What is an emergency? It may be a sick baby who needs medicine, a family who has to move and choose between buying food and paying utility deposits, or a teenager whose stepfather assaults her. It may be an unemployed construction worker who needs groceries for his family. It may be the very young mother with several children who has been able to pay only part of a utility bill and is faced with a cutoff notice.

One reason emergencies occur with great frequency in low-income families is because of their inability to accumulate reserve funds. Low-income and part-time jobs, high cost of day-to-day living, and no health insurance become insurmountable barriers to many families' financial independence.

CONCERN Emergency Services can assist low-income families with moderate financial help for rent, utilities and medicine. One of the most important functions of Emergency Services is making families aware of other community services available to them. A listing of job openings in the community is kept up-to-date in the office. A printout of affordable housing is available also. An infant car seat program enables families to provide safe seating for their babies. Clothing, including warm coats, mittens and hats, is available free of charge. School supplies are available before school begins and throughout the year. At Christmas, a toy room is set up so that parents can select several toys for their children.

Groceries and personal items are also provided from our emergency pantry stocked with canned goods and other food items that are donated by member churches and the Bartlesville community.

CONCERN Emergency Services is located in the CONCERN Center, 333 S. Penn and is open Monday through Friday.