By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Center at 2545 10th Street in Great Bend has been operational for some time. Now the Salvation Army is expanding its reach in Barton County. In late May, Jennifer Vest was hired as the new outreach coordinator for the county. She's ready to extend a helping hand to those in need around the county.
"I will be helping people if they need community resources," Vest said. "We help with rent, utilities that are past due, things like that. I have a certain budget I can help with every month."
The Salvation Army uses funds raised locally, with 80 percent of local donations staying local. Most of the funding comes from the red kettles placed outside area businesses throughout the Christmas holiday season, though Vest is hoping to expand that project. The Salvation Army has also partnered with Central KS Dream Center, Inc. to have a base of operations on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week.
"We will be able to have an office where I can actually meet with people one-and-one," said Vest. "At the store location there just was not enough room for me to be there and for them to carry on everyday business."
Those in need can contact Vest by calling (620) 869-9447. Help may as simple as providing Vest with an overdue bill and some identification. Now sharing one roof, The Salvation Army and Central KS Dream Center, Inc, both faith-based organizations, are ready to share resources to help those in need in Barton County.