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Inter-Church Ministries Programs

Daily, pastors and church staff are approached by people asking for money for groceries, gasoline, lodging and other urgent needs of the poor and homeless. With area businesses closing monthly and with daily living costs increasing, more and more families are finding themselves financially unable to meet their needs.

Congregations are faced with a challenge: to be good stewards of God's gifts, but yet be compassionate and caring for God's children.

In 1994, Inter-Church Ministries of Erie County developed the Voucher System for Emergency Assistance. It aids pastors and congregations in their ministry to families with emergency needs. Through the use of vouchers and a central database, the VSEA Program enables congregations to respond to pastoral needs and yet, be assured the recipients are not misusing the resources offered.

To be a participating congregation, a church or religious organization is asked to donate to a common pool of funds, which is used for direct client aid. The amount a congregation donates varies depending on resources and need. The congregation can draw from the pool as needed. In addition, they are asked to contribute to the administrative needs of the program.

The VSEA Program provides:

• A joint and cooperative ministry of local congregations;
• A means of giving aid through the use of vouchers redeemable at various local merchants;
• A system that discourages the misuse of resources and promotes good stewardship;
• A central clearinghouse of information;
• 24 hour a day assistance to assist pastors and congregations in this ministry;
• A staff to manage the financial aspects of the program.

To qualify for assistance an individual must:

• Access the program through a participating congregation;
• Have an emergency need that cannot be met by any other agency;
• Have some form of identification;
• Understand the limits of the program and not misuse the aid received.

In addition:

• Individuals are limited to one voucher in a six-month period;
• Families are limited to three vouchers or $100 in a lifetime.

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In late 1989, a child tragically dies and her family is faced with not only tremendous grief, but also the burden of funeral expenses. The Erie community, however, came to the family's aid and the Laura Wilkinson Memorial Fund was established.

The generosity was such that after the expenses for the Wilkinson funeral were paid a substantial balance remained. Inter-Church Ministries was designated the trustees of the fund which continues to assist families after a death of a child.

The Laura Wilkinson Memorial Fund provides money for funeral expenses of any child age 17 or under when the family cannot afford a proper service. ICM monitors the disbursements of the fund with set parameters. To date the fund has assisted an additional thirteen families of various racial, ethnic and faith traditions.

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