About Us
Who we are
Olney HELP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides emergency food and financial assistance to individuals and families in Olney, Sandy Spring, Ashton, Brinklow, and Brookeville MD. We have a 53-year history in the local community and have long been counted on to provide emergency food and financial assistance or referrals to anyone who requests it. Our two primary programs to assist area residents are the Emergency Financial Assistance Program and the Emergency Food Program Mission Statement.
Olney HELP’s Mission is to |
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Our History |
Olney HELP was founded in 1969. It was formerly known as Olney Fish and was started by a group of local Quakers and other area church members who donated funds and recruited volunteers. We continue to be an all volunteer agency and have grown to more than 60 volunteers as increasing needs in the greater Olney area have developed. We respond to requests from all individuals and families in our area who seek assistance. When Olney HELP cannot fill a request, we provide referrals for our clients to other agencies or organizations that might be able to help them.
Olney HELP is a Regional Lead Agency of the Emergency Assistance Coalition of Interfaith Works of Montgomery County, MD. The Coalition divides Montgomery County by zip code and agencies within the Coalition provide assistance to residents of its designated zip codes. Olney HELP is the designated provider of emergency assistance to residents in Olney, Brookeville, Brinklow, Sandy Spring and Ashton, Maryland. |
Funding |
As an all volunteer organization, there are no salaries, no overhead and only minimal office and administrative expenses. 95% of donations received goes directly to assist our clients with food or financial assistance.
The Emergency Food Program exists in large part as a result of the generous support from the community. Non-perishable food items are chiefly supplied by individuals, local churches, schools, scouts, and civic organizations that conduct annual food drives. Traditionally, Olney HELP raises funds for our Emergency Financial Assistance Program from local individuals, businesses, churches and civic associations. |
The Growing Need |
While Montgomery County, Maryland is an affluent area, we have a growing population that needs food aid and financial assistance to survive. Our clients call with varied reasons for seeking help. Many are living on fixed incomes or find their income isn’t keeping pace with rising basic expenses. Others have experienced prolonged illness or injury which leaves them temporarily unable to work. Today’s tough economic climate is forcing many people to request help for the first time.
Olney HELP has seen a significant growth in requests for assistance over the past several years. We expect this need to continue to increase with the current economic conditions and as we improve and expand our outreach. |
Olney HELP Board of Directors |
Executive Director
Jacqui Vok Client Financial Counselor/Assistant Director Lee Arthur Secretary Erin Horbal Client Financial Consultant Karen Gainor Grant Chairperson Pat Westlein Board Member at Large and Volunteer Driver Mike Colliton |
Treasurer
Larry Pendleton Food Chairperson Ruth Filbert Pantry Manager Alden English Director of Outreach Tim Kropp Faith Community Representative Director of Volunteers Tom Bartley |
