Some residents in Richland County find themselves lacking the necessary funds for prescription medication. Others recieve disheartening news that they are going to be evicted from their house. Many folks in those situations turn to Mansfield’s Catholic Charities.
Catholic Charities is centered in Toledo, Ohio and has offices in four other Ohio regions, including Mansfield. At the Mansfield office, Catholic Charities offers a variety of services. The food pantry, for example, is available for people to visit monthly and choose food items for themselves.
“People really enjoy that;” said Rita Lemley, administrative assistant, “It’s very empowering for them to be able to select their own items.”
Catholic Charities also offers medical bill assistance, jail and prison ministry outreach, adoption services, rent and mortgage assistance, prescription assistance, among many workshops, such as life-skills, wellness, and finances.
“Some people tell us that they were not able to get assistance for prescriptions, so they will go without them; therefore, it’s been a blessing to be able to offer these people help,” explained Lemley.
She described the story of one man who visited the emergency room and discovered that his blood sugar levels reached 650 mg/dL, which is five times beyond healthy glucose levels. He was in need of help but he could not afford his prescription medication.
That sent him to Catholic Charities, where he met with a case manager. The case manager was able to give him a voucher for the prescription. Thanks to that provision, Lemley added that the man has seen improvement in his health.
In respect to the organization’s partnership with United Way, she noted, “It’s been a good relationship with them. In addition to the funding we receive, we had volunteers from the Day of Caring come and help with things around the building like painting, weed trimming, planting flowers, and so on last year.”
This year’s Day of Caring is set for August 7. The opening ceremonies kickoff at 8 a.m. at South Park, located on Brinkerhoff Avenue. In addition to launching the 2013 campaign, people will have the opportunity to volunteer at Catholic Charities or any number of United Way’s 24 partner agencies.
To join the fundraising effort, go to http://unitedwayofrichlandcounty.org/DONATE.php.