Salvation Army EFA Program Helps People Pay Utility Bills - Eating Pancakes Can Help Too!

Skiatook resident Jaymie Swift has something in common with hundreds of people who walk in the doors at the Center of Hope every Monday through Thursday at  9 a.m. She received a cut-off notice from the company where she gets her water and if it’s not paid by the next day, her water will be cut off. Thankfully, Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) Case Manager Cathy Kumm was able to quickly determine that Mrs. Swift’s home is in Tulsa County and that she was eligible for assistance. Like many of the people who apply for EFA, Mrs. Swift said it’s the first time in her life that she’s had to ask for help.

“We’re a middle class family. My husband was a welder and he always made good money until he was laid off,” she said.

Mrs. Swift is unable to work because she has lupus. Since Mr. Swift’s unemployment benefits expired, the only income the couple has is her Social Security disability benefit, which is not enough to cover bills.  The Swifts receive food from a food bank while they wait to be approved for  food stamps.  What keeps the couple going? “Hope that my husband will find a new job and lots and lots of prayer,” Mrs. Swift said.

To help raise money for the EFA program The Salvation Army is holding a Pancake “FUNraiser “ Sat., July 17, at the Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club, 1400 W. Washington, Broken Arrow. Pancakes, sausage links, and juice will be served from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids under 12. A Jupiter Jump and other inflatables will be there for the kids. All the proceeds will go to funding EFA.

Come eat some pancakes and do a good deed at the same time!
-Sallie