Paducah is witnessing a significant shift as a local nonprofit takes steps to enhance its policy and service offerings. This move aims to provide more targeted and effective assistance to those who have often been on the margins. On Wednesday, the Paducah Cooperative Ministry announced these changes, which will have a profound impact on the way they serve the community.

"Nonprofit's New Direction: Focusing on the Needy"

Service Priorities and Changes

The Paducah Cooperative Ministry has decided to redefine its service priorities. It will continue to provide food and shelter as its top two focuses. However, starting from January 1, 2025, it will no longer offer emergency service assistance to housed individuals, including paying utility, pharmacy, and other bills. This decision comes as the organization has been stretched thin, with a 41% jump in the families served by the food program and an increase in housing needs.In 2023, the ministry helped 861 families with utility assistance. But next year, this service will come to an end. Instead, the focus will be on homeless services and hunger services. As Lacy Boling, the executive director, explained, "Rather than focusing on three different buckets for our budget, which would have included emergency services, homeless, and then hunger, we’ve decided to focus on homeless services and hunger services."

Volunteer Efforts and Food Delivery

PCM volunteers have been actively involved in packing up food for delivery. This service will continue, ensuring that those in need have access to essential provisions. At PCM on Wednesday afternoon, volunteers were seen preparing food for delivery to people in need. It is a testament to the organization's commitment to serving the community.

Community Impact and Partnerships

Across town, the Family Service Society is preparing to step in and serve those who will lose PCM's utility assistance. Executive Director Candace Nichols understands the need for such a transition. She said, "We do expect to see an increase in requests here at Family Service Society. Unfortunately, in any lane that you go, in any need in the community, there are typically not enough resources…So it is a concern we have, and something we’re trying to prepare for and go ahead and make adjustments for."PCM has stressed to its clients that just because they are changing their services doesn't mean they won't be there to help. Boling said, "If you’re not sure if we can help you, call… We’re not going to just say, ‘No, we can’t help you.’ We’re going to say, ‘Let us figure out who can,’ right? That’s our goal, is to be able to spend more time with an individual."Last year, PCM provided 861 families with utility assistance, including 187 families getting rent assistance and 4,839 families receiving food assistance. 87 people stayed in the shelter, Fresh Start Village. This year, PCM saw 73 inquiries for shelter a month in the first 10 months of the year. Additionally, the ministry will continue to provide utility assistance to people who have experienced homelessness, even years down the road.