Self-Sufficiency
Encouraging Self-Sufficiency
We at TASK support our mission to encourage self-sufficiency and improve quality of life by providing a host of support services for our patrons.
Full-time, on-site social worker
Through
a contract with Catholic Charities Emergency Services,
TASK has two social worker/case managers available to
our patrons on a full-time basis. They provide assistance
with a variety of self-sufficiency and quality-of-life
issues, including housing, medical assistance and advocacy,
employment, substance abuse rehabilitation, and receipt
of benefits. In addition, social workers from the Mercer
County Board of Social Services visit TASK on a regular
basis to assist patrons with food stamp certification
and other needs.
Medical services
TASK works closely with a number of area health care providers to meet the needs of patrons. Nurses from the Henry J. Austin Health Care Center and Robert Wood Johnson Hospital at Hamilton visit us regularly. These providers offer blood pressure screening, HIV testing and counseling, and other medical support services during our regular meal times.
Legal services
TASK has relationships with attorneys from Dechert LLP in Princeton, which offers legal services to our patrons pro bono. Dechert attorneys come to TASK twice a month to meet with patrons who are screened by our social worker. If Dechert is able to assist them, patrons’ cases are assigned to attorneys at the law firm who have agreed to participate in this program. Common legal situations include landlord/tenant disputes and receipt of benefits.
Telephone, mail, fax and message services
TASK maintains a telephone line specifically for patron use during meal times. Patrons can receive telephone messages and U.S. mail here at TASK. Our fax machine also is at their disposal.
Hygiene bags
TASK distributes hygiene bags each week to
patrons in need. Hygiene bags include soap, shampoo,
deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and disposable razors.
Each patron is eligible to receive a hygiene bag once per
month.
Arts & Ideas
The Arts & Ideas program provides a variety of creative activities for TASK patrons of all ages. Materials for many arts and crafts activities are always available.
Photo Ops
On Tuesdays, TASK is visited by the "picture lady," a volunteer who takes photographs of patrons at their request. These photographs are given to the patrons who often give them as gifts to family and friends.
Kids’ Time
The Kids’ Time program provides toys, games, arts and crafts activities, and books for use by children at TASK. Supervised by an adult volunteer, children participate in play and cooperative group interaction while their parents have a chance to enjoy their meals.