Agency - Let's Help Inc.

Let's Help Inc.

Last updated on October 10, 2011

Let’s Help is committed to inspiring hope, promoting self-sufficiency and breaking the cycle of poverty one person at a time.

We Value and Believe:
-In the dignity and worth of every person.
-Every person can make a positive difference in the lives of others.
-With motivation and opportunity, people will reach their potential.

We provide emergency assistance, food programs, education and employment counseling.

Services
Emergency Assistance
Adult Education Basic Education
Employment Services
Older Kansan Employment Program
Older Worker Outreach Project

Description:
Let's Help is committed to working with individuals and families so that the cycle of poverty is broken and self-sufficiency is attained. Let's Help is a not-for-profit public charity and a United Way agency that serves Shawnee County and the surrounding area. We provide services for the entire community:

• Food, clothing, and emergency assistance for rent, utilities and medication
• Adult education and employment assistance, including a program for workers 55 years old or better
• Budget-minded shopping for non-profit organizations and churches
  
  

Here's a snapshot of recent statistics:

• Let's Help serves more than 360 free lunches a day to those who need a hot meal
• Over 200 adults and youth take part in our education and employment assistance programs
• Over 100 people over age 55 seek employment services and computer training from us
  
  

Let's Help depends on the generosity of our volunteers, financial contributors, faith communities, businesses, and organized labor. We work closely with other helping agencies in the community and provide appropriate community referrals. Applicants for our services are carefully screened to ensure there is no unnecessary duplication of services among agencies in Shawnee County.

History:
In 1969, Patty Coughlin began distributing emergency food and clothing to Topekans from the back of her car. For eight years she cultivated support from community members and businesses to meet the needs of the poor.

Marg Roberts was hired as the first executive director of Let's Help in 1977. She established the agency at 302 S.W. Van Buren and continued to serve those less fortunate. With a vision to teach people self-sufficiency, Marg recruited hundreds of volunteers, increased financial resources, and expanded educational programs. She also worked with others to develop Heartland SHARE, a community-minded food network for people who want to share their time and save on food--and generate revenue for Let's Help.

Today, Let's Help is known as an agency that is breaking the cycle of poverty--and building a better community.

Contact people:

Kristi Schutter, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Shelly Lowery, Executive Director, (email)

Office fax number: (785) 354-7145

Address:

200 S. Kansas Ave. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2492 Topeka, KS 66601-2492 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.letshelpinc.com

Directions:

From the east on I-70, near downtown Topeka: Take the 4th St. exit and go 1 block north. Turn left on 3rd St. and go 3 blocks to Kansas Ave., then turn right. Our building is located at the corner. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: 2nd & Kansas Ave., 1 minute walk

Last updated on October 10, 2011