The Slate Belt Ministerium ~ to be christ's hands and heart...together ~
	PROCEDURES

Rationale
We have a coordinated system for administration of social assistance funds among our constituent churches of the Ministerium.  This is necessary because…

1. Funds are limited;
2. Funding can be abused by individuals who repetitively go from church to church or who seek to “scam” benevolent agencies;
3. We exist in a period of Welfare Reform where some people (according to Northampton County Director of Welfare, Carrie Kelley) need to free themselves from “easy money” dependencies;
4. A central “intake” method is useful for persons seeking assistance who are unknown to the local pastor;
5. A method of providing assistance that does not involve handing out cash, but administering service, is useful in many ways and far less likely to be abused.

The System

1. A Central Social Concerns Coordinator provides “intake services” when needed and can maintain a record of all clients.
2. Merchants (Providers) who agree to render assistance for people will participate in a Voucher System approved by Ministerium.
3. Vouchers are available to each active clergy/congregation in the Ministerium.
4. The Ministerium Treasurer is authorized to make payments upon presentation of properly executed vouchers.

Vouchers Up To $50

1. A person (Client) requests assistance.
2. Congregational representative determines assistance is needed.
3. Social Concerns Coordinator is contacted, records are checked and determination of amount of assistance is made.
4. Voucher is prepared and Provider Copies are given to the Client.
5. Client presents voucher to provider and receives assistance.
6. Provider presents copy of voucher ot Ministerium Treasurer.
7. Vouchers should have clearly written on them that they are NOT FOR TOBACCO OR ALCOHOL PRODUCTS.

Assistance In Excess of $50

1. A person (Client) requests assistance.
2. Congregational Representative calls Social Concerns Coordinator (Salvation Army: Rent & Fuel Assistance or Kathleen: Non-Rent/Non-Fuel Assistance).  Conversation with individual over the phone or in person (depending on system employed by either of these coordinators) is arranged.  The appropriate form of assistance is determined.

a. In the event the coordinator is not available, a brief message about the request for assistance is left on the answering machine including: name of client, name of cong. representative, representative’s phone number and time of call.
b. If this is truly an emergency need, the Congregational Representative may call 2 other Ministerium Officers or other Ministerium Clergy in order to determine appropriate action.  That same Cong. Representative must later contact the Coordinator to let her/him know of the action taken.

3. Coordinator (at her/his discretion) may consult with 2 other Ministerium Clergy to confirm chosen approach.
4. Coordinator tells Representative how to proceed in providing assistance to person.

Congregational Requests for Supplementary Assistance

1. Congregational Representative contacts Coordinator and explains the situation and the amount requested.
2. Coordinator (at her/his discretion) may consult two other Ministerium Clergy and arrive at a course of action.
3. Coordinator contacts Congregational Representative and Ministerium Treasurer to report action.

Procedures Where Congregation Provides Assistance On Their Own

1. Person (not congregant known to representative) requests assistance.
2. Congregational Representative calls Coordinator and provides information on person and situation, checking that no one else has been approached by this individual.
3. Congregational Representative provides assistance from congregational resources.

Guidelines for Provision of Social Assistance from Ministerium Funding

1. Only congregations who participate in the Ministerium through the payment of dues may receive vouchers or apply for funds.
2. Normally assistance will be provided once a year per need per household.
3. Normally the maximum amount of assistance provided per family each year will be $400.
4. If the need is potentially life threatening, an attempt will be made to cover the need fully (through a variety of resources, not just the Ministerium funds) even in excess of the normative maximum.  Consultation with Ministerium Officers and other clergy would be made before this is done.

Recommendations on Congregational & Clergy Participation

1. Congregations are asked to pay Ministerium Dues on the following scale based upon Average Worship Attendance:

a. Under 50  $25/year
b. 51-100  $50/year
c. Over 100  $100/year

2. Congregations are asked to recruit drivers for persons who need transportation to hospitals, doctor’s offices, etc. and forward a list of such persons to the Coordinator for assignment upon request.
3. Clergy are asked to make a $25/year contribution as participants in the Slate Belt Ministerium.
4. Congregations and groups of churches who work cooperatively for a variety of services/programs are asked to consider designating special offerings for the Slate Belt Ministerium.