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Serving Families. Strengthening Faith. Standing Together.

In light of the current economic challenges — including the federal government shutdown and interruptions to SNAP and other assistance programs — New Life Christian Church is launching the Congregational Care Ministry to provide short-term emergency support to individuals and families in need.

GET ASSISTANCE

Changing Lives....Making Disciples

We understand that this season has placed unexpected burdens on many, and our goal is to stand in the gap by offering practical help and spiritual encouragement.

Through this initiative, we are offering limited financial relief for:

UTILITY ASSISTANCE

Get help paying your electric, gas, or water bill if you’ve been affected by the government shutdown or loss of income.

LEARN MORE

GAS/FUEL ASSISTANCE

Receive a fuel gift card to help you get to work, medical appointments, or essential errands during this financial hardship.

LEARN MORE

GROCERY ASSISTANCE

If your SNAP benefits have been delayed or reduced, apply to receive a grocery store gift card to help feed your family.

LEARN MORE

✝️ A Message from Pastor Samuel J. Casey

Grace and Peace,

In this season, as our nation faces the ongoing effects of the federal government shutdown and the disruption of vital programs like SNAP, I believe the Lord is calling us—as a church—to respond with compassion and conviction.

I have prayerfully decided to allocate up to resources from New Life Christian Church’s savings to provide emergency assistance for both our New Life Disciples and members of our surrounding community who may be experiencing hardship.

No one connected to this ministry should suffer in silence or feel unseen. We are the extension of God’s hands, heart, and resource in the earth—and this is our opportunity to live that truth.

If you or someone you know is in need of help with utilities, gas, or groceries, please visit our New Life Congregational Care Ministry page to apply for assistance. Together, we can embody the love of Christ and remind our community that New Life cares.

In His Service,
Pastor Samuel J. Casey
Senior Pastor, New Life Christian Church

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

WHO CAN APPLY?

You may apply if any of the following are true:

  • You are a federal employee experiencing loss/delay of pay.

  • You have SNAP benefits that are delayed/reduced.

  • You have experienced layoffs, furloughs, or reduced hours in this season.

Note: Assistance is first-come, first-served while funds last. One request per household at a time (you may request up to two categories).

What You’ll Need (for everyone)

     

  • Valid Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)

  • Current contact info (phone & email)

  • Household details (address, household size)

  • Proof of need (varies by assistance type; see sections below)

 

How It Works (Step-by-Step)

     

  • Step 1 — Complete the Online Form
    Click Apply Now and select the assistance you need (Utilities, Gas, Groceries).

    Step 2 — Upload Documents
    Attach your Photo ID and Proof of Need for your selected assistance type(s).

    Step 3 — Submit & Watch Your Email
    After you submit, you’ll get an automatic confirmation email

    Step 4 — Review (3–5 business days)
    Our team verifies documents. If anything’s missing, we’ll email/text you.

    Step 5 — Decision & Disbursement

    • Utilities: We pay the utility directly when possible.

    • Gas & Groceries: You’ll receive an e-gift card or a pickup appointment.

    If your need is urgent (utilities at risk of shut-off within 72 hours), note this in the form.
    If you’re in crisis, call 211 or 988 (mental health & crisis line) immediately.

 

Assistance Areas & Instructions

Utility Assistance (Electric, Gas, Water)

What we help with: A current bill that is past due or due this cycle.
Typical award: Up to $250 (one time, while funds last).

Upload these with your application:

  • Photo ID (required)

  • Proof of federal employment (if applying due to shutdown): federal ID 

  • The utility bill (PDF/photo) showing name, address, account #, amount due, and due date

  • If the bill is not in your name, include proof of residence (lease/mortgage or official mail to you at that address)

What to expect after approval:

  • We attempt to pay the provider directly. If the provider won’t accept third-party payment, we’ll contact you with next steps.

  • You’ll receive an email receipt/confirmation when payment is made.

Important notes:

  • We cannot cover deposits, fees unrelated to current charges, or commercial accounts.

  • If your account is already in shut-off status, upload the shut-off notice and mark your request Urgent.

APPLY FOR UTILITY ASSISTANCE NOW

Gas (Fuel) Assistance

What we help with: Transportation to work, medical appointments, school, or essential errands.
Typical award: Up to $75 in fuel support (one time, while funds last).

Upload COPY OF YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE with your application (State Which Area You Need Support With):

  • Work Transportaion 

  • Medical appointment Transportation 

  • School support Transportation

What to expect after approval:

  • You’ll receive a digital gas gift card by email/text or instructions for church pickup by appointment.

Important notes:

  • Fuel cards are for fuel only. Purchases may be restricted to gas stations.

APPLY FOR FUEL ASSISTANCE NOW

Grocery Assistance (or SNAP Relief)

What we help with: Temporary food support when SNAP benefits are delayed or reduced.
Typical award: Up to $300 in grocery support depending on household size (one time, while funds last).

Upload these with your application:

  • Photo ID (required)

  • Number of Individuals In Your Household:

What to expect after approval:

  • You’ll receive a grocery e-gift card (store will be listed on your approval email) or pickup instructions.

Important notes:

  • Gift cards cannot be used for alcohol/tobacco/lottery.

  • We cannot issue cash in place of grocery support.

APPLY FOR GROCERY ASSISTANCE NOW

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Limits & Stewardship

  • Frequency: One approved request per household every 60 days (while funding is available).
  • Categories: You may apply for up to two categories at once.
  • Amounts: Award amounts may be adjusted based on demand and documentation.
  • Area served: Priority to New Life Disciples and local community

Common Reasons for Delay (Avoid These!)

  • Missing Photo ID

  • Blurry or cropped documents

  • Utility bill not current or not in applicant’s name (without proof of residence)

  • Incomplete application

After You Apply

  • Confirmation: Automatic email with acknowledgement of receipt

  • Review window: 3–5 business days

  • Notifications: We’ll email/text or call  your decision and any pickup instructions

  • Follow-up: You may receive a brief check-in and a prayer/support offer

Privacy & Pastoral Care

Your information is kept confidential and used only to process assistance.
If you would like prayer or pastoral support, check the box in the application and a team member will reach out.  

 

Questions or Help Uploading?

Reach out to Angela Myles at: Email [email protected]

APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE