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.

Nurses who have substance abuse issues may find help through this agency. They can get referrals to drug and alcohol treatment programs.

Any person who suspects that a nurse is impaired may make a referral to this agency.

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 runs Jessie’s Place. It is a child advocacy center. They help children move from victim to survivor. The available help works to improve the child’s well-being. This can be emotional or mental. As well as behavioral, physical, and spiritual. All services are free of charge. Please call or visit the website for more information.

JFCS provides counseling and social services to those in need. They offer a helping hand and never turn clients away because they are unable to pay. Please call 941.366.2224 or visit their website to learn more.

This group runs full-service career centers. They are located all over the state. These centers provide a variety of job-related services. The help is anyone looking for a job. Priority is given to veterans and those with disabilities. Please call or visit the website for locations and more information.

Services Include:

This facility is for youth 12 to 17 years old. ACTS treat those who are using and addicted to drugs or alcohol. This secure center provides detox and stabilization. As well as short-term treatment and referral services. Please call or visit the website for more information.

Juvenile Justice Day Treatment helps students referred by agencies or school districts. Their staff works to address issues in both the home and the students' neighborhood. They help with behavior and skills training, education, and treatment services. These services are offered five days a week, three to eight hours daily. Please call or visit the website to learn more.