Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
HFS served 13259 duplicated individuals in 2019, with about one in twelve people in our service area utilizing one or more service. 282,715 lbs of food was distributed from the Market food shelf through 1066 full food requests and 2527 emergency bags. HFS also filled 799 emergency clothing/household vouchers worth nearly $70000 through our thrift store, Rivertown Treasures. Emergency grants of $20016 were provided for things like utility shutoff, job-related expenses, car repairs or prescriptions. HFS volunteers delivered 9699 meals through Meals on Wheels, and Just Friends transportation volunteers logged 33246 miles giving 2053 rides. School supplies were provided to 287 children and 379 families were served in the Project Share holiday assistance program. Our volunteer program engages over 400 people each year, providing opportunities to connect with each other, do meaningful work, and give back to the community.
Current Goals
Hastings Family Service created a new strategic plan in 2019 for 2020-2022. The plan includes activity in four priority areas including Expanding the Reach of our Services, Organizing for the Future, Optimizing our Volunteer Program, and Strengthening HFS Presence in the Community. Our ongoing goal includes partnering with organizations and developing resources to respond to the changing environmental and individual needs of the community in a respectful and comprehensive way. In fall 2019, HFS implemented a new client tracking software called Apricot and in early 2020, we moved to a new fundraising software called Network for Good. This has been a challenging time to implement new technologies along with all of the other changes and modifications to services due to the arrival of COVID 19 in 2020. Our current year goals have shifted to position the agency to pivot and change quickly as needed due to the pandemic. We will continue to provide for the needs of the community, especially in hunger-related programs, while also focusing on the safety of volunteers, staff and the people we serve. HFS also anticipated making big strides in our efforts to strengthen our presence in the community since it is our 50th anniversary year, but all of those plans and public speaking opportunities disappeared with the pandemic so our goal has shifted to ensure we are leading efforts to help the community through the challenges of the pandemic.
Community or Constituency Served
HFS serves individuals and families including people throughout the age spectrum living in Independent School District 200 who need assistance to meet their basic needs of food, shelter, clothing and transportation.
Geographic Area Served
HFS serves Independent School District 200 including the cities of Hastings, Miesville, New Trier and Vermillion as well as portions of Denmark, Douglas, Hampton, Marshan, Nininger, Ravenna and Welch townships located in ISD 200.
