How We HELP
All this has been accomplished through third party agents called ”Pillars”. These pillars are individuals who have access to those in need. Examples of these pillars are school counselors, church administrators, social workers, school nurses and, importantly, any of our patrons who see a need.
Once the potential beneficiary has been identified, the pillar does the due diligence required to present this candidate to our Disbursements Committee. The committee requires a simple majority to approve the request and the pillar is notified, who in turn notifies the recipient. This process can take several days depending on any vetting requirements or special circumstances. However, the normal time from request submitted by pillar to check being issued is often 24 hours.
The criteria for giving have always been the following:
- The beneficiary is in need of a one-time financial boost.
- The disbursement amount should fall within a reasonable amount based upon our ability to handle it and a rough average of our most recent disbursements.
- We are not a welfare agency, although, we will recommend social services where available.
- We do not contribute to a larger fund. Our goal has always been to assist those who need a fixed amount, on a one-time basis, to get back on their feet.
- Whenever we can, we enlist the services of others to defray the total cost. For example, if someone needs tires, we will ask the dealer to discount the sale. We will negotiate a rent payment with the landlord. We will partner with professionals that we know to discount prescriptions, eyeglasses, travel, services, etc.
- Every disbursement goes to the beneficiary’s debtor, not to the recipient. We do not give cash.
- The beneficiary can know that The AbNormAl Society is involved, however, all the interaction is between them and the pillar.
- The pillar must vouch for the character of the beneficiary, their commitment to helping themselves and a reasonable expectation that the disbursement will get them “over the hump.”