December Update: MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

December has arrived and with it comes cozy nights filled with Christmas lights, hot cocoa, and good times with loved ones. However, Christmas also brings cold weather and extra expenses. This blog update gives helpful information on how to recieve $1 eye exams, go on a children's shopping spree, save costs on groceries, and much more. The staff at the FRC wishes you peace and joy this season, and we offer you our helping hand if needed. May you be blessed abundantly and Merry Christmas!


$1.00 Eye Exam:
Dr. Bizer's ValuVision is conducting routine eye exams for the public for only $1. this promotion begins November 28th and runs through December 24th. To schedule an appointment for the $1 eye exam, call the Nicholasville Road office at 237.4443 or the Hamburg Pavilion office at 543.8383.

Children's Shopping Spree
Little shoppers can shop by themselves for mommy and/or daddy assisted by volunteers, then have their gifts wrapped and ready to put under the tree!
Where: Attic Treasures Thrift Store (Located above Wilmore City Hall
When: Saturday, December 10th
Time: 9am-3pm

Free Bread
St. Athanasius Orthodox Church at 926 South Main Street (next to the Prescription Pad) gives free packages of bread and bagels away on Sundays from 1pm to 2 PM.
Call: 881-8188

Salvation Army at 205 1st Street (South) gives free bread away each Wednesday beginning at 10 AM.
Call: 881-4241

Holiday Assistance
The deadline for applying for the JELV Holiday Assistance program has now passed. If you are in need of assistance you can call the Salvation Army at 881-4241. They will be accepting applicants for Holiday Assistance through Friday, December 16th.

Section 8 Rental Assistance Program
Section 8, or the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a Federal housing program which provides housing assistance to low-income renters and homeowners.
The list is only open for new applications during the months of July and January. Don't miss this opportunity to see if you qualify and sign up for this program.
For more information about the application process call (502) 564-9946, ext. 774 or go online at kyhousing.org.

FRC Staff
Joe Brannen, MSW: Director
Debbie Cumbie, MSW: Asst. Dir.
Connie Bandy, RN: Nurse
Karen Workman: FRC Assistant
Lindsey Marler, MSW Graduate Student: Intern

Phone Number: 887-0567

November Update: Bless and Be Blessed

Sometimes the demands of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season run us ragged and we forget to pause, remember our blessings, and give thanks. This time of year presents many opportunities to serve our neighbors in need; however, we also recognize that it is becoming increasingly difficult for many of our families to put food on the table and gas in the car. Below is useful information of how to get connected to helpful resources, and information on how to serve fellow community members who may need some extra assistance this Holiday season.

Ways to be a Blessing:
1. Sponsor a Family at Christmas: If you would like more information about sponsoring a family that has applied to receive Christmas Assistance, please call the FRC at 887.0567 and ak to speak to Debbie Cumbie or Lindsey Marler.
2. Donate Clothing: Did you know that your donated clothing to Goodwill can turn into clothing vouchers for Jessamine County School students? Any time you drop off clothing at the Goodwill in Nicholasville you can request the donation be credited to Jessamine County Schools. They will complete an Agency Assistance Program receipt and give you the white copy. Send the receipt in your child's folder addressed tot he FRC at the Village. Your donated clothing is then turned into vouchers for our families in need.

Resources that Bless:
1. God's Hands Food Pantry: God's Hands Food Pantry opened officially on Monday, Oct. 3rd, 2011 and will be open on Mondays (10am to 1pm), Wednesdays (4pm-7pm), and Fridays (10am-1pm) and then one Saturday a month. Bring an ID with you to pick up food.
2. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Apply for the LIHEAP at Bluegrass Community Action located at 213 South Main Street, Suite 103 in Nicholasville. Their phone number is 885.3512. There are specific days to apply based on the last name ofthe head of the household. The LIHEAP flyer has the dates when you should go to apply and has gone out in your child's folder. If you are unable to locate the flyer please call the FRC so we can send you a new flyer.
3. Nicholasville Presbyterian Church:
101 North 1st Street, Nicholasville (Behind the courthouse)
Church office phone number: 885.5391
Free meal is provided at 6pm on the last Monday of each month (except in December). On occasion the day of the meal is changed so call the church office to verify.
4. St. Athanasius Orthodox Church:
926 South Main Street
Free bread available every Sunday from 1pm-2pm
5. Salvation Army:
205 1st Street (south)
Free bread available every Wednesday beginning at 10am

As always, it is a pleasure and a joy to serve our community. Please feel welcome to contact the FRC for more information, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Joe Brannen: MSW, Director
Debbie Cumbie: MSW, Assistant Director
Connie Bandy, RN: Nurse
Karen Workman: FRC Assistant
Lindsey Marler: MSW Intern
Phone Number: 887.0567