New Britain herald., 1922-10-12
Social Service.

iety of agencies having no apparent connection. A gulf exists between the groups. What can bridge itY The answer is "the social service ex- change" A symbol for the exchange was suggested at the National Con ference. that symbol being a bridge. A national authority on Social Service Exchange says. Wherever the serv- ice of the social service exchange makes Itself felt, there Is an effort to co-oydinate agencies through their case work. The bridge, then, is a unique method of solving the prob lem of unity In the social case work of the community 50 that the service of each agency becomes more active and productive"
 Such a service carries with 1t no fear of rigidity, for 1t calls for no ready-made relationships between agencies. Their action will take into account whatever factors may be up- permost as the needs arise in the in- dividual case. From this 1t is plain that the bridge has furnished case work with. a broader and soun1er foundation, and has given 1t the pow CT to save itself from some of the dis fractions 1t might otherwise suffer from. The bridge is in fact the rally ing point for case work-perhaps "the fulcrum that Archimedes desired
 Exchange a Good Thing.
 By its unlimited elasticity. the ex- change has unfolded new forces and possibilities. Witness the use of the service by the medical group. the court, the foster home registration, the use of the service made by the Red Cross during the war and since"
 We are glad that New Britain has one to offer the local agencies who are slowly realizing the necessity and possibilities of the bridge" The goal Af the bridge is clear. Agencies will Be freed from isolation, all can extend their power and can all work together.
 We are especially glad and thank full for the many friends who fire spective of the United Community chest. offer their interest and finan- cial aid for special purposes Thus we have been able to meet the emergencies illness. hospital bills, medicines, special operations, den- tistry rent, board, transportation, and various other needs. Clothing has been an important feature of otr work this year. Hardly a day goes by unless we give some article to someone. Lack of funds prevented the family from buying necessary garments but due to many donations of partly worn clothing and shoes, we have saved our association many dol lars. Some new apparel had to be purchased through the year despite the fact that generous retail firm presented us with nearly $1oo. co worth of winter underwear at Christ mas time and another nearly the same value in sweaters.
 Treasurer's Report
 The treasurer's report shows we mad to give material aid to many and our special funds have brough relief from distressing circumstances. The amount of aid organized outside the association fund has been great asset. From generous concerns, physicians, dentists, dealers and many other in dividuals. articles, service, treatments board. etc, were obtained for no cost to the association or at a special re- duction. This at very conservative estimate has saved our funds from a depletion of over $500. a
 There are two ways of serving peoSss ple-sharing their troubles and add ing to their joys. We are always glad when we can have the pleasure of the latter way-we seem to so much more often act as trouble -sharers. Neither method can be employed in a whole sale way. Personal contact with the home and in the home, friendship of the whole family is what counts. Some who need just such sympathetic guidance are unknownsto the associa- tion or do not know where to apply If you hear of a family or person in need, notify us. It may be we already have information regarding them which will help you ip choosing how best to help them. If we haven't, we can direct you to the organization which already knows them. If thes are strangers in need. we will serve them in the best possible way. If you are informed that the Welfare asso citation will not help a certain family ask us why and we will gladly tell you. Yes, we do investigate. Not to decide whether a family or person is worthy or unworthy. Everybody Is worthy of something from the asso- citation but 1t may not be wise to al ways give material relief. We must decide the wisest way to help. to seek the causes of suffering, to be con- and not impulsive in our plans. Dr. Frank Nelson of Cincin. natl says that one of the most signi- f1cant developments in modern social service Is the realization that we must look upon men as men, as children of God; as individuals, and to look through the things that cloud the es- ,ential man from them 50 the real man may be seen with a spirit of 1 reverence. He spoke of the love of | man as one of the three great under wing faiths that a successful social worker must have, the other two being the faith in God and the conscious ness of being agents and messengers of God.
 Wants Closer Acguaintances
 The Welfare association would wei come closer acquaintance with its | work of our directors and friends; by | hose who give and those who criti | ,ize. Our work goes steadily on, never spectacular, but we strive each | year to do better, broader work than before. We need your personal in | crest as well as your financial back | ng, as we endeavor to devise ways the spending of dollars may ,e lessened and by which each dollar