Soup of Success is a job and life skills training program for women in Elkhart County.
Our mission is to empower women, through education and resources, to build self esteem, develop independence and improve quality of life. Twelve to 18 women from many different backgrounds and all walks of life are accepted into the program for 22 or more weeks following an application and interview process. These women have in common a genuine desire to overcome difficult life situations, including poverty, and gain skills necessary to succeed.
Individuals and families from Elkhart County whose income is below 165% of the Federal poverty guide, and who need food are eligible to come shop for free groceries up to once every 30 days. Open Monday-Friday.
Food is donated by churches, schools, businesses, individuals and United States Department of Agriculture. Food is also purchased from the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and food wholesalers.
As the largest food pantry in Elkhart County, we served an average 1,500 families per month in 2008.
Seniors and others who are unable to leave their home to obtain food, and who are below the 165% of poverty, may receive home delivery of free groceries once a month.
Financial assistance is offered to eligible individuals and families to prevent eviction and utility shut-off, and help cover prescription costs. Most financial aid is provided only once per year. Other special requests are evaluated on an individual basis.
Client counselors assess individual needs and walk with people through their crisis times. They collaborate with other agencies such as Salvation Army, Township Trustees, Emerge, Faith Mission and others to coordinate resolution of the crisis.
In 2008, $74,000 was given in direct assistance to 1,600 families.
“Getting Ahead in a Just Getting by World” is a class currently offered to women in the SOS training program. It helps people in poverty understand the causes of poverty and develop their capacity to begin the journey out of poverty. Our vision is to offer this class to others living in poverty.
Staff members are trained with the Bridges Out Of Poverty model and are available to churches, clubs and businesses to provide poverty education presentations and workshops.