School Supplies program began in 1989 as an effort to provide necessary supplies and backpacks to children of disadvantaged families. Each year, the School Supplies distributes supplies to approximately 1,400 K-12 students. Because of these efforts, these children have the opportunity to arrive at school prepared and ready to learn.
Warm Fuzzies Gifts for Teens
The Warm Fuzzies program provides holiday gifts to disadvantaged teenagers who, because of their age, no longer qualify for other holiday assistance programs. Over 200 teenagers participate in the program each year.
Prescription Assistance
ADFAC’s Medication Assistance Program was designed to address the needs of the uninsured in our community. An ADFAC staff member or trained volunteer meets with eligible individuals to provide one-on-one assistance in applying for free or discounted prescription medication programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. Short term medication assistance is also provided during the application process.
Transportation Loan
Because our clients often encounter transportation difficulties, this program provides interest free loans up to $500 for the repair of a vehicle or towards the purchase of a used car. To be eligible for assistance, clients must have a current, valid driver’s license.
Weatherization GreenKits & Weatherization Workshops
The goal of the Weatherization GreenKit program is to give homeowners the opportunity to make their homes more energy efficient and reduce utilities costs by providing simple weatherization items and instruction.
Money Matters Budgeting Class
ADFAC participates in a local community effort called “Money Matters” in which local residents take a budgeting class and can earn a one-time credit toward their utility bill.
