Temporary Family Support Center Hours

Our Family Support Centers continue to serve during this great time of need in our communities. Please wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

  • The Atchison Food Pantry is open Monday – Thursday 9:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm-3:30 pm. Please follow the drive-up directions posted.
  • Case management for rental/utility assistance is available by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call  Monday-Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Walk-ins are not accepted at this time.

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Debido al coronavirus, los centros de apoyo familiar siguen a servir nuestras comunidades. Por favor lleve una mascarilla y mantenga un distanciamiento social.

  • Atchison despensa de comida está abierta los lunes, martes, miércoles y jueves a 9:00am-12pm y 1:00pm-3:30pm. 
  • Los coordinadores de servicios para ayuda con renta o utilidades están disponibles solo con cita. Para una cita, llame  Lunes-Jueves 8:30am-4:30pm. No se aceptan visitas sin cita.
COVID-19 Information

Need food or housing assistance? Get help here.

Nearly 3,000 people in Atchison County struggle to get enough food to eat.  At times, they’re forced to make difficult choices between feeding their families and paying their rent.

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is here to help.  Our Atchison Family Support Center is available to low-income individuals and families who need food or assistance with basic utility payments, housing, clothing or medical prescriptions.

The help goes beyond meeting immediate needs.  An on-site case manager works to identify solutions and resources that will lead to long-term change.

GIVING HELP. GIVING HOPE.

Although Catholic Charities had been serving Atchison and the surrounding area, it was determined that an on-site Family Support Center (FSC) could more directly meet the communities’ needs. In November 2013, we opened an office in a small space, using a closet to serve as the food pantry.  As the demand for services grew, so did the need for a larger place.  In February 2016, the FSC moved locations.  Still nestled in the downtown community, the FSC now occupies an office that allows for a walk-thru pantry and spacious meeting rooms.

This past fiscal year, our Atchison FSC experienced a 35% increase in the number of unduplicated individuals served.  Housing and food assistance more than doubled, while utility aid and financial education quadrupled.

We could not assist our neighbors in need without the support and generosity of  individuals, businesses, parishes and foundations who step up to organize food drives, make gifts-in-kind, volunteer in our food pantry and make financial contributions.  We are truly blessed.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Atchison Family Support Center Address:
502 Kansas Avenue
Atchison, KS 66002

Phone:
913.367.5070

Call for an appointment to learn what you will need to bring with you to receive services.  All services are free and based on need – not religion, race or nationality.

Hours of Operation:


Food Pantry:
Monday – Thursday:
9:00 am –  noon, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Family Support Center:
Monday – Thursday:
8:30 am –  4:30 pm

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.

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.