United Way of Central West Virginia is pleased to announce that a Heart & Hand Community Service Center will open in Putnam County on January 20, 2015.

Heart & Hand Community Service Centers are a project of Community Development Outreach Ministries (CDOM), which is a mission project of the West Virginia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Emergency utility or rent assistance and Dollar Energy Fund application processing will be the services provided at the center and will service Putnam County residents.

“In 2015 we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Heart & Hand.  What a special time to expand into Putnam County,” said Vicki Ballengee, Executive Director, Community Development Outreach Ministries.

United Way of Central WV’s Putnam County Advisory Committee, has worked over the past year toward identifying social service needs within Putnam County. Data was reviewed, presentations offered, and multiple discussions took place to determine three priority areas of focus:  Poverty-Children & Families; Adult Dental Care; Counseling Services.

“As a Putnam County resident, I was aware of the lack of assistance within our county, “ said Vicki, “We are thankful that other agencies in Charleston assist Putnam County residents but CDOM/Heart & Hand looks forward to helping families overcome transportation issues by having a presence within the county.”

Working closely with the Putnam Advisory Committee, United Way of Central WV has begun addressing each of these issues. In an effort to address the Poverty-Children & Families issue, United Way of Central WV invited proposals from its partner agencies to address this priority area through a basic needs grant. The grant helps build capacity for the grantee to provide basic needs services to individuals and families in Putnam County.

“This Heart & Hand office would not have been possible without grant funding from the United Way of Central WV and the donation of office space by Winfield United Methodist Church.  This is a perfect example of sectors of the community coming together to help those in need”, said Vicki.

If you need the assistance of Heart & Hand Community Service Center, the following documentation is required to apply: Picture ID and proof of residency; Proof of Income and Social Security cards for household members; or referral and documentation provided by Putnam County DHHR; Utility Termination Notice or Eviction Notice.

For more information about Heart & Hand Community Service Center contact them at (304) 543-8770 or by email at heartandhandputnam@wvcdom.net. Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00am to 1:30pm. Heart & Hand Community Service Center is located at Winfield United Methodist Church, 20 Radwin Drive, Winfield, WV 25213.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA: United Way of Central West Virginia is a volunteer-led, volunteer-driven organization representing Boone, Clay, Logan, Kanawha and Putnam counties. From the board of directors to fundraising volunteers to others who lend a hand each year, all ensure United Way continues to make an impact on the issues that matter most. United Way of Central West Virginia is dedicated to making sure children and youth achieve their potential through access to quality educational programs; promoting financial stability and independence; improving people’s health. By encouraging all people in central West Virginia to give, advocate or volunteer, United Way wants to show the power of “living united”. For more information, visit www.unitedwaycwv.org or call 304.340.3500.

ABOUT HEART & HAND COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTERS: Heart & Hand Community Service Centers are a project of Community Development Outreach Ministries (CDOM, which is a mission project of the West Virginia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church). Emergency utility or rent assistance and Dollar Energy application processing will be the services provided at the center and will service Putnam County residents.