Community Fund
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A parish community exists for many reasons; one important reason is to live out the Gospel mandate of service to God’s people. We are called to be merciful as God is merciful and to give to others as God has given to us. The Community Fund is one important way in which the St. John the Baptist Catholic Community hears this call and answers it, by striving to be sensitive and responsive to the immediate needs of those suffering temporary or continued hardships.
The Community Fund is supported by a second collection taken at every Mass on the first Sunday of the Month, known as Community Sunday. Private donations or memorial contributions are also accepted. The Fund is available to anyone in need.Guidelines for the Operation of the Community Fund
Under the guidance of the office of Social Concerns, the Fund is administered by a Board
of Directors, which represents a cross-section of the parish. The Board meets monthly and strives to operate as a team, making decisions, whenever possible, based on consensus. If no consensus can be reached and an immediate decision is necessary,
a vote will be taken.Emergency Assistance Protocol
The Community Fund collection is used for emergency assistance to individuals requesting help and local agencies providing such assistance. The Board of Directors strives for a personal rather than institutional approach to providing assistance to those in need. Assistance is generally given once in a 12 month period unless extenuating circumstances require additional funds. A list is maintained documenting the names, addresses, reason and amount of assistance granted. All information submitted is kept confidential.
Individuals seeking assistance should contact the office of Social Concerns. All efforts are made to provide a holistic approach to providing assistance . In addition to providing an explanation of their immediate need, individuals are also questioned about how they came to be in need and what plans they have to ensure this does not re-occur. Specific plans are encouraged but not required. Individuals must show some proof of identification.
Individuals are required to provide a referral from the DHHS, HOC, or private social services agency, to ensure they are utilizing all resources available to them. Individuals are required to provide proof of need such as an eviction notice, utility disconnect notice, etc. Once the proof of need is verified a check will be issued to the landlord, utility company, etc. No cash is ever distributed from the SJB office.
Guidelines for types of assistance:
Food
People seeking food assistance are referred to Manna or St. Camillus Food Pantry (SCFP). Manna referrals must be emailed or faxed by 4pm the day before to Manna’s Rockville office. The Community Fund maintains gift cards to be used when Manna or SCFP is not available or sufficient to meet the need. If individual does not accept Manna Referral, SJB may not give gift cards.
Rent and Utility Assistance
People with an eviction notice or a utility cut-off notice will be referred first to their local county Emergency Assistance Services, then to the local non-profit organizations servicing their zip code area. Assistance is given when applicants have exhausted other funding sources. People who have late notice bills without a cut-off or eviction noted will be considered on a case by case basis. People may also qualify for assistance with Security Deposits.
Thanksgiving and Christmas
Families or individuals seeking help with Thanksgiving and Christmas food gift cards are referred to the Montgomery County Holiday Giving Program. This program verifies the family need and provides help. If someone misses the deadline to apply through this program, they must contact the local social service agency serving their zip code. Families with school aged children should contact the Linkages to Learning Program associated with their child’s school for assistance at 240-740-3000 or [email protected]. Referrals are required from a social service agency or Linkages to Learning program to be considered for assistance.
Clothing, Household Supplies, School Supplies, and Christmas Toys
People needing clothing, household, and/or school supplies are referred to C-4. A letter of referral from the pastor is required for applicants to register at C-4. Once they have registered, they will be eligible to receive any and all assistance from C-4 including school backpacks in August and toys at Christmas.
Other Assistance
Requests for prescription assistance are referred to EMEAN, MUSST, MUM, or Catholic Charities, depending upon the zip code of the applicant. Other types of assistance requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Periodically we remind parishioners to refrain from assisting people who come to them at mass times requesting money. The Community Fund was established to help those in need and should be utilized whenever possible.
Allocation of Funds to Agencies
Each month a portion of the Community Fund collection is allocated to agencies providing direct service to the needy.