Family assistance to help long-term

Published: May 27, 2016

En Español

The former Emergency Assistance Program, which operated as a ministry of Catholic Charities of Arkansas, has been replaced by the new Family Assistance Program. It is designed to provide long-term solutions to families and individuals referred by parishes who are coping with chronic economic crises.

Families may meet with Catholic Charities staff and work together to develop a plan that can help them stabilize their financial situation and achieve long-term economic goals. 

Providing short-term financial aid, such as for a utility bill, that was available through emergency assistance is no longer the focus, said Rebecca Cargile, director of the Parish Social Ministry Office.

"The intention with the Family Assistance Program is to help prevent situations in which a quick response to an immediate crisis is needed in the first place. When someone requires a rapid financial resolution to an issue, Catholic Charities will find the most appropriate referral."

Family assistance is primarily funded through donations from the Catholic Charities Poor Fund and the 25 percent of the annual CRS Rice Bowl collection that remains in Arkansas. For more information about the program or learn how you can help, please contact Rebecca Cargile at (501) 664-0340, ext. 355.