HELPING PERSONS IN NEED POLICY

Oahe Presbyterian Church actively supports the ministry of Pierre Area Referral Service (PARS) with our mission funding and by referring those who need help to PARS. Our church does not have separate funds to assist a person or persons in need. PARS was set up so that they could screen and offer the best kind of assistance. PARS is open throughout the week. During off hours, the Pierre Police Department will provide assistance for persons who call.

When a person or persons come to us seeking help:

• Write down their names (first & last) and the kind of assistance they are seeking.
  
• Find out where else they have gone for help.
  
• Call Pierre Area Referral Service (PARS) 224-8731 during regular working hours (8-5 Monday through Friday). Share their name and their need. If you get an answering machine leave this information on the message with your name and telephone number. Call PARS even if the person in need says they have already been to PARS.
  
• Call the Pierre Police Department on the weekends and during off-hours (773-7410) and let them know you are bringing someone down to them. If possible go with that person to the Police Department.
  
• If you decide to personally help the person or persons, it is strongly recommended that you do not give money. Buy them food, gas, or whatever, but do not give cash. This provides you an opportunity to befriend a visitor or a stranger. Consider your safety, you may want to have someone else with you if you take the person somewhere.
• Later, even if you personally helped, call PARS to let them know who was helped, when they were helped, and what kind of help they received.
  

If you hear accounts of rude or poor treatments by another church or even PARS, take note of the information and talk with that church, PARS or our Pastor or Elders

Adopted by the Session on May 16, 2002.
To be reviewed by the Deacons.