Community agencies and organizations provide support to residents in need. Whether you require temporary financial assistance, a counseling group after a tragic event, low-cost child care or educational advancement, there is likely a resource in your community to provide these services. Support groups may be branches of nationally known organizations, or they may be local, nonprofit centers developed to assist members of your community.
YMCA
The YMCA is a community-centered organization that has been around for about 160 years. While many of its programs focus on children, low cost assistance is available for the whole family. The YMCA uses financial donations to assist families with child care, and education and leadership programs help older children develop the skills necessary for future success. Financial assistance is available for children to attend YMCA day camps, which are widely available around the country and allow youth to develop friendships and special skills.
Cooperative Extension Service
Every state in the U.S. has a Cooperative Extension Service. The Cooperative Extension is an educational outreach branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administered through each state's land-grant university. Extension agents are available in counties to provide community workshops that are free of charge. Through the Family and Consumer Sciences program, community members can attend meetings and classes about family financial planning, work-life balance, parenting, weight loss and disease prevention. In addition, courses that teach special skills are available, such as gardening, food preservation, cooking and sewing.
Public Health Department
Each state has public health departments that offer support services to the surrounding communities. Free and low cost vaccinations and exams are provided, as well as educational courses and materials. At your local health department, you will find programs for environmental health, smoking cessation, weight loss and heart health, and education and support groups for those with diabetes.
Depending on your location, courses are often offered in both English and Spanish. Many health-related courses are free of charge, but require a refundable deposit for motivational purposes. You will receive your money back once you have attended a certain number of the courses.
Local Churches
Local churches of all denominations are ideal resources when community members need financial support. Many churches have special funds to assist residents with payment of utility bills and rent. In addition, meal support services are often available, such as hot meals delivered to the elderly and soup kitchens open to all. Some churches also operate food banks where community members may apply to receive food on a weekly or monthly basis.
Churches offer support group meetings for those going through divorce or dealing with the loss of a loved one. Special events are often available, such as free childcare during the holiday season.
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