The following services are provided by Paducah Cooperative Ministry.
FOOD
A three to four day supply of groceries is provided up to 4 times annually per individual or household (more if a genuine need is shown or a referral is made by a member church or other service organization). A typical food bag contains milk, peanut butter, bread, cereal, soup, pasta, beans, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meat or fish. Quantity of food is adjusted according to the number in the household. Food is a combination of govt. commodities, donated non-perishables from the community, and surplus bakery and produce items from area businesses.
EMERGENCY MEALS-ON-WHEELS
A special help to elderly, at-risk individuals recovering from recent hospitalization, this PCM program funds daily meal delivery for a period up to six weeks. The food is prepared and delivered by the Paducah/McCracken County Senior Citizens Center and referrals are made by area hospital social service teams.
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Financial assistance is available once every 12 months per household, for rent evictions, utility disconnections, and prescription medications. Financial assistance is generally limited to $100.00. Emergency Greyhound bus tickets and gasoline vouchers for stranded visitors are issued on a limited basis by referrals from community agencies and at the discretion of the PCM staff. The PCM budget allows $2000.00/week for emergency financial assistance. When this is depleted, PCM is “out of funds” until the following Monday.
GREYHOUND BUS TICKETS AND GASOLINE VOUCHERS FOR STRANDED TRAVELERS ARE ISSUED ON A LIMITED BASIS BY REFERRALS FROM THE COMMUNITY AGENCIES AND AT THE DISCRETION OF PCM STAFF.
PCM DOES NOT HELP WITH PREVIOUS BILLS, DOCTOR BILLS, TELEPHONE BILLS, DEPOSITS OF ANY KIND, CONTROLLED OR PAIN MEDICATIONS.
HOMELESS SHELTER
Located at Ella Munal Court, a Paducah Housing Authority community located on Bridge Street. The shelter consists of two buildings for single women and three buildings for single mothers. Resident capacity is approximately 35 persons. Married couples and single men are now referred to River City Mission – the next nearest shelter in McCracken County.
An on-site shelter director and part-time manager provide direction, support, encouragement, and oversee daily operations. Meals are prepared by the residents; food is provided as needed from the PCM food pantry.
Average length of stay is 30-90 days. The shelter program is very comprehensive, offering case management, mental health counseling, parenting education, housing counseling, addiction groups, life skills, and food and transportation assistance.
All referrals must come through the PCM office. The shelter can be contacted at 270-444-0005 or call PCM directly at 270-442-6795.
FANS AND AIR CONDITIONERS
Given to the elderly and those with medical needs referred by their doctor.
PATRICK LALLY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
An annual scholarship given to the McCracken County High School seniors. The recipient is chosen based on grades, test scores, involvement in the community, and need, and must be planning to pursue a career in social or human services. The award is announced on St. Patrick’s Day.
The Lally scholarship award for 2011 was presented to Amanda Robinson, a senior at Reidland High School who has plans to attend Murray State University and study nursing.
COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM
Monthly supplemental food for up to 376 low-income McCracken County senior citizens age 60 and older. For application information, please contact the PCM office. Proof of age, income and address will be required.
“REFLECTIONS” TELEVISION PROGRAM
Guest pastors from area congregations discuss Biblical and faith-related topics, area community ministries and mission work are spotlighted, and PCM programs and services are discussed.
“Reflections” is taped at WKTC and airs on Channel 2. Programs are broadcast each week at 5:30 on Monday evenings, 9:30 on Tuesday evenings, and at 9:30 on Wednesday mornings. To request a particular topic, mission study, or ministry spotlight, please email us at pcm@hcis.net.
The latest Reflections program or archived segments can also be viewed at your convenience on the web at Paducah2.org.
