pbrs , continued from page 7 the fact that it is not easy for the public to understand the process they must go through in order to get the services they need and are entitled to .
I recently retired from the State of Missouri and am now the Director of Precious Blood Resource Services . An office has been provided to us in the rectory of St . James Parish at 3909 Harrison , Kansas City , Missouri . Bishop Sullivan Center , next door at 3936 Troost Avenue , has also provided us with space . We now have access to Maaklink ( Mid America Assistance Coalition ) database , providing us with information from approximately 200 providers in the Kansas City area . We will be able to track services that have already been provided and then locate services that have not been provided . At this time , we have six volunteers . We are actively collaborating with other resource services in the community and we have already started to assess several clients in need .
The story of Jason is one example of the service we provide that can help those in need . Jason is a 71-yearold gentleman who came to us for assistance . He had been in prison for 20 years . When he was released in 2010 , he started receiving Social Security benefits and had his own apartment . Unfortunately , a year ago he met a woman who began to financially exploit him and was spending his Social Security check . He was eventually evicted from his apartment and faced homelessness . He was living in a house with many other homeless and without electricity . Since Jason had a felony and an eviction on his record , finding housing seemed impossible . Most low-income apartments subsidized by the federal government do not accept as tenants those who have a felony . We collaborated with another social service agency that had found Jason a payee so that the woman could no longer take his money . We completed an assessment on Jason and found a local agency that had access to grants that could help people who had been incarcerated to find housing . They agreed to complete an emergency assessment on Jason . In the meantime , a homeless shelter nearby accepted Jason into their program and provided him with a bed and case management services until permanent housing could be found . If the shelter cannot attend to all his needs , the other local agency will be a secondary option for Jason . Jason told us that he had finally found some peace . We will continue to monitor Jason ’ s progress in case he should need other services in the future .
On February 14 th , a general email was sent out to members and Companions with an attached survey for anyone who would be interested in volunteering their gifts and talents to Precious Blood Resource Services . The volunteer categories range from assessing individuals , case management , data entry , making phone calls to providers , office work , gathering and collating resources . Although we are currently located in downtown Kansas City , volunteers can work from a convenient location for them or from home by making phone calls to providers or collecting resources . Training is being developed for those who want to be part of the ministry .
My passion continues for Precious Blood Resource Services and my vision is that it will branch out to other areas where Companion groups are located , enabling those communities to benefit from our services . Although the mustard seed has grown , it takes time , patience , strength and unity to bring the seed to blossom and give it life . I am confident that God will give me the strength to continue my journey with this ministry and spread Precious Blood spirituality . I turn to two scripture passages : “ I can do all things through Him who strengthens me ” ( Philippians 4:13 ) and “ Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding . In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight ” ( Proverbs 3:5-6 ).
Our new e-mail is pbrs @ preciousbloodkc . org and the phone numbers are 816-548-6008 ( office ) and 816- 499-2798 ( cell ). �
8 • The New Wine Press • April 2018