INSIDE-OUT MINISTRIES INC

There are many who just need a temporary hand up. Inside-Out offers this along with hope for a better tomorrow. In America, in Madison, AL, no person should go hungry and with the help of the community and our local churches, Inside-Out has a large food pantry that is shared free of charge with those in need.

Inside-Out Ministries also helps with temporary financial assistance. Sometimes a utility bill is 25 or 50 or 200 over the normal budget, we try to help in the gap to keep the family stable and with heat or air. Sometimes one is between jobs and without income. Inside-Out assists to keep the family or individual in a home, with plenty of food and plenty of encouragement to keep trying.

There are also times of need for a washer/dryer or perhaps a chair or bed. Inside-Out has resources to help provide and even deliver to the home of the one in need. This opportunity to serve above and beyond is part of why I support Inside-Out.

One elderly gentleman came to us because he could not pay his utility bill. He was on social security and had not received a check in two months. He didn't know why and had only a cell phone with limited minutes. We set him up using our landline, waited on hold 45 minutes before speaking with a representative of the SSA. After about 15 minutes of give and take between the gentleman, IOM and the SSA, we were able to determine that his method of payment had been changed from a check to a debit card. He had no idea or understanding, but with a little time and a telephone, he was back on his feet, rejoicing that he could pay his utility bill. So sometimes it isn't even the physical, but it is just listening and caring enough to help someone with something they don't understand.