ALLEGHENY VALLEY ASSOC OF CHURCHES
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Mission Statement
The Allegheny Valley Association of Churches is made up of both clergy & lay people from 54 member churches in the Allegheny Valley area. Since 1958, AVAC has provided an ecumenical agency for cooperation in evangelism, mission, Christian education, worship, & social concerns. AVAC reaches out to people in communities throughout the Allegheny Valley region, with all programming respectful of all faith traditions. Services are provided without regard to religious beliefs or any other factors of discrimination. AVAC is committed to providing a wide range of services to those in need in the communities we serve, including the homeless, those living in poverty, the elderly, and sick or disabled individuals. Unlike many social services programs, AVAC's programming is designed to help poor individuals & families achieve self-sufficiency. As an ecumenical association of churches, we also recognize the need to go beyond just meeting the physical needs of our communities & to satisfy their spiritual needs as well.
About This Cause
The Allegheny Valley Association of Churches is a non-profit, ecumenical organization committed to helping those in need. We serve the Allegheny Valley community with several programs designed to meet the needs of persons experiencing unemployment, poverty and crisis. We also offer programs that provide spiritual enrichment. All programs and services are offered without regard to religious affiliation. AVAC Programs & Services: FOOD BANK – All food distributions are being conducted as a drive through service. Everyone requesting services must pre-register at the Food Bank each year. Registrations are held every Wednesday between 2:30-4:30 pm. Registrants will receive food at the time of registration and will then be eligible to receive food once a month thereafter. Regular Food Bank distribution times are on Wednesdays from 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm. Van transportation is available by request. Information on transportation is provided at the time of registration. MASS FOOD DISTRIBUTION This program is a free monthly distribution of fresh produce and other food items. Participants sign up at the time of distribution on a very simple form and are not required to show any proof. Participants do not need to be registered with our Food Bank and can be from any community in PA. Distributions are on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 4:30-6:00 pm in the parking lot of the Pittsburgh Mills Mall and are conducted as a drive through service. EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND Financial assistance is available on a limited basis to families who are in an emergency situation. We serve both Allegheny and Westmoreland County in the cities of Arnold and New Kensington; the boroughs of Springdale, Brackenridge, Tarentum and Creighton as well as the townships of Lower Burrell, Harrison, Fawn, Fraser, East Deer and West Deer. Services offered include: gasoline assistance, clothing, emergency food, emergency travel assistance, help with rent and utilities and help with prescriptions. Services are offered on a case by case situation based on availability. CLOTHING VOUCHERS Clothing vouchers can be provided to families in need. These vouchers are of different dollar amounts and are to be used at the St. Vincent De Paul Stores or at Grace United Methodist Church, Arnold United Methodist Church or Central Presbyterian Church. BRIGHTER FUTURE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PROGRAM Our Supportive Services Program provides long-term case management and supportive services to individuals and families requiring more than the short-term crisis assistance. Through this program a case manager provides long-term case management to clients who are seeking to improve their self-sufficiency level and have a goal to increase their education or employment opportunities. FAMILY PROMISE of the AVAC (formerly known as the Interfaith Hospitality Network) This program provides temporary shelter, meals and assistance for homeless families through a partnership with 20 churches. Our brand new static site facility is located in Brackenridge and houses up to 27 people. Churches continue to provide dinner, hospitality and compassion for these families on a rotational basis. Families receive case management and assistance in securing housing and improving self-sufficiency skills while being provided with a safe place to stay. AVAC HOSPITALITY EXTENSION Provides long-term transitional housing to families leaving our Family Promise program who need additional supports on their road to independence. This program has a very specific goal of assisting and mentoring a homeless family to home ownership through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Allegheny Valley. A case manager works with the families in both components while being housed. Additional supports and education are also a part of this program. HOSPITALITY HOMES Is 22 units of permanent supported housing for individuals and families that are homeless and has at least 1 disabled adult in the household. The purpose of the program is to provide housing and case management to improve resident’s general welfare and increase the self-sufficiency of the participants. Individuals or families are eligible if at least one adult has a physical or mental impairment which limits one or more of the major activities of life. Eligible participants must come from an emergency shelter, transitional housing program or be facing eviction with no resources to secure subsequent housing or have been living in places deemed unsuitable to human habitation. DOLLAR ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS The Dollar Energy program is administered by our office staff and provides assistance to apply for utility assistance funds provided through the utility companies. Dollar Energy Funds have a slightly higher income guideline than the state funded LIHEAP and Energy Crisis programs. Appointments are available by calling 724-226-0606 ext. 10. VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE IRS trained and certified volunteers are available to prepare and file income tax returns for individuals earning $40,000 or less and families earning $65,000 or less. All services are free of charge and without predatory lending practices; they are available from January-April. Returns are prepared by appointment and can be scheduled by calling 724-226-0606 ext. 10 or dialing 2-1-1 to the United Way Resource line from a cell phone. MARTIN LUTHER KING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Through an annual memorial service, usually held in January, funds are raised to provide scholarships to high school seniors going on to higher education. Applications for scholarships are provided to the guidance counselors of all Alle-Kiski School Districts in the spring of each year. Scholarships are awarded based on grades, activities and need. SPARROW'S NEST This "free" store is open every Wednesday and provides clothing, shoes, and household goods at no cost to the shoppers. We have always been blessed with many donations of these items and we strive to provide those items to those in need without any cost. All services are provided at our ministry center located at: Allegheny Valley Association of Churches 1913 Freeport Rd. Natrona Heights, PA 15065 Please call 724-226-0606 for more information regarding any of these programs or visit our website at www.avaoc.org.