Not-for-profits feel effect of slow economy, try to help those hit hardest by downturn

When the Salvation Army opened a thrift store in May 2007 in Chaffee, Mo., the agency hoped the business would increase revenue so it could provide more services in the area.

Little did they know that 11 months later the store would close its doors.

"We hated to close the store because we knew how much those residents would benefit from our services," said Maj. Ben Stillwell of the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau. "But it didn't respond as well numerically in the income it brought in, so our only option was to close the doors."

The Chaffee shop is one example of the way the tight economic climate has affected the area's not-for-profit organizations. Since gas prices began steadily increasing from the $2 a gallon range to nearly $4 a gallon, entities like the Salvation Army have been forced to retool their approach to serving needy individuals.

"Like many others in this area, our organization relies heavily on donations from others," Stillwell said. "We've been struggling to keep up with the increase in our day-to-day operations, but can't. It looks like the needs and request for service will outdistance our availability for support."

In addition to closing the Chaffee thrift store, the Salvation Army's annual Christmas drive fell short of its January 15 goal by $12,905. The drive provides funds that help families pay for utilities, food and rent. The agency reports that funds have decreased to the point that it can't help cover utility bills until the end of June.

The agency also is in dire need of paper plates and napkins for the increasing Meals with Friends program. Two years ago, the ministry was serving 67 meals six days a week to those with stretched incomes, compared to 126 meals a day now.

"I've been serving in this ministry for nearly 24 years," Stillwell said. "It looks like we're in a downturn not just locally but worldwide. Because we don't know if this will end anytime soon, we'll have to find ways to adapt and minister to our community by showing them the love of Christ."

The Safe House for Women also is rethinking the way it approaches helping the clients it serves. Opened in 1991, the Cape Girardeau-based ministry provides a safe and secure shelter for women and their children who have been forced to flee an abusive home.

While the organization has not reduced any services yet, it may have to take drastic measures to save money when personnel prepare their 2008-2009 budget in June.

Executive director Linda Garner said the organization is in a state of uncertainty. With the rising costs for food and gas, she is concerned about how they will maintain such services as counseling, court advocacy and a 24-hour crisis hot line.

"We're in a wait-and-see mode," Garner said. "When we sit down to figure out our budget, we'll have to see if we can afford the same level of service with less income. Once we start seeing a tightening at the state level -- where some of our funds come from -- then it's a trickle-down effect for us."

Meanwhile, the Cape Girardeau chapter of the American Red Cross has not seen a decrease in its overall contributions.

Kessie Hinkle, development specialist for the local American Red Cross chapter, said because of the rise in fuel and food costs, the organization is not able to provide as much financial assistance to those in need.

"My gut instinct tells me we won't have to cut back," Hinkle said. "When the economy goes one way -- which is down in this case -- that's when we're the strongest."

Like the Red Cross, the American Cancer Society in Cape Girardeau has fared well economically. The organization relies less on individual donors and more on annual fundraisers, such as the recent Relay for Life.

That fundraiser has taken in at least $160,000, an increase of $25,000 from last year's event. Spokeswoman Kaci Hubbard said that while not as much money was donated this year for the event, more businesses participated through a new $50 sponsorship option.

"The American Cancer Society is so large and relies so much on corporate donations through the fundraisers that we have safeguards built in," Hubbard said. "While we may not achieve our goals each year, we usually take in enough money that we fare well in the end, even in this tough economic environment."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137

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