WHO WE HELP

Assistance Criteria

Network’s services are available to those who are at or below 185% of the 2022 Federal Poverty Guidelines. The chart illustrates the highest allowable annual and monthly income based on household size.

Additionally, clients must:

  • Live within Network’s SERVICE AREA and provide proof of address
  • Provide documentation of income
  • Provide identification for all members of the household
OUR SERVICE AREA
Network of Community Ministries serves all 14 zip codes within RISD, INCLUDING the parts of those zip codes that may be a part of other school districts. You do not have to be enrolled in RISD to receive help.

Basic Needs Assistance

Helping our neighbors struggling to afford food, clothing, and utilities.

If you need food assistance and have never been to Network before, please verify that you meet our ASSISTANCE CRITERIA and then call 972-234-8880 to make an appointment for assistance. Please bring the application and release forms (located above) to this appointment to be certified. You will then receive Network Cards with Network Dollars to use for food and clothing at Network. After receiving your Network Cards, you may come back at any time during our business hours to shop in the Community Market and Clothing Closet. You may shop twice per month.
Network offers utility assistance through partnerships with TXU, Reliant and Atmos Energy. To qualify, you must live in our SERVICE AREA and meet our ASSISTANCE CRITERIA. Please call 972-234-8880 for more information.

Mobile Markets

Network has two Mobile Mobile Food Pantries which visit schools, day cares and other locations within RISD each week.

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Stabilization

Network’s help with critical basic needs – food, clothing, and utility assistance- is a lifeline to many, often helping them get through challenging times. However, sometimes these same individuals continue to return for assistance due to other obstacles and limitations that keep them from reaching stability.

Network’s Pampillonia Pathways Program works deeper with our neighbors to provide:

  • Comprehensive and emergency case management
  • Access to mainstream benefits
  • Resources and referrals to partners and community programs
  • Life skills coaching
  • Budgeting and financial education
  • 1-on-1 Job Coaching
  • Resume development
  • Job readiness skills training
  • Assistance completing job applications
  • Interview skills training
  • Mock Interviews (with a free outfit)

 

Network also partners with other community agencies to offer:

  • GED
  • English Second Language (ESL)
  • Microsoft Office Suite

Call 972-234-8880 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

Seniors’ Net

Basic needs assistance (food, clothing and utilities) for seniors aged 60 and above or disabled. Seniors’ Net Programs include:

  • Supplemental Food Services: Home Food Delivery & Loads of Love
  • Information and Referral
  • Handyman Program (available to all seniors in service area – no income qualification)
  • Companion Calls
  • Seniors’ Day – weekly event open to all seniors in our community- regardless of their financial situation- to enjoy lunch, take part in educational seminars, light exercise and activities and socialize with friends.

Youth Programs

A variety of seasonal youth programming meets the needs of the youngest members of our families in need. Programs include:

Educator Pantry is available for RISD teachers at all levels to pick up nutritious snacks for their students at Network’s onsite Community Market and walk-on Mobile Market.

Network’s Big Meals for Little Kids Program supplies school-aged children with healthy and convenient food options during the summer months when they are no longer receiving breakfast or lunch from their school’s free or reduced cost meal program.

Network’s Tools-4-School Program provides backpacks filled with supplies for school aged-children.

Network’s Toyland Express Program provides toys to children during the holidays.

Through our partnership with Central Arts, Network is able to provide a safe and fun environment where kids can get creative and express themselves after school. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 4- 5 p.m. we'll be painting and crafting with these creative kids. 

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