MONTGOMERY COUNTY EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, INC.

PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2003

(PRESENTED ON FEBRUARY 24, 2004 BY THE PRESIDENT, PHILIP PAPPAS)

Once again, we gather to celebrate another year in the life of the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program. Throughout the past 29 years, we continue to be the stop gap agency which addresses immediate, emergency and temporary financial crisis in which citizens of our county sometimes find themselves. As always, we continue to promote our original philosophy of stressing personal responsibility and self-sufficiency, while maintaining the dignity necessary to become or continue as productive, contributing members of our society.

The MCEAP story continues to be about life and the faith that we have in one another. It is a story of neighbors caring about the lives and well being of each other and being willing to sacrifice to bring about changes that all may live a better life. Without your support, our task would have been impossible.

As we review the 2003 statistics, we find the number of cases served was 1,795 representing 5,026 individuals up slightly from last year’s numbers. Our total dollar expenditures was $159,867 up from last year's $138,562. The 29 year total for MCEAP expenditures is now $2,112,253 representing 44,241 cases or 127,270 individuals.

Fortunately, we were able to provide more assistance to our community this year even though funding was not as successful as in years past. For whatever reason, the most significant drop from last year came from churches. Although sizeable contributions continue to come in from Blacksburg Presbyterian, Our Savior Lutheran Church's Potato Festival and St. Paul United Methodist Church's Christmas Wrap Project. Thrivent for Lutherans also made a sizeable contribution by matching the Potato Festival contribution. Additional funding sources include the United Way of Montgomery, Floyd and Radford, the Trolinger Trust and FEMA.

The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors continue to fund MCEAP's one paid staff position along with additional funding to pay for office space we use at New River Community Action and to cover some indirect costs associated with the MCEAP position. We thank the Board and County Administrator for their continued support.

As in past years, we give special thanks to New River Community Action for providing space for our office, food pantry and backup staff.

Again, from the start we have been a share host organization and encourage clients to increase their food buying capacity by utilizing this service.

The location of our clothing bank at 409 Roanoke Street in Christiansburg was made possible by the generosity of the building's owner, Mrs. Mary B. Straub, who is allowing us to use the facility at a reduced rent.

Our clothing bank has had an exceptional year due to this location and hard working volunteers. Clothing is free to our clients with vouchers, while others are sold at modest costs. Proceeds pay our rent and utilities with the remaining going to our general fund.

The furniture bank remains at Stoway Co. where Fred and Diane Clarkson continue to assist both donors and recipients.

Once again, our heartfelt thanks go out to Melanie Collins, our Emergency Assistance Specialist, whose knowledge and dedication are the backbone of our organization and to our Board of Directors for their extra commitment to MCEAP, especially our Secretary - Angela Little and Treasurer - Beth Ashe.

For nearly 28 years, MCEAP had the good fortune of operating with Father Scott at the helm.

If someone needed information about MCEAP, he was there.

If we needed to raise more money, he was there.

If a case needed to be reviewed, he was there.

If we needed to find a new location for the clothing or food bank, he was there.

If anything went wrong, he was there.

If the food bank collected too many chocolate pastries, he was definitely there.

Simply stated, he was available to be at the office nearly every day. In essence, he was MCEAP's president, problem solver and executive director.

Since his death, I am proud of the way this Board and dedicated volunteers have tried to fill this void. Together, we have made significant strides in streamlining the organizations operations while still meeting our clients needs. However, MCEAP lacks the every day presence that he once provided and still needs today.

It is unfair to ask our volunteers to assume this role. Those of us that are employed or run our own businesses, lack the time this position requires. Those who are retired have earned their time off and also lack the time required.

Therefore, I would like one of MCEAP's goals this year to be the investigation of hiring a full-time executive director to assist in its every day operations and fund raising activities.

Obviously, an additional staff member would put a severe space burden on our existing facilities. Therefore, as a second goal this year, I would like for this board to investigate incorporating all of MCEAP's functions, financial assistance, food, clothing and furniture bank all in one central location. This would make it more convenient to the individuals and families we serve, a one stop shopping if you will. Additional benefits may also be gained by having all of our volunteers in a single location where their time could be shared among all of MCEAP's activities.

I know these are lofty goals, but I am sure that 29 years ago, Father Scott's goals for starting an organization called MCEAP were just as lofty.

To continue his wonderful mission, we should at least investigate the possibilities.

God bless you for your help and for caring to help others.