Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Social Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Community Action Agency urges donations and volunteers for Walk for Warmth; says senior food program relies on volunteers and limited funds
Summary
Jennifer Buzelski of the Community Action Agency promoted Walk for Warmth on March 7 and described the agency’s utility assistance and Senior Food Program (CSFP), noting federal grant limits and the heavy reliance on volunteers to distribute roughly 800 food boxes every other month.
Jennifer Buzelski, representing the Community Action Agency, asked commissioners and the public to promote Walk for Warmth on March 7, an event that funds the agency’s utility assistance program and provides outreach to individuals in crisis.
Buzelski described the utility assistance program as an entry point for people who may need additional services and said Walk for Warmth revenue helps sustain a program that otherwise relies heavily on federal grants. "Because federal grants are not always guaranteed, we rely on this event to be more financially sustainable," she said.
She also described the Senior Food Program (CSFP), explaining the agency spends approximately $29,000 on packing and delivery fees to Feeding America, leaving roughly $5,000 for program operations every other month to serve nearly 400 seniors — about 800 food boxes per distribution cycle. Buzelski stressed volunteer shortages and operational strain: distribution often requires DoorDash deliveries and volunteer coordination.
Commissioners and members of the public asked about volunteer recruitment and whether the agency could develop a volunteer pool and improved outreach through the CivicChamps platform used for signups. Buzelski said the agency uses CivicChamps and will follow up to ensure past volunteers receive notices for new shifts.
Ending: The agency asked commissioners to spread the word about the March event and volunteer needs; staff said they will follow up on volunteer notification processes and keep the committee informed.
