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Gladwin County now has new place for economic help

Monday, October 26, 2009

Salvation Army opens office in Gladwin ::

Gladwin County now has new place for economic... ::

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Rebecca Trylch
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GLADWIN COUNTY (WJRT) -- (10/26/09)--Gladwin County residents facing a tough time in a recession now have a new place to turn for help.

A brand-new Salvation Army extension office is now up and running.

Last month Gladwin County had an unemployment rate of 16.5 percent. Only 14 Michigan counties have a higher rate.

It's that kind of need that got the pastor and congregation at Our Savior Lutheran Church thinking about how they could best serve their friends and neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet.

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One idea was to open a Salvation Army extension office. It opened quietly on Oct. 1. A handful of volunteers use the small office to answer calls for help and meet with people who need assistance.

Business has steadily been picking up as people learn the office is open. On an average day, Dave Batzer -- the main volunteer -- takes between eight and 10 phone calls.

But Monday morning, Batzer took that many calls before noon. He and the other volunteers are helping with emergency assistance.

Like other offices that offer that kind of assistance, Gladwin volunteers can help people find money for things like paying their utility bills or money to help prevent eviction.

In the past this same kind of help was available, but people had to call and talk to someone about two hours away in Flint.

Gladwin County Salvation Army
Located Inside Our Savior Lutheran Church
331 Clendening Road
Gladwin, MI 48624
(989) 426-2324