Financial Assistance: If you need immediate financial assistance, CFC’s congregation has given generously over the years to enable the Diaconate to provide financial assistance to those in our church and in our community who are in need.
Information on Financial Assistance: For clients seeking financial assistance, we will first ask you to fill out our application and have an interview with our team. Requests will be considered based on a client’s basic living needs. Each request for financial assistance goes through a review process sometimes involving several people. Clients may be asked to consider letting go of nonessential living expenses before assistance is approved. Financial assistance may continue over time; however, it would be with the intent of reducing and eventually discontinuing our financial assistance when appropriate. The Diaconate occasionally provides long-term financial assistance but does not provide loans under any circumstances, nor does it compensate for individual business risks. Please understand that financial assistance is not guaranteed and that the Diaconate is not always able to provide it.
Do I have to be a member to receive help? No, but you do have to be a regular attender somewhere or willing to become part of a church body.
Do I have to be a Christian to become a client? No. You may be struggling with Christianity when you approach us. We will help you become familiar with the gospel (salvation by Christ) because the core of our ministry is to rely on God’s provision for you.
How many people will know about my situation? The Diaconate adheres to a strict confidentiality policy. Only the Diaconate staff as well as the deacons, pastors and our assigned administrative assistant with the Diaconate working with you will know your identity. In addition, no one who does not need to know the details of your situation will be told about them. With a client’s prior written approval, some information may be exchanged between his or her deacons and others who are critical to providing care for him or her, such as a counselor or a Community Group leader. There are a few exceptional circumstances when the Diaconate is obligated to share information with appropriate parties. These include the following instances: threats of suicide or homicide, indication of child abuse, alerts to intentions of law-breaking, and when the Diaconate is subject to a subpoena or court order. Also, when a situation arises among church members that appears to require church disciplinary involvement, the Diaconate will share necessary information discreetly to the parties involved.
How often will I meet with my deacon(s)? The frequency of meeting depends on various factors such as the nature of your situation and your financial, emotional or spiritual needs. It can range from once a week to once a month or even once a quarter. There will be phone and email contact as well.