By: Jordan Walda and Stephen McCollum

Perhaps it is fortuitous that Community and Family Services of Blackford County sits on a curve on State Road 26 at the west side of Hartford City. 

Life has thrown something of a curve at those who have found themselves at the mercy of needing CFS’s resources. And, for those fortunate enough to have enough, negotiating the curve is a subtle reminder of the word unity embedded in community.

Mel Sicks has been the Director at CFS for a decade but she has always been a volunteer. Since her days at RCA where she was engaged with the United Way to becoming a volunteer at CFS 15 years ago, her energy, leadership, and dedication are at the heart of the mission—“Empowering People to Improve.” 

“Many of the people who come to us just don’t know where or how to start to overcome their struggles,” said Sicks, “but when you show them a direction, give them some hope for breaking the cycle” they respond.

Individuals and families can be thrown into need for myriad reasons, says Sicks, from escalating utility bills to illness to unemployment.

CFS offers food relief through its food pantry, a produce truck from Walmart, and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. Clothes and other dry goods are available in the thrift store. There is an Energy Assistance Program. Most recently, Empower, directed by Troy Kaufman and administered by Barbara Cowgill, offers a financial literacy class and employment counseling. 

“It’s very important to let people know they are not alone,” Cowgill said. “We will do everything we can to find them the right assistance. We’re always reaching and searching for more ways to provide assistance. We never say that we just can’t do any more to help.”

Empower offers employment assistance with everything from work boots and other gear to those who are trying to get into the work force or re-entering with a new job. Cowgill, who volunteered at CFS for almost a year before joining Empower, says several local employers, including 3M, New Indy and others, send hiring alerts. Empower tries to assist persons recently released from the criminal justice system, who historically have faced obstacles to employment. 

The resources and programs at CFS are comprehensive but it all comes down to helping one individual, or one family, at a time.

Sicks recalls a man who fell on hard times and was homeless when he first came to CFS. Gradually, through access to the resources provided and hope offered at CFS, he found shelter, furniture, clothing, and finally a job. He comes back to CFS frequently to thank Sicks and other volunteers for seeing him through.

After a family was burned out of their home, CFS found them new shelter. Grateful, they became volunteers at CFS as they got back on their feet. 

“CFS has changed a lot of lives thanks to the love they receive in this space,” said Sicks. She likes to think of anyone who arrives with any particular need as a child. “I just try to treat them like I know I would want my child treated in those circumstances,” she said. 

It is a good thing that Sicks, Cowgill, and the 25 or so volunteers at CFS have such a capacity for helping, because the need shows no signs of dissipating. Sicks says that over recent months, CFS has seen at least 10 new families, a significant spike in the normal flow.

The key ingredient to every success story that makes that turn into and through CFS is hope. 

“There is always a glimmer of hope,” Cowgill says.

“Hope. Bring it with you,” echoes Sicks, “and we will not stop working for you nor give up on you.” 

If you seek help, or if you want to join the effort building unity in the community as a volunteer, please call 765-348-0744 or contact Mel Sicks at marysicks@gmail.com.