The ACCESS Operation Second Mile Caseworkers work to 

"Help Congregations Help" 

with emergency needs

If someone requests assistance from your congregation, call the ACCESS Caseworkers at 774-2175 X101 and X107 or email them at caseworker@accessofwestmichigan.org 

The most effective way to contact the caseworkers is via email.

Often the caseworkers will email alerts to the congreagations. If you would like to be added to the email alert list, please contact the caseworkers via email and request to be added.

	for advice, support, and follow-up
	to determine if another congregation is already working with the person
	for information about past contacts with other congregations
	for suggestions about which community resources might be most helpful
	to verify information with landlords, utility companies, caseworkers, etc
	to send a check out immediately, if needed, to be reimbursed by your congregation at a more convenient time
	to notify ACCESS of your involvement with a client, in case another congregation calls

Please do not refer clients directly to ACCESS as this is one shared staff positon to be a resource for congregations. Clients can be referred directly to 211 to obtain information on emergency needs programs in their area.

ACCESS works to eliminate duplication of services and helps congregations to be good stewards of limited resources. The goal of the ACCESS Caseworker is to enable you, as a member of a congregation, to become responsibly involved with those in need in your community.