Porter County Aging and Community Services Food Pantry

Pantry #11164

I am writing to introduce you to Porter County Aging & Community Services (PCACS) and the essential work we do to support the people of Porter County. Since our founding, PCACS has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for our community’s older adults, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities, empowering them to live healthier, more independent lives. We focus on addressing fundamental needs through a range of programs and services. Our Programs and Services Transportation Services PCACS provides safe, reliable, and affordable transportation to older adults and people with disabilities in Porter County, ensuring they can access medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential services. With the goal of reducing isolation and promoting independence, our transportation program helps many residents maintain their health and quality of life. Energy Assistance For low-income households struggling to pay their utility bills, our Energy Assistance Program offers critical relief. By providing financial support, we help these families maintain safe and comfortable homes, reducing the risk of utility shut-offs, which is especially vital during Indiana's cold winters. Adult Incontinence Product Bank PCACS manages an adult incontinence product bank, addressing a common need that can otherwise lead to discomfort and isolation. This bank primarily serves individuals with disabilities and older adults, providing both disposable and reusable incontinence products to help them maintain their dignity and health. Community Food Assistance Our food assistance initiatives include partnerships with local businesses and food providers. For example, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we reached out to companies like El Milagro for Hispanic food donations. Additionally, we are actively engaged in procuring snack donations from businesses such as Dawn Foods, Red Gold, and MSI to support local food security for vulnerable families. Special Community Giveaways PCACS hosts annual community giveaways, such as our Black History Month event in February and our holiday giveaways in December. Our community giveaway events serve over 600 families, providing essential items, food, and educational materials. These events foster community spirit, celebrate cultural heritage, and provide additional resources for those in need. Holiday Celebrations for Families in Need During the holiday season, we organize events to support families with limited resources. This year, we aim to provide gifts for 45 children, along with candy donations, with support from partners such as PEZ, Buckeye Candy, and Doscher’s Candy. These events bring joy to children and relief to parents who may struggle to afford holiday gifts. Community Engagement and Outreach Our Marketing and Resource Director, Valerie Martinez, works diligently to develop partnerships with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders to build sustainable support for our programs. We also offer advertising opportunities on our PCACS buses, reaching community members directly as they utilize our services. Through these efforts, PCACS aims to build a supportive network that promotes the well-being of Porter County’s residents. Whether by providing transportation, energy assistance, essential supplies, or community-centered events, we remain committed to serving as a vital resource for those who need it most.

This listing was last updated Nov 1, 2024