Our Screening Process

We've been asked how the Board of Directors screens people requesting items - especially gas or grocery cards.

We try to find out as much information as we can.  Most of our requests have come from social workers or school counselors, or other trusted professional sources, etc.  However, more requests are now coming directly from the people in need.  This could be because "the word is out" about us or more likely, it's an indicator of our current economic situation.  In those cases – when they come directly from the people in need – we try to call them and talk to them a bit about their situation.  Often, we will suggest alternative sources instead of, or along with us.  We make it clear that we only offer help one time – it is not going to be an on-going request line.  Having said that, we do not have any uniform screening process in place.  We try to act quickly and as simply as possible.  Each request is sent to the entire board and they determine whether we should respond or not after careful consideration.

One Hundred Good Women made the decision long ago not to give money to anyone.  We had hoped that the Fairy Godmother Fund would provide financial assistance when necessary but unfortunately, they are often out of funds by the fall.  Various churches and social service organizations can often help with rent or utilities but they often run out of money by the end of the month.  We have found that gas and grocery cards can help offset some expenses so the people can pay those rents and/or utilities.  Instead of sending out a request to the membership each time we give people gas and grocery cards, it is easier to “stock pile” cards and give them out as the requests come in.  Just this week we have given cards to 5 families, averaging about $30-$80 each family......not much for food and/or gas these days. Fortunately, we were recently gifted several hundred dollars and we opted to buy gift cards with that money so we weren't constantly asking the membership for them.

I remember taking groceries to a family’s house and when we entered, the kids were playing video games.  One of the people with me was appalled that we just took a couple of hundred dollars of food to them and “they could afford a video player and games”.  The fact was, once upon a time they weren’t out of work or on disability or had medical issues that put them into poverty.  We all need a hand up at some time and the circumstances are usually relative in comparison. We can’t always know the whole story, but we try and then trust the process.

I hope that clarifies the process somewhat.  Obviously, you should only contribute if you feel comfortable.  If you ever have a question about a request, please feel free to let us know.