Joanne Maynard of First Contact Ministry is the latest Valpo Life in the Spotlight -- our series of highlighting good people in our community. “She is a visionary that started First Contact with the goal of reaching out to those that are hurting and are in need,” explained Gracie Mauk, a volunteer at First Contact.
Mauk continued, “Joanne is the most wonderful, caring, kind, and compassionate and loving person you will ever meet.”
First Contact, founded by Maynard 20 years ago, primarily assists people in need with rent and utilities with the goal of preventing homelessness and utility disconnects. If you need assistance, one of the organization’s 20 volunteers will be happy to assist you and set up an appointment for you. Individuals meet with a case manager to better assist them with budgeting and building other life skills, as well as being provided with information on valuable resources such as clothing centers and food pantries. First Contact recently opened an additional location in Portage.
Maynard said, “We live in tough economic times. Sometimes we see 100 people in a month who are in need. We don’t just hand out money, we want people to be stabilized and become self-sufficient. We know there are other people who are going to be coming to us for help, so we want to help people become stabilized and keep them moving forward.”
Maynard explained of the process, “The first step is meeting with your Township Trustee. The trustee can assist you with rent and utilities, and then there you will be given a list of organizations that can further assist you. We are on that list along with others such as the Salvation Army.”
Maynard continued, “We also offer prayer; we are Christians. Not everyone wants prayer, but we find 99.9% of people want prayer and are open to bringing God into a situation. We feel that spirituality is equally, if not more, important than just helping someone financially. It offers hope.”
Joanne Maynard is Co-Director at First Contact with Barbara Kemler. They and their staff want to help you if you need it during this tough economic time.
First Contact works with up to 42 churches locally and receives funding through donations. Those donations keep First Contact running, ready and able to help people in need. Funding is needed and if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation call (219)-462-8332 or visit their office at 61 Indiana Suite D in Valparaiso.
Do you know a Valpo Life in the Spotlight? Email us at share@valpolife.com!