Food Pantry
Through our food pantry, we provide food to those in need. We provide families and individuals with perishable and non-perishable food items. We have quickly grown into the largest emergency food program in Champaign County serving an average of over 400 families every Wednesday. We have handed out over 1.5 million pounds of food in over 40,000 visits from families as of September 2009!
Clothing Closet
Our clothing closet provides clothes for all ages, as well as, furniture, small and large appliances, miscellaneous household items, and toys. Our clothing closet is completely reliant on clothing donations. We have several drop off sheds open 24 hours every day located on the west side of our building for donations of clothing. Delivery of other items can be done on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Since opening in 2004, we have handed out over 500,000 articles of clothing, along with countless numbers of these other items. All of this was given to those in need at no cost.
Financial Literacy
We offer financial literacy in the form of a thirteen week course called Financial Peace University. Financial Peace University uses curriculum from nationally-syndicated radio talk show host and best-selling author Dave Ramsey. This course covers everything from getting out of debt, budgeting, and saving for emergencies to investing, planning for the future, and giving. As part of the class, one-on-one counseling is also available to address specific issues.
Benefits:
- People are empowered to take responsibility for themselves and their financial future.
- Valuable principles that help parenting skills, coping skills, marriage and employment skills are taught.
- People learn to live on a budget that actually works for them.
- Increases self confidence and gives hope.
- Increases control over income and expenses.
Financial Counseling
For individuals/families who have debt outside of a home mortgage or even a crisis situation, we will help establish a sound monthly budget, plan for paying off debt, and address specific personal issues surrounding their individual needs. (Creditors, judgements, foreclosures, bankruptcy, extra jobs, etc). It includes an initial 2-hour session and 3 months of follow-up (up to four additional hours) which is dependent on each client’s specific needs. The four additional hours can include limited debt negotiation. Unlike most Personal Financial Counselors, Salt & Light is not getting commissions on selling insurance or investments. Clients can be sure they are getting advice that is objective with their best interest at heart.
