SASS has always been sustained through the passion of our volunteers and generous donors. Here’s a look at what we accomplished together this year.

Mission 

With 568 people served in 2022, Saline Area Social Service provides weekly food and emergency assistance to community members during their times of need. We are neighbors helping neighbors. 

Purpose 

Nearly 100% community-funded, Saline Area Social Service (SASS) is the only organization in Saline that provides comprehensive aid services, including food for up to 15 meals every week and emergency assistance, to community members in need. People served by SASS reside within the boundaries of the Saline Area School District, are employed in Saline, or have children attending Saline Area Schools and fall within 185% of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines. During the 2022 calendar year, 38% of SASS clients were children and 22% were seniors. 

Our Impact 

Decreased food & household goods insecurity: 

  • Distributed food 4,235 times, equaling 118,251 meals. 
  • Delivered groceries to homebound seniors and families 827 times, providing enough food for 12,405 meals. 
  • Provided 152 people with assistance for 781 prescription co-pays. 
  • Provided back-to-school items for 160 students, including backpacks, school supplies, and new shoes. 
  • Provided 48 children with winter boots and snowpants, and gloves and hats to 72 individuals. 
  • Helped 5 families avoid eviction, 10 families avoid utility shutoff, and 1 homeless family with temporary housing. 
  • Helped 9 individuals with car repairs so they can maintain employment or get to doctor appointments. 
  • Provided 15 individuals and families with gas cards for work and medical appointments. 

Increased the quality of life for those that SASS serves through strategic partnerships: 

  • Provided 110 referrals to other community organizations for additional assistance or services. 
  • Sponsored 39 students in after school activities, such as art, music, drama, sports, and other enrichment programs. 
  • Continued funding weekly mental health assistance for up to 5 at-risk students every trimester, expanding aid to students at the middle school and alternative high school. 

Engaged the community: 

  • Received 160,287 pounds of pantry donations, valued at $272,489.
  • Received 9,020 hours of volunteer and in-kind services, valued at $225,200.
  • Received $129,099 in food and supplies for special programs, such as holiday meals and gifts, birthday gift bags, back-to-school, and winter gear.