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NETWORK’S CASE FOR SUPPORT

What is NETWORK and how does it impact lives?

NETWORK helps folks who find themselves in unexpected hardships, and we started doing this over 23 years ago when the oil crisis occurred. Now, we’re in another economic downswing, and more people are in need than ever before. NETWORK is changing lives daily, mostly with keeping them fed. However, we are busy helping them with their utilities, their rent, prescriptions, counseling, and healthcare. We don’t give money directly to any of our clients, but we make sure their needs are met.

What is a moving testimonial you can share with us that stands out about a particular client that you will never forget?

I am recalling the young mother who had relocated up to the Dallas area with her husband and her son with special needs---all were living at a motel while the father got started on his new warehouse job. As luck would have it, things were not moving fast enough on the new job to satisfy him so without notice, he abandoned the mother and son. That kind of situation could create a state of panic for even the most calm of us. Thankfully, the motel had dealt with NETWORK before, and immediately called us on her and her son’s behalf. NETWORK moved into action, as we always do---assessing the situation-determining first, if we really can help, then implementing all facets of what needed to happen at NETWORK and with our local partners to stabilize their lives. They were able to come out of the motel into temporary housing, the little guy was able to enroll in RISD, and the mother got a job to carry on with their lives. As soon as the call came in, we reached out to both of them.

Is there a plan guiding NETWORK, and where are you in that plan right now?

We have a strong five year strategic plan that we have been busy since 2006 putting into effect. We were really interested in our systems, especially our finance. We have been applauded by the Dallas Morning News, one of our longtime supporters, about our improvements in our financial system, moving from a cash-in-cash out basis to accrual accounting. We created a better system for our volunteers to handle our clients by truly establishing Emergency Services as its own division, and we began better food stock management to keep our pantry full year round. We also are committed to donor accountability, maintaining exceptional recordkeeping and gift acknowledgment protocol to keep those who help us aware of the support and involved in our progress.

On a day to day basis, what is simply the greatest need of those coming to NETWORK, knowing that all of the needs of those struggling right now are great?

Food is our major concern on a daily basis, and we want to give them food so that they don’t go without paying their bills or not buying their medication. The cost of food remains a #1 focus as the demand for it is coming from all walks of life. NETWORK was there last year for over 26,000 individuals who were hungry, and we are ready should this year prove a dramatic struggle for even more.

How can we help you make a difference in the lives of those facing hardships? What can we do to help NETWORK now and for tomorrow?

We need to get the message out to our neighbors who want to help the less fortunate. People are hungry, without clothes, unemployed, needing healthcare, or without adequate finances—and they are counting on someone to help them. Last year, 34,100 needed NETWORK. We haven’t finished the year, and the numbers growing. NETWORK needs your support, which means volunteerism, in-kind donations or financial support.

When you begin to think about what you don’t have, remember there is someone who wishes he or she could be where you are right now—worry free. Help us wipe away their worry.

GIVE TO NETWORK. DONATE NOW.

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