Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE -ÊWith Syracuse companies going out of business or slowing or stopping production recently, there will be Syracuse residents who may need help with rent, paying bills or buying food.
And the need may last beyond a few weeks or months.
Wednesday, Combined Community Services held its grand opening for its 4,000-square-foot northern Kosciusko County office at 612 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. The office will serve the townships of Van Buren, Turkey Creek and Tippecanoe.
Hours will be 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Thursday hours will be extended to approximately 9 p.m.
CCS has wanted a northern office for some time. Between January and June 2000, approximately 24 percent of CCS clients were from the northern part of Kosciusko County, according to previous information provided by Pam J. Houser, CCS quality child care coordinator. However, to access CCS services, those clients had to drive to Warsaw, which wasn't always possible because of transportation problems.
The new office will help northern Kosciusko County residents with clothing, household furnishings and food. "We're in need for all kinds of things," said Houser. "We'll offer the other sources (here) CCS offers," she said.
Programs like Project Independence will be offered through the northern office. Project Independence is a self-sufficiency program where people can receive long-term case management, up to four years, to become self-sufficient. Currently, case manager Tammy Vetor said, they have 45 families they meet with monthly.
Amanda Scroggs, caseworker, said CCS currently serves several families in the Syracuse area and the new office will make it more convenient for the families. They also will be able to get more information out to Syracuse residents about CCS programs.
Director of Development Darlene Redinger said, "Pam (Houser) has been the whole emphasis behind (the northern office). ... She's done a remarkable job of it, too." Redinger said she just helped make a few phone calls and write grants.
The potential at the CCS North office is enormous, Redinger said. "It's very difficult for people with limited transportation to get to the Warsaw office by the time we close (each day)."
Already CCS has begun to help Syracuse-area residents. Redinger said Houser has appointments with 11 families today and 13 Friday. They are people who may need help with rent or food.
"It's my understanding that several of the local businesses have closed," Redinger said, and that will create needs for food or help paying bills.
"Contributions (to CCS) are needed," she said.
The township trustee will work through the CCS office too, and the community food bank was moved to CCS' north office.
Besides clothing, furnishings or food, CCS also could use some volunteers for their new branch office.
"If somebody has some spare time and wants to do (volunteering), this is the place to do it," Redinger said. They are also looking for volunteers who can speak Spanish.
Those who may need help in any of the three townships CCS North serves may call 457-5200.
"I," said Redinger, "would recommend, as in our office in (Warsaw) people call to make an appointment with any (needs) other than food." She said those in need of food do not have to make an appointment.
