Established in April 2002, the Boca Helping Hands Resource Center has become a source of hope and support for individuals and families facing adversity.
As BHH grew and more people became familiar with the organization, new clients began to seek help from the organization, many of them facing challenges beyond food insecurity. Martin Levinson - a BHH founder, an original member of the Board of Directors, and a volunteer in the Food Center - helped establish and run what was then known as the Assistance Center. It wasn’t long before the center started providing financial help with utility bills, prescription medication, transportation, and emergency shelter to Boca Raton residents who qualified.
One year after opening, the Assistance Center was bursting at the seams. The center was open three days a week, receiving 30-40 inquiries for help every day, and helping an average of 20 clients per month while sending and receiving referrals from other community agencies.
“We did what we could, but we couldn’t help everyone on our own,” said former BHH Assistance Center Manager Constanza Preble. “It was a give-and-take with other organizations and local congregations.”
For example, Boca Helping Hands would receive a call from St. Jude Catholic Church on behalf of a single mother facing eviction and in need of $900. BHH would be able to provide a portion, with St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church also making a contribution.” “We did that a lot - we would partner to make ends meet,” Costanza said.
The demand for the Assistance Center’s resources continued to climb, reaching its first all-time high during the recession in 2008. In addition to the usual stream of families and individuals who had run out of financial resources before the end of the month, a new group of families - those facing unemployment for perhaps the first time - joined those seeking financial assistance.
As time went on and new programs were added to incorporate community partners, the Assistance Center became known as the Resource Center. Today, the Resource Center also offers assistance with childcare through its Childcare Assistance Program (CAP), along with access to healthcare vouchers in partnership with Genesis Community Health and Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Community Health Centers. Staff and volunteers also continue to provide referrals and information about other nearby community agencies, making it easier for clients to navigate resources when they’re going through a crisis or struggling to make ends meet.
