Union Aid Society

The Union Aid Society serves as the community safety net for those in need who reside within the Quaker Valley School District.

The Union Aid Society serves Quaker Valley families in need by providing critical short-term funding for food, clothing, shelter, medical needs and child care. Because of their low income, about 20% of the families in our school district are eligible for subsidized school lunch programs. Last year Union Aid provided over $100,000 in assistance to local families, including over $23,000 for shelter (rent, security deposits, utilities, mortgage payments), $13,000 for food and $51,000 for scholarships and education (including back to school shopping). In addition to providing immediate and confidential assistance to our neighbors, Union Aid reaches out to our community by partnering with local organizations. Last year we provided $7,500 in grants to support other agencies serving Quaker Valley families. We expect increased requests for assistance in the coming year and hope that with the generous support of our donors we can continue to provide these important services.

The Financial Assistance Program provides critical short-term funding for food, clothing, rent, utilities, prescriptions and medical bills, child care and other essential needs.

Our Community Giving Programs includes the distribution of gift cards for back to school shopping, grocery gift cards for Thanksgiving and Christmas and shopping cards for children's holiday gifts.

Education Assistance provides funding for college scholarships for high school graduates and other student educational programs including summer enrichment and remedial programs as well as tutoring and counseling for local students. 'A Step Up' provides scholarships for adults over the age of twenty-five to continue their education or update their skills. Funds may be used for tuition, child care, transportation, books or other school related expenses.

The Union Aid Society owns, operates and subsidizes an affordable apartment complex with twenty-two one bedroom apartments for low-income seniors. The rent is based on a percentage of income and all utilities are included. In addition, the Executive Director and volunteers arrange programming for the residents.

The Executive Director is a social worker who provides information and referral services, short term counseling and support to a caseload of 100+ families.

Testimonials

"Raising my teenage granddaughter on just my retirement income is always a challenging stretch. I had no idea how costly the high tech calculators would be; we are both so grateful for the gift card you provided to help us get ready for the new school year."

"We would like to thank you for being there for us when my husband had his stroke. I don't know how we would have paid for his medication if wasn't for Union Aid. He is coming along much better now because of people like you."

"I can't quite find the appropriate words to express the depth of gratitude for your assistance in my financial crisis. The financial assistance was greatly needed, but it is the underlying foundation of hope that brought strength to me. Thank you for taking the time to listen and encourage and help."

"Since my divorce, life for my children and me has been a daily financial struggle. Sometimes I simply can't find a way to provide the necessities like food, water, electricity and gas. The Union Aid Society has helped us immeasurably; there are times when we literally couldn't have made it without your help. But most of all, thank you Sherri for the quiet times in your office when you reached out and talked to me about my life; I had struggled so long on my own and you were the only one who listened."