CAN HELP Welfare reform affects every citizen of Va Beach. For it to be successful businesses, service organizations and the faith community are needed to provide vital support to public assistance clients who are working towards independence. Service organizations and the faith community can help in many ways. Working with Social Services support volunteers serve as role models to show recipients how a successful employed person or a successful family operates.
Volunteers brainstorm with clients how to solve problems and find solutions.
Churches and synagogues can also help by providing scholarships in their daycare centers for working parents. Pastors, Rabbis and other key leaders can contribute by taking a lead in running client groups for job readiness and job search. Monetary funds set up by churches, synagogues or service clubs can be used to meet special needs that the Department of Social Services cannot meet. For example, a church might send a check to an insurance company for someone who has a car, but cannot immediately pay for car insurance. The faith community can also help by encouraging members to continue supporting clothing closets, food pantries and emergency housing.