There are currently two eye glass programs:

Prescription Glasses

A client that needs glasses must have an employment letter from their employer stating the need to have glasses to perform the job. Or, for Children in Marion County. When children need glasses for school, they must have a letter from their school of attendance stating the need. They must also have a parent letter, proper ID, and social security cards for both parent and child.

Reading Glasses

Reading glasses are given away at the office. They have a small reading chart to determine the strength needed for each client.

Call for more information.

Food 4 Kids is a “backpack program” for hungry children in Marion County. Guidance counselors at the schools provide each child’s name to them, including the number of siblings in the household. Volunteers pack durable, rolling backpacks full of food for each household. The volunteer delivers the backpacks directly to the school, tagged for each child. The child takes the backpack home on Friday afternoon and returns them to school on Monday morning. Then, the volunteers pick up the backpacks at the school and the process starts all over again.

Backpacks include:

• Canned meat
• Canned pasta
• Cereal
• Crackers
• Juice boxes
• Macaroni & cheese
• Non-candy snacks
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Pop tarts
• Pudding & fruit cups
• Shelf-stable milk
• Snack bars
• Soup

Call for more information.

After completing the intake process, food is given to those in need. The amount is appropriate for their family and situation by the food pantry located in the warehouse. Interfaith uses the National Poverty Level as a guideline for those qualifying for assistance. This will determine their eligibility. Hygiene items, which are not covered by food stamps, are also given out. Those items are given to clients in the same manner as the food services. Clothes are given to those in need as well. Call for more information.

Interfaith helps those that have recently moved to the area from out of state or county. They provide funds for Marion County identification cards. These cards are essential for obtaining any type of services and employment. Call for more information.

Interfaith provides work boots to Marion County Residents. Those in need require a letter from the employer stating the need. A valid Marion County ID and social security card is also required. This must be brought in to the main office and undergo the “intake” process. Call for more information.

Financial Help Provided: Rental Assistance, clothing, food, medical or financial aid

Must be a Santa Rosa County resident.

Must have a valid photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, copy of rental agreement if available.

Must call for an appointment.

Office hours: Tuesdays through Thursdays 9am - 11:30am.

The Jefferson County Health Department provides a variety of services. Cost of services will depend on Financial Eligibility and/or Sliding Fee Scale. Medicaid and Medicare are welcome. Some services have set fees.

Services:

• Adult/Child Health
• AIDS Drug Assistance Program
• Car Seat Program
• Chronic Disease
• Epidemiology
• Family Planning
• Healthy Start
• HIV/AIDS Testing
• Immunizations
• Improved Pregnancy Outcome
• Indigent Pharmacy Program
• Nutrition Services
• OB Care
• Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women (PEPW)
• Safe Asleep Program (CRIB)
• School Health
• Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
• Sterilization
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Vital Statistics
• Women’s Health

Please call or visit website for more information.

This group has a feeding ministry. It feeds anyone who is homeless or hungry. Please call or visit the website for more information.

Every Day Meal Schedule:
Lunch 12:15 - 12:45 p.m.
Dinner 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.

This group runs the Justin’s Place Recovery Program. The program lasts 12 months. It works to combat drug and alcohol abuse. The program is for men and women. Please call or visit the website for more information.

Email: intake@stmatthewshouse.org

KAIR is a USDA certified food pantry. They offer “Meals to Go” – pre-made meals for the homeless. They offer bags of groceries to those who have cooking facilities. They also offer food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmastime. The pantry is open five days a week during office hours or by appointment. Call for more information.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9am to 12 noon
Wednesday from 2 to 5 pm
or by appointment, if necessary