Resolutions

The other day during the course of conversation, someone asked me what I did for a living. When I told them I worked for Northwest Assistance Ministries, they let me know how often they shop at the Resale shop and how they always donate their gently used goods because they know the money raised helps their neighbors. When I thanked the individual, they then asked why they had never run into me at the shop. I explained that my office is on Kuykendahl in the main NAM facility. The response that came back is one that I have many times over the years, "You have a building on Kuykendahl?"

So along with the majority of folks who resolve to change their ways with the start of a new year, I am publicly pledging to turn over a new leaf and become a more frequent blogger.  I also need to ask for your help to let people know all that goes on in our main facility, which is located just south of 1960 at 15555 Kuykendahl. In fact, tell them to come and tour, no appointment necessary, the first Wednesday and the third Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. They'll be amazed at the myriad of programs and services that served more than 190,000 individuals last fiscal year.

                                NAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
                                                 for
                                          FY 09/30/10

Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) touched the lives of more than 130,000 individuals during the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Many NAM clients receive more than one service and participate in more than one program. NAM truly is a “one stop shop” for services. One of the most effective and cost-efficient charities in the community, NAM is a good steward of the resources it receives. Approximately $0.90 of every dollar donated in the 2008-2009 fiscal year went to direct services.

The Assistance Program served 53,752 people with emergency assistance for basic needs, including: shelter, clothing, transportation, prescription medicines, and referrals. The Back to School Project provided 2,940 children with school supplies and clothing, enabling the students to return to school ready to learn. The 2008 Holiday Project provided 1,163 families with holiday dinners and groceries as well as toys and gifts for 3,351 children and teens.

The Children’s Clinic offers primary health care for children from infancy to age 18 and completed office visits, referrals, appointment calls, and case management for 8,200 children. The Clinic’s annual Shot Blitz provided 2,847 immunizations to 821 children. Through collaborative efforts more than 400 children were connected to health insurance benefits.

The Family Violence Center provided crisis intervention, support groups, adult and children’s counseling, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and education to 2,102 people. In addition, 12,687 students participated in 447 educational presentations through The Youth Education Program.

Through the Fifty Plus program, 1,993 seniors participated 7,201 times in activities designed to enhance socialization, physical fitness, and mental capacities. In addition, through Senior Wheels and NAM transport, volunteers provided 883 rides to seniors.

The Food Pantry provided groceries for well-balanced meals to 36,456 people.

The Interfaith Hospitality Network provided 5,368 shelter nights to 254 adults and children transitioning from homelessness. Staff provided 986 hours of case management and ensured the provision of parenting, life skills classes and counseling for substance abuse, mental health, and family issues.

Meals on Wheels provided 137,430 nutritious meals to an average of 550 homebound seniors and disabled adults each weekday and 90 individuals on Saturdays.

Through the Rotary Learning Center, 33,526 hours of instruction were provided to 473 students in Adult Basic Education and GED, English as a Second Language, English Literacy, Civics, Computer Training, and Career Development & Training.

The Shelter and Energy Assistance Program distributed over $850,000 in assistance to 7,566 people. Funded by government grants, this program is geared to prevent homelessness and to help homeless families become self-sufficient. In addition, 888 elderly or disabled adults received more than a million dollars to help to pay their energy bills thanks to a partnership with Sheltering Arms Senior Services.