Gladys Walker Speaks About C.A.C.H.E.
CACHE is governed by a tri-part board: 1/3 public officials in office, 1/3 representing the low income population, and 1/3 private sector. The board is currently completely staffed, but they always need people with new ideas and views.
CACHE originated Head Start in this county. They originally went door to door to inform parents about the benefits of Head Start. This program continued to show that they were responding to the needs of the needy. Head Start has since become a separate organization.
Cache is located on
Food Pantry – The largest in the county. Funded by the The Department of Health, this program is essential because when people struggle, food is an unfixed cost. Rent, co-pays, telephone, car can’t be cut back, but food is an expense that can be reduced if you are willing to eat lower quality foods. Thanks to the food bank, “they don’t have to choose between eating and having a place to stay”. This pantry provides all four food groups and complies with nutritional mandates.(fruit juice, meat, vegetables,…) If you say you need food, you can get it. They do ask for financial information to verify need, but most of those getting assistance from the food pantry are of lower income. Numbers are up at this time due to the financial situation in the country and our area. In 1997 about 500 people/families requested assistance. Now they service about 700 people/families. They do their best to feed everybody, including emergency walk-ins. As a result of Hurricane Irene, there will be an additional $60,000 / 18 month grant to assist in feeding those in need. The pantry is a people’s choice pantry, which means that those stopping by get to choose the foods they want from each of the nutritional categories. It has been determined that it is best to have people choose their food to eliminate waste. Their clients may choose the foods for 9 meals at a time.
Thrift Shop – Operated by a local senior citizen, items are sold to help pay the salary of the employee. They take donations of items and monetary support. If you need it, it will be given to you. If you can afford to buy it, that helps pay the rent and their employee. In addition to everyday wear, work clothes are available to assist those starting new employment.
Transportation
Program – CACHE is a vendor for coach
Safe Passage – This program assists the victims of domestic violence by providing a safe house, legal advocacy , and an emergency hotline(24/7) 292-5700. They will assist by making arrangements to help any family. They also have people to help in family court. This program gets a lot of support because there is no tolerance for domestic violence amongst the community. Counselors are available for the victims. Much to many people’s surprise, there are men that are victims of domestic violence and they can seek assistance through this program as well.
Family Development
– This is an outreach program to help families sort out various issues with a
career development program such as creation of resumes and seeking
employment. They also have contracts
with
Weatherization Program – This program is designed to help make area homes and businesses more energy efficient. They have hired people to do insulation, upgrade to efficient refrigerators, convert to low-energy light bulbs, and design improved heating.
Empower NY – A program with NYSERDA to do energy reduction analysis. They will find ways to save energy in homes. There is a fee associated with this analysis.
Partner with BOCES
for an ESL class.
If you would like to contact Gladys Walker at the CACHE Office, you can do so at: 301-292-5821 ext 614