By Chris Starr

“A more personal service to the needy and an assurance that the help given to those in need will benefit them in the best way possible,” is, according to Joe Flanagan, the guiding purpose of a new federation of metro Atlanta social agencies.

The agencies, all involved in help to the disadvantaged, are the Christian Council of the Atlanta Area, Decatur Cooperative Ministry, DeKalb County Family and Children Services, Economic Opportunity Atlanta, Fulton County Family and Children Services, Model Cities, Salvation Army, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Flanagan, executive secretary of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, explained the new program is an effort in cooperation among the various social service agencies. “This effort will help avoid the ‘run around’ experienced by a family or individual who comes to one of the agencies in need of help. Instead of simply referring the needy to another agency when the service cannot be provided the agency first contacted will evaluate the needs of the individual and provide the services.”

If the person is in need of money for food, he will be given the money by the agency initially contacted. This service is rendered after the other agencies have been contacted and pledge a percentage amount of the help given.”

Included in this program is a renewed effort to insure that when a person receives assistance follow-up and counseling are available for the individual, according to Flanagan. The counselor will help with the planning of a budget and help get more permanent assistance.