Safety Net for People of All Faiths

People come through our doors when they are experiencing hard times. There may have been a job loss, serious illness or an unexpected expense. They are struggling to feed their families. They can’t afford their medication and the monthly rent. They need help.

Since 1965, our Emergency Assistance Program has played a significant role in the community, providing a safety net for people of all faiths who are trying to make ends meet. Services include meeting the immediate, basic survival needs of families with low-incomes so they have enough food to prevent going to bed hungry; rent money to avoid eviction and homelessness; water to bathe in or prepare food; electricity to run a refrigerator and lights; and gas to heat their homes and cook.

Once the urgent needs are met, our case managers help those we serve identify long-term solutions that lead to self-sufficiency. If eligible, they are connected with government programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women Infants and Children (WIC) and other resources that may be beneficial.

Financial education is a key component for regaining economic stability. Counseling and classes are offered on topics such as how to budget, ways to reduce credit card debt, steps to establishing a positive relationship with a bank or other financial institution and more.

During last fiscal year alone, some of the services we provided through our Family Support Centers included:

food assistance 248,480 times
housing assistance 3,714 times
utility assistance 8,627 times
clothing assistance 17,326 times
financial education 34,260 times

Emergency assistance programs are available at eight Family Support Centers — services vary by location, but all offer the services listed below. All centers are located in fully accessible buildings where those we serve may visit or make an appointment. There are no fees for services provided.

Family
Support
Centers

OVERLAND PARK
9806 West 87th Street
Overland Park, KS 66212
Phone: 913-384-6608

ATCHISON OFFICE
502 Kansas Avenue
Atchison, KS 66002
Phone: 913.367.5070

CENTRAL OFFICE
2220 Central Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66102
Phone: 913.621.1504

LAWRENCE OFFICE
1525 West 6th St
Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: 785.749.5064

LEAVENWORTH OFFICE
716 North 5th Street,
Leavenworth, KS 66048
Phone: 913.651.8060

OLATHE OFFICE
333 East Poplar,
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: 913-782-4077

TOPEKA OFFICE
234 South Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS 66603
Phone: 785.233.6300

HOPE DISTRIBUTION CENTER
1708 Steele Road
Kansas City, KS 66106

Food Pantry & Family Support Center Locations

Family Support Center Services

FOOD PANTRY

We value the dignity of those we serve, offering a self-shopping food pantry. Every 30 days, shoppers may pick items appropriate for their families’ dietary and cultural needs, choosing from a variety of high-quality, perishable and non-perishable foods including fresh fruits and vegetables. Every day, we offer bread to anyone who comes into our EAC in need of food. We also carry a limited selection of personal care items in our pantry including shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, diapers, deodorant and laundry detergent.

NUTRITION EDUCATION

We offer either a single or series of nutrition classes using ingredients available in our food pantry to assist families with meals that are nutritious and affordable. These on-site classes are taught by K-State Extension Services, Harvesters, Just Food or our case manager. Samples may be on-hand for taste tests following a cooking demonstration. Recipes are available to recreate the dish at home.

MASS FOOD DISTRIBUTION

We team up with Harvesters and other community agencies at various Catholic Charities locations to do a pop-up pantry. Healthy perishable foods, including fruits and vegetables and refrigerated items, are given out to residents.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

We help with basic utility and rent payments; vital prescriptions; and medical supply expenses. Also, we screen for safety net programs such as SNAP (food stamps) and WIC (Women Infants Children).

FINANCIAL EDUCATION

We provide basic financial education and offer budget coaching and guidance on topics including starting a debt reduction plan, establishing a relationship with a banking institution and applying for available resources. We also offer Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) to those who meet income qualifications or persons with disabilities. Volunteers are IRS-certified and provide free, basic tax preparation.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT

We post job openings, assist with job searches and access to transportation, as well as make direct referrals to hiring companies. We also offer interview tips and guidance about how to dress for success.

CLOTHING ASSISTANCE

We provide gently used clothing through either an on-site clothing closet or vouchers to local thrift stores. Items may include pants, shirts and shoes to meet the needs of those who require an outfit for a job interview; back-to-school wear for their children; or seasonal items to stay warm or keep cool.

CASE MANAGEMENT

We resolve not only emergency needs, but have case managers who work one-on-one to identify long-term solutions that lead to self-sufficiency.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE

We assist those who may be, or who are at risk for, experiencing homelessness, directing them to community partners who can provide transitional and rapid rehousing support.

COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP)

We provide an extra box of healthy food every month to seniors aged 60 years and older who meet eligibility guidelines.

FRIENDLY VISITORS

We pair trained, compassionate volunteers with homebound seniors ages 60+ who live alone, as well as those with disabilities, who need caring, friendly people to visit, call or lend a helping hand.