GBICS is excited to announce that we’re changing the name of the “Food & Fuel Fund” to the “Emergency Needs Fund.” When the Greater Bennington Interfaith Council members chose to incorporate the Free Clinic in 2008, they set a precedent for GBICS. They chose to listen to those living and working in the region and respond to the needs of the community even when meeting those needs required change.
While our facilities, staff, and board may have changed over the years, we remain committed to meeting our constituents with respect and dignity and to working with them to identify and develop their assets to build a more manageable and sustainable future. This commitment includes responding to the changing needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.
In this spirit, the GBICS Board has recently voted to change the name of the “Food & Fuel Fund” to the “Emergency Needs Fund” to more clearly represent the evolving needs of our community. We will continue to prioritize our support of individuals and families with heating and food needs but will expand our reach to include other urgent and essential requests to help our constituents navigate the complex challenges in their lives.
Evolution is not new to GBICS. We’ve been pivoting and expanding in response to the needs of our community from our beginnings and we are excited to rename this fund to represent its emerging purpose while continuing to honor its past.
Origins of the Food & Fuel Fund
In early 1974, Bennington-area residents acutely felt the effects of the 1973 oil embargo. Families faced a difficult decision: pay to heat their homes or feed their families well.
Recognizing this struggle, local clergy came together to establish the Food and Fuel Fund. The fund began as a modest discretionary fund of a few thousand dollars to help families afford their basic needs in times of crisis. However, in 2001 the Interfaith Council received a large private donation that revolutionized the Food and Fuel Fund. This gift created the momentum to grow the fund into a bigger and more effective effort than anyone ever expected. Thus, the Council created the Greater Bennington Interfaith Fuel and Food Emergency Corporation, a brand new 501(c)3 nonprofit.
Much more than food
When Rabbi Howard Cohen took over management of the Fund in 2006, he began counseling the people who came to him. With Rabbi Cohen’s leadership, the Interfaith Council began to ask itself a new question: “How can we be a bigger force for good and justice in the community?”
Over the next few years, the organization continued to grow because of the management and dedication of Rabbi Cohen. In 2008, Sue Andrews took over as the Fund’s manager as a volunteer.
Soon after, a newly retired Dr. G. Richard Dundas approached the Interfaith Council with plans for a free medical clinic to serve the community’s most vulnerable members. Because of Dr. Dundas’ compelling argument, Council members voted to embrace the new Bennington Free Clinic (recently renamed the Dr. G. Richard Dundas Free Clinic) and revise the bylaws of the Emergency Food and Fuel Fund. In December 2008, Greater Bennington Interfaith Community Services, Inc., known as GBICS, was incorporated.
Since then, GBICS has expanded its food security initiatives to include the Kitchen Cupboard food distribution program. GBICS has also expanded the work of the Clinic to include a dental program at Molly Stark Elementary School and participation in the state-wide You First program focused on breast & cervical cancer screenings and general health. GBICS also continues to be one of two organizations in Bennington offering health insurance navigation assistance through Vermont Health Connect.
Over the years, we’ve helped individuals and families secure heat and hot water; provided assistance for rent to avoid eviction; assisted with security deposits to help obtain housing; assisted with transportation to medical appointments; helped with health insurance premiums; assisted with emergency dental care, and much, much more.
MEET THE EMERGENCY NEEDS FUND
The Food & Fuel Fund is now renamed the Emergency Needs Fund. We remain committed to assisting individuals & families with their emergency heat and fuel needs and also to provide support in navigating other urgent challenges and crises – we’ll just do so with a new program name.
Access to the Emergency Needs Fund application can be found by calling 802-379-6001
Please consider making a contribution to the Emergency Needs Fund by mailing a check to: GBICS, Inc, PO Box 702, Bennington, VT 05201 or visiting our website.