All WACM programs of support operate under the guidance of the Woodstock Area Community Ministries Board of Directors.
Direct Assistance Program
The cornerstone WACM support program since its founding in 1992 has been WACM’s Direct Assistance Program fondly referred to as DAP. DAP provides emergency assistance to the homeless population and to families and individuals living within the geographic boundaries of Woodstock School District 200 who are experiencing an emergency financial crisis. Since its founding in 1992, WACM has received on average between 1200 and 1500 applications for emergency assistance on an annual basis.
Through its DAP Program, WACM provides qualifying applicants up to $300 per year gas cards, bus passes, vouchers for clothing, work boots, and prescription medicines, and also makes monetary payments to third parties for the payment of rent bills to prevent evictions, utility bills to prevent shut-offs, and car repairs. WACM does not discriminate in the provision of assistance on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, or any other criteria. All individuals and families who come to WACM for assistance are treated with dignity and worth. The financial resources of DAP are always used in an effective, accountable manner. Financial assistance requests for emergency assistance can be made on-site from 12 to 3:00 p.m. the first and third Thursday of the month at Grace Lutheran Church, 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road in Woodstock. (Masks are required.)
“Share the Warmth” – Annual Coat and Winter Clothing Drive is held in October and Distributed in November
Coats & jackets, mittens & gloves, blankets, and boots are collected by WACM volunteers during the fall of each year and are distributed to residents in-need.