Love INC of Springville, NY

meeting needs through a clearinghouse approach

The cornerstone of the Love INC ministry is the Clearinghouse.  This first level of Love INC ministry involves taking phone calls, doing intakes, verifying needs, making referrals and coordinating services.

Love INC clients are referred to appropriate resources that may include local organizations and governmental agencies.  When gaps in services are identified, clients are referred to a Love INC church.  Love INC churches are asked to do a Time and Talent survey on a yearly basis.  Contact people in each church use the surveys to match the talents of congregation members to people's needs.

Two of the biggest needs in the Springville area are rides and food.  Rides are provided to medical appointments, agency appointments and other places by church volunteers.  Many of these rides use a van provided by Healthy Community Alliance, an agency that serves the Rte. 39 corridor from Gowanda to Arcade.  The van drivers are all church volunteers.  Food referrals go to local food pantries, where volunteers assist people in making food budgets stretch.

A LOVE STORY

A young mom called the office with an unusual request.  It was her son’s birthday, and she didn’t have the  extra money to get any gifts for him.  Also, there was a need for hot dog rolls for the picnic style get-together with the family.  The office volunteer was able to find gifts and the hot dog rolls for the family!  A few days later, the office received a very nice letter from the mom.

I just wanted to thank you for all the help you and Love INC have done for myself and my family.  “Johnny” really enjoyed his gracious presents, and all together we ended up having a wonderful 3rd birthday for him.  I’ll send you some pictures when I get them developed.  Also thank you all for the van service, and my last minute (sometimes) requests.  I am very grateful that God brought you and Love INC into our lives.

Thank you so much you are all wonderful people.  Thank God for people like you.

Sincerely God bless,

Mom, Dad, and “Johnny”