Provides food to families and individuals in need in the Greater Gardner area. People may utilize the services once a month unless emergency requires a more frequent use. Applicant must furnish one form of photo identification and proof of address.
Emergency Funds
Provides families and individuals in crisis assistance with emergency needs such as first months rent, one month's rent to prevent eviction, utility bills with a termination notice and medical prescriptions. Assistance is provided while funds are available. Through this program families and individuals have access to comprehensive case management, advocacy and budget counseling.
NWC Help Connection
The NWC Help Connection is an Information and Referral call center. Individuals are able to utilize this program for assistance in locating services for a specific emergency need.
Medical Transportation Program
Provides medical transportation to the elderly and handicap to medical appointments outside of Gardner, extending as far as Worcester. This program runs Monday through Friday with the earliest pick-up time being 8:30 AM and the van returned to Gardner by 4:30 PM. Please note that this program books up very quickly, therefore appointments need to be scheduled ahead of time. For the transportation we ask for a donation, this amount varies upon where the appointment is located.
Fellowship Table Program
Provides a free nutritious weekly meal at the United Methodist Church, 161 Chestnut Street, Gardner, MA, every Thursday served at 5:00 PM. Transportation to and from the meal site is available at four different locations beginning at 4:15. The meal site is handicap accessible with ample parking and follows the public school schedule.
Holiday Programs
Thanksgiving Food Baskets are distributed to local families in need. The food baskets include all the fixings to create their own meal Thanksgiving meal. Through Christmas, gifts are available to families with children between the ages of 0-12. Families in the Holiday programs must sign-up ahead of time to receive assistance.
Clothing Closet
Provides individuals with access to donated clothing and household items at no charge. We ask individuals to call before dropping off donations to ensure we have ample room. Clothing must be clean and in good repair. The CAC is unable to accept furniture at this time, however we have an on-going list of the furniture needs of our clients and will gladly refer donors to them. Also, please keep in mind that the CAC is unable to pick-up any donations.
The Magic of Books
Provides children access to a selection of donated approved childrens literature at no charge. Children are encouraged to select their own book to take home while their parents are receiving services
Fuel Assistance Program
The CAC is a seasonal satellite office for the Fuel Assistance Program. A representative from Fuel Assistance arrives weekly, while the program is in effect, to accept applications and answer questions regarding the program. Appointment must be made through the Fuel Assistance Agency prior to your visit.
Bonnie Brae Applications
Applications are available for under-privilege children, ages 6-12, to attend a two-week session of summer camp. A $3.00 registration fee per child or $8.00 per family is required for each of the sessions.
Food Stamp Applications
The Gardner CAC has the capability to assist individuals with online food stamp applications. The application process is expedited faster by doing this. Appointments must be schedule ahead of time.
Mass Health Applications
The Gardner CAC has the capability to assist individuals with online MA Health applications. The application process is expedited faster by doing this. Appointments must be schedule ahead of time.
Tags
Donations Needed: Food Pantry Wish List Cereal - any kind Jellies and Jams Spaghetti Sauce Canned tomatoes Crackers (Saltines, etc.) Soup (Tomato, Chicken, etc.) Pasta (Spaghetti, Macaroni, Noodles, etc.) Juice -any kind Baked Beans - canned Canned Meats (chicken, beef, etc.) Canned Vegetable Non-perishable items only. No Glass Containers Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are the backbone of the Gardner CAC. Whether it is on a weekly basis or for special events, we can always use volunteers. If you are interested, please download the application and mail it to: Gardner CAC, Inc. 294 Pleasant Street Gardner, MA 01440
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