Eastview's Benevolence Ministry seeks to meet the needs of people on a financial level as well as through counseling, referrals, the food pantry and Christmas collections of Toys, Coats, and Food Boxes.  For more information regarding the Benevolence Ministry, contact Jennifer in the Community Care Department at 309.451.5056.

Eligibility

Members and non-members alike are eligible to receive services from the Benevolence Ministry, with the exception of financial services. Not all counseling sessions result in the receipt of financial assistance. Our goal is to help people rise above their financial problems. All information remains confidential.  If you are a member and/or regular attender of Eastview, and desire financial assistance, call Community Care at 309.451.5041.

Non-members call Care Services at 309.451.5036 for detailed information.

Financial Assistance

Eastview members can apply for financial assistance through the Benevolence Ministry. Should financial assistance be approved, it goes directly to the association that is owed the money, such as utility bills, rent or house payments, or medical bills. The Ministry team does not make loans and we do not expect repayment. Please contact Community Care at 309.451.5041.

Benevolence Ministry Team

The Benevolence Ministry Team consists of Eastview members. There are no special skills needed, just compassion for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Team members may serve as a benevolence counselor, budget counselor, or work with the food pantry. The team meets monthly.

Care Services Coordinator

There are times when individuals contact the Community Care Department with a variety of needs.  In these cases, the Care Services Coordinator will meet with these individuals (via phone contact or in person at the Community Care Department).  The responsibilities of the Care Services Coordinator are as follows:

• Intake and assessment of client's needs and whether/how the Benevolence ministry is able to accommodate these needs.
• Referral to benevolence or budget counselors, the counseling center, other community care ministries or agencies outside the department. (note: Although the goal is to meet clients needs via the benevolence/community care ministries, there are situations in which a particular issue is beyond the scope of the Community Care Department.  In these cases a referral would be made outside the department.) 
• The Care Services Coordinator is responsible for coordinating relevant services.  This may include contacting Eastview benevolence and/or budget counselors providing assistance to meet with clients.
• The Care Services Coordinator may encounter situations involving brief, solution-focused counseling, or crisis intervention.  As soon as possible, a referral will be made to the counseling center for further services.

Funding

Funding of the Benevolence Ministry is based on contributions specifically given to this fund. If you would like to make a contribution, be sure to designate your gift as "Benevolence".