Arizona republican., 1908-11-05
ASSOCIATED
 CHARITIES What the Organization Has
 Done In Phoenix THE RECORD OF A YEAR An Appeal to the Liberal for the Means for an Exten- sion of the Work of As sistance During the Com ing Winter.
THE RECORD OF A YEAR

Comparatively few of the residents ! of this city know much of the work for the past two years that has been carried on so efficiently and quietly by this charitable association. The be- ginning of the movement is due to the benevolence and earnestness of the present superintendent. Miss Gilchrist, who quietly began her work almost alone and unaided some three or four years ago She was helped, to a cer- tain extent at first, by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of this city. As the work increased, it was undertaken, in the fall of 1906, by the Ministers Union. representing the churches of Phoenix. The demands of the work became so great that, in the early winter of 1907, it was decided to form an associated charities, pat termed upon similar organizations in other cities. A large meeting was held in the First Methodist church, over which Chief Justice Kent presided, and addresses were made by Jenkin Lloyd Jones, of Chicago, an expert in charity work. by Dr. FOss and B. A. Fowler of this city. As an outcome of this meeting. the business men of Phoenix and others became interested and the Associated Charities was thor Oughly organized under the efficient presidency of MT Fowler, with whom were associated as members of the board, representative men and women of the city. Miss Gilchrist, who had shouldered thus far much of the labor and responsibility, was elected super intendent
 The result during less than two years has been remarkable. Confront ed by the problem of large numbers of sick and poor coming to the city every year it has been sought to thoroughly investigate every case seeking for help. It has been hoped to do away with begging and the soliciting of as- sistance from the offices, the shops and individuals of the city. Jndiscrim- mate giving is always bad The char ity Of the city can be rightly admin istered only when the charity forces are coordinated and some system pre- vails. The Associated Charities seek to cooperate with all the benevolent agencies of the city, such as the vari- Ous churches, charitable organizations, lodges and socities. It serves as a sort of clearing house for all these. In stead of giving to individuals, of whom people know little or nothing, they should be sent to the office of the Associated Charities. No 119 West Adams street, to have their cases in vestigated. If the money which the citizens of this city distribute in in, discriminate charity was placed in the hands Of the treasurer of the ASSO- ciated Charities. then all the needs of our charitable work could be easily met. and the problem of the poor and the sick economically and efficiently solved.
 The amount of suffering and priva- tion which is met with in Phoenix is overwhelming, but the amount of help and sympathy 0inancial and frater- nab which has been given by the As sociated Charities during the past year has greatly alleviated much of this sickness and poverty. But the labor should not be left so much to a few. The business men and the churches have done their share. The county board of supervisors have cooperated to the full extent of their power There are the many men and women who ought to come forward now and share this responsibility by their donations to what is the only organized attempt on a large scale, to help the poor and unfortunate. About $4OOO was expend- ed last winter by the Associated Char ities, and in the neighborhood of three hundred persons were assisted.
 The officers of the association are: President, B. A. Fowler; first vice president, L. w. Coggins; second vice president, s. Oberfelder; secretary, c. T. Hirst; treasurer, R. B. Burmister of the Phoenix National Bank; executive committee, all officers ex Officio, and the following elected members: J. w DOrris H. B. Wilkinson, D. B. Heard, J. W. Atwood and Barry M. Gold water.
 The following is taken from the last report of the superintendent: "Our system of investigation is thus: After taking names. addresses, and age of applicant, we ascertain the nationality, church or fraternal utilization, family connections and address, former resi-
  come or prospect of support, if i'll, the length of illness and its probable cause Next, a physicians diagnosis is secured. and in accordance with this, arrangements are made for the appli- cant's immediate relief. Later, the given clues are followed out, if pOssi- ble by correspondence with the appli- cant's family. officials of his home town, etc. Thus, our cards show a complete history of each case. This method of investigation is used in ex- amining cases referred to us by the county.
 The handling of each case of course is governed by it's need-a nights lodging and a meal; mere reference to church, lodge or county for support, and subsequent handling of the funds thus secured: lodging onlV or board