TESTIMONIALS

The following descriptions are illustrative of situations faced by individual BCIS clients.

Angela, is a mother of 8 children.  She and her partner struggle to live on minimum wage with some assistance from food stamps.  BCIS has provided supplemental food for the family, utility assistance, and gifts to the children at Christmas time.  Anglea volunteers at the service center occasionally in appreciation of the support she has received.

Jim is 84 years old.  His total income is $685 a month from Social Security.  Given his limited income Jim is a regular recipient of groceries and financial assistance to help cover utility expenses.  He is always very appreciative of what we are able to do. 

A note of thanks from a recent BCIS client:  “To the staff of BCIS: Your hard work and commitment to the community is always appreciated.  I can’t thank you enough for the kindness and respect I receive from you all when I am in need.”

A note of thanks from a recent BCIS client:   “I want to thank you so much for sending me to LensCrafters where I received the best of attention, and a new pair of glasses that are so fine.  My current pair are over 30 years old.  The treatment I received made me feel like a million dollars.  THANK YOU SO MUCH.”     

SERVICE STASTICS 

The following table of data summarizes the number of people served by BCIS during the years 2008, 2009 and 2010.   The data, collected every day of operation by BCIS volunteers, demonstrates the ongoing and very significant need in our community for the most basic items, food first among them.

Selected notes:  The "food support" line items represent the number of discrete households, or individuals, to which BCIS has provided groceries during each of the years listed.  "Homeless lunches" are distributed on a regular basis and consist of a basic, portable meal.  The "Utility Funds Distributed" line refers to the volume of funds, provided by local utilities, that BCIS has distributed to individuals with a demonstrated need.