The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1896-12-18
Associated Charity.

l desire in behalf of those interested In
the proposed Associated Charity" organiza.
ton, to make brief statement for the in.
formation of the public, as to the origin,
nature and scope of the proposed organiza-
ton.
Societies of similar form and purport are
now in successful operation in many cities;
in this state notably at Detroit. Grand Rap
ids and Lansing. The proposal to introduce
it into Owosso, originated in the recently
organized minister's conference In this city,
and resulted in the calling of a meeting at
the city hall, to which delegates from the
several churches, charitable organizations
and certain designated individuals connect
ed with the city and county administration,
were invited to be present. BY this body
the whole subject was thoroughly canvassed,
a plan of organization adopted and meet.
ing called for this friday evening, at
which the plan might be presented to the
people of Owosso. Upon the interest mani
tested at this meeting, the entire future of
this movement will depend. 1t cannot 90
on without public support. If it does not
secure this the entire movement will be
futile.
The purpose of the organization has al
ready been indicated by the publishing Of
the articles of Its constitution, indicating its
aims. 1t indicates possible ultimate goal
rather than an immediate intention. The
purposes 1t is hoped to Immediately under
take are narrow and simpler. The essence
of the whole plan is to secure the harmoni-
Gus cooperation of churches, charitable
organizations and charitably inclined indi.
yiduals, whereby the aims of the city may
be more judiciously and efficiently admins
tered. The defect of the present unsystematic
system being:
1. That much aims is given without in
vestigation, to persons altogether undeseIv-
ing, with the result that the charity is
wasted, the deserving poor left to suffer
unhelped, and poverty and pauperism in
creased rather than diminished.
2. That there is much wasteful duplica.
ton.
8. Contrariwise, that many most deserving,
are entirely overlooked and neglected,
To the end Of preventing such waste
through mutual information aud co-opera-
lion, 1t is necessary to secure, first, the
careful investigation Of every case in which
charity Is asked; and second, bureau of
information where records can be kept, for
purposes Of mutual information, indicating
help rendered and the results of investIga.
tons.
To accomplish this purpose 1t Is further
necessary to have, FIRST central Office to
which applicants for help can be referred,
by which their necessities can be investi-
gated, and by whom such applicants can be
referred to suitable applicants or persons,
Or, In extreme and pressing cases, immediate
relief administered, |. being however, in
general, the policy of the organization to
refer all cases possible to charitable orga-
nizations already existing. Second: A per-
son or persons having charge of this Office,
10 investigate cases, administer relief and
keep records.
This covers the essential features of the
proposed society. IL is further earnestly
desired, beyond this, to provide means, by
stone-piles, or their equivalent,
applicants for help can be tested
Is to their Willingness to work. Second:
An employment bureau, and third, sys-
EN- OF friendly visiting. Other features
would certainly be added IL the organization
yained force and influence. These are all
hat are held Immediately In mind.
The testimony as to the need Of some
uch organization is upon the part of those