Black River good Neighbor Services Inc

Services We Offer

Food Shelf Programs Enough food, as available for each person not  to exceed four days per family/household.  Food can only be obtained once a month. (every 30 days)  We also distribute the USDA’s TEFA 40 lb food program twice a month.

Financial Assistance  Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) will provide financial aid up to a set maximum amount  including cash and/or in kind aid per year per family/household.  This aid will be provided in the following areas  

 A) Heating Assistance Clients must have applied to DWS and SEVCA first.  BRGNS can supply limited fuel oil, propane, kerosene, or wood.  This assistance can only be obtained one time per year per family/household.  Client must have either written or verbal proof that they have applied to other agencies first for heating assistance. We are a LIHAP (Low Income Heating Assistance Program) application distribution center.

   B) Rent Assistance Limited temporary rent assistance is available, BRGNS will not make mortgage payments.

   C) Utilities Assistance BRGNS can provide limited assistance for propane, kerosene, fuel oil, electric or wood used for cooking, lights or hot water.

 D) Miscellaneous Assistance  Any assistance not mentioned above may be available at BRGNS discretion.

BRGNS DOES NOT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR PHONE, CABLE OR SATELLITE TV BILLS OR FOR PAST DUE BILL PAYMENTS. (ASSISTANCE WILL ONLY BE PAID FOR CURRENT BILLS)REFERRALS  WILL BE MADE TO OTHER AGENCIES IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT

Holiday Basket Program

We also have a very active Christmas food and toy program in which we deliver full holiday meals to distressed families.  Over the past 6 years, we have served over 2200 people with these Christmas dinners, and where children were in the household, with donated toys. In 2006, we served 120 families, In 2007, we served 114 families. In 2008, we served 123 families, In 2009 we served 142 families. In 2010 we served 139 families; This Year 2011 We served 167 family baskets including gifts for 123 children. 

We use an extensive network of local social service providers including local churches and agencies to gather names of those who may need assistance.  Then we solicit applications from those referred to us and from those whom we have recently helped.  We also rely on a very large group of local volunteers to gather food donations, to pack boxes and bags with food and toys, and to deliver them in time for Christmas.

The process involves several local businesses and other organizations who donate space, food, boxes and employee time for our use. If you are interested in donating your time and effort please contact us.