The community is invited to visit the HACA Ministry Center at 26 John Street on Sunday, September 30, from 2 to 4 pm to celebrate the retirement of the mortgage. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about the various programs available. The Center houses the HACA Food Closet, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and administrative office.
HACA leased the former Falls Federal Credit Union building for ten months from February 1, 2008, until purchasing it in December of 2008. The Food Pantry is open from 10 am until 12 pm on Monday and Friday mornings and from 6:30 to 8 pm on Wednesday evenings. The Pantry serves over 100 families a month, providing a three day supply of food for adults and children. A record number of families were served in the past year, reflecting the continuing struggles which families are facing.
Tax returns were being prepared on site from the first day of occupancy in 2008. In 2012 over 135 state and federal tax returns were prepared. Returns can be prepared for not only New York residents and employees but also for those living or working in any other state. Training for volunteer preparers for the 2013 season will be held in November.
Visitors to the Center are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item as the Pantry begins to gear up for the Holiday Basket program. In 2011 over 320 families were served with Thanksgiving and Christmas boxes.
For more information, please contact Dianne Hosterman at 686-5163.