TRAVERSE CITY -- The most common way to receive assistance from the Father Fred Foundation is to visit its Traverse City headquarters.
But what about people from other counties who have to spend precious money on fuel to drive to town so they can ask for help paying an overdue electric bill?
It happens.
Martie Manty, the foundation's executive director, began to consider expanding services to outlying areas last summer, when gas prices climbed above $4 a gallon.
The result: A partnership with at least four regional agencies that allows people in far-flung areas to receive the help they need at home, saving both time and money.
"It's more respect for the client," Manty said. "(They) don't have to come to Traverse City to get their problem resolved."
Participating agencies include Benzie Area Christian Neighbors in Benzonia, Leelanau County Family Support Team in Lake Leelanau, Good Samaritan Food Pantry and Resale Shop in Ellsworth and Kalkaska Area Interfaith Resources in Kalkaska.
Leelanau Christian Neighbors was invited to join, but the two organizations are not on the same schedule, said Jane Nichols, who works with that agency. Since Father Fred is closed Mondays and her nonprofit is not, she said, it is difficult to communicate about distributing funds.
At least 10 people are helped each month in each county, Manty said. Father Fred sets aside a small amount of funding for each of the partner nonprofits, which then can offer money to clients based on need and eligibility. Father Fred later reimburses the nonprofits.
"People have been able to save the gas money," said Deborah Harmon, executive director of the Kalkaska agency, about 48 miles round-trip from Traverse City. "It has been wonderful."
Requests for aid largely are for utility assistance, nonprofit directors said. A moratorium on utility shutoffs this winter led many families to have outstanding bills this spring.
Balances have run as high as $3,000, Harmon said.
"We've seen astronomical bills," she said. "It really does take a lot of us to step up to the plate."
The partnership at times is more than just financial, said Kay Bond, executive director of the Benzie nonprofit. It's about 70 miles round trip from Benzonia to Father Fred's building.
When BACN this week ran out of soup and vegetables, Bond said, Father Fred gave them 25 cases of the staples to replenish their shelves.
"(We) try to make it as seamless a system of receiving aid as it can be," she said. "It seems to be working."
Capital campaign ends
The Father Fred Foundation concluded a capital campaign for a renovated building this spring, and raised about $2.3 million in all.
The funding target was closer to $3 million, development director Dave Abeel said, but "we declared victory and we were able to accomplish all of our renovations without having to borrow any money. That was our main goal."
Contributions came from businesses, community members and area foundations, Abeel said. The largest foundation gift, $300,000, came from Rotary Charities of Traverse City.
The foundation now will focus future gifts toward its operations, he said.
An open house is scheduled for July 20 at its headquarters, 826 Hastings Street in Traverse City.
