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New Leadership at Combined Community Services Amid Rising Demand

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News Summary

Combined Community Services introduces Kiira Churchill as the new executive director amid a growing need for assistance in the community. With her experience and commitment, Churchill aims to lead the organization through challenging times as the demand for its services continues to increase, assisting over 700 households monthly. CCS is also looking to expand its programs despite staffing challenges and is actively engaging the community in support of its 40th anniversary funding campaign.

New Leadership at Combined Community Services as Community Needs Surge

In a time when many in the community find themselves relying on assistance, Combined Community Services (CCS) welcomes a new face in leadership. Kiira Churchill stepped into the role of executive director in early March, bringing with her a strong commitment to the organization and a deep understanding of its mission.

Welcoming a New Executive Director

The community got a chance to meet Kiira during a recent open house event at CCS, where she showcased her enthusiasm for the job. Her background includes serving as CCS’s director of development and a stint as the director of communications, marketing, and grants for the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation. With her knowledge and experience, Kiira is set to lead CCS through challenging times as the need for services has dramatically increased.

Rising Demand for Assistance

CCS has seen a significant uptick in the number of households seeking help, with approximately 700 households turning to their services each month. To put that into perspective, before the COVID-19 pandemic, CCS served around 300 to 400 households monthly. Even during the height of the pandemic, the organization provided for around 600 households—a clear indicator that ongoing economic stress is affecting more families than ever.

Many individuals are now facing tough choices due to rising utility bills and high grocery prices, increasing the reliance on CCS’s services for basic needs. Fortunately, the organization has managed to maintain its service levels thanks to the generosity of both individuals and organizational donations, ensuring that support continues to flow.

Programs and Staffing Challenges

CCS offers a self-sufficiency program aimed at empowering clients through case management. This program can support individuals for periods ranging from a few months up to five years. Currently, the organization is staffed by four full-time and two part-time employees, a drop from a previous high of 11 employees. However, over 30 dedicated volunteers contribute their time to assist in roles such as food pantry service, tutoring, and providing administrative help.

Despite the increased demand, CCS has a waiting list for its self-sufficiency programs. The team at CCS is determined to recruit a new case manager when funds allow, with the goal of expanding their reach and providing more assistance to those in need.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

As CCS looks ahead, there’s a strong desire to continue offering a “hand up, not a hand out” to those in the community. The organization collaborates with nine different community agencies that provide face-to-face services directly at CCS, further enhancing the support available to residents.

Recently, CCS celebrated its 40th anniversary, and as part of its ongoing mission, it has launched a campaign to raise $40,000 in just 40 days. This initiative highlights the need for financial support to sustain operations and continue offering critical services. Community members are encouraged to contribute—whether through donations or volunteering their time to help those in need.

A Call to Action

Whether it’s making a donation online, in-person, or even using ApplePay, every little bit counts and helps CCS to keep its doors open. The organization relies heavily on community support to maintain its operations and promises to continue providing hope and encouragement to individuals and families facing difficult times.

In a world where challenges seem ever-present, it’s heartening to see organizations like CCS stepping up to meet the growing demand for assistance. With Kiira Churchill at the helm, the future looks promising for both the organization and the community it serves.

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