2 years ago
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For a couple months, a PSA with Governor Mike Beebe has been running on Arkansas' airwaves, telling you about the Benefit Bank of Arkansas.
It's a program that began back in February, and so far it's helped 1,300 families in seven different counties. There's high confidentially for clients, so Reverend Stephen Copley, chair of the board is their voice.
Copley says, "People in Arkansas are having to make really tough choices. Do I buy groceries? Do I pay my utility bill? Do I get my medication?"
And it's also the high gas prices causing thousands to struggle. Arkansans living pay check to pay check.
"Money just doesn't go far enough so they are in really need," explains Copley.
So this is how the program works. There's $280 million in benefits and tax refunds that go unclaimed every year in Arkansas. With that money, the benefit bank, at no cost to you works to ease your financial burdens. For those who qualify, things like food stamps, children's health insurance and help with utility bills are available.
It's the only program of its kind in the state. Benefits of up to $10,000 per family are just a phone call away.
And if the difficult times continue, Copley says, "I expect even more phone calls. If you came back it would be interesting in a couple months. At this rate, many more calls of people really really struggling trying to find help anyway they can."
It's a program that's on a mission to bring hope, connecting communities to resources, and making a difference in the lives of Arkansans.
The application process is all done online to minimize delay and maximize accuracy.
For more information, click the link to the right. You can also call 1-877-375-0790 or 501-375-0700.
