STAUNTON-AUGUSTA CHURCH RELIEF ASSOCIATION (SACRA)
ABOUT US
Here at the Staunton-Augusta Church Relief Association (SACRA), we are driven to do our part in making the world a better place. Since 1983, we have taken part in a wide range of activities that empower individuals and communities. We strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of our pursuits.
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WAYS WE HELP
The Focus of Our Efforts
EDUCATION
Helping Those Who Need Us Most
VOLUNTEERING
The Future Looks Bright
LOCAL EMPOWERMENT
Making Change Possible
Our Story
Get to Know Us
In October, 1982, a call was put out by St Francis Catholic Church to all churches in the area inviting them to a meeting to discuss the use of social ministry funds to aid the needy.
There was thought that a more coordinated effort would better serve the needs of those seeking assistance as well as an equitable way to ensure those in need were served equitably. This group decided that having a central location with a central filing system of persons who had been helped would be beneficial.
The group set about drawing up guidelines as to how help would be given and where the central office would be located and how reporting would be done. Decision was made to have a Board of Stewards consisting of 12 members that would be drawn from constituent congregations with 9 of those being from different denominations.
The group was incorporated under the name of Staunton Augusta Church Relief Association (SACRA). Bylaws were prepared to guide the operation and non-profit status was given for tax exempt designation.
Clients were to be interviewed to assess their need with information verified with the utility company or a landlord. Checks for assistance were to be written to a third party and not to the client. The group was not to be involved in regular assistance but in helping in emergency situations. Working with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, a food pantry was provided for those in need.
SACRA would be staffed by volunteers with financial support coming from congregations, individuals and other like-minded organizations.
Leadership-Board of Stewards:
The Rev. John Peterson, Chair, Presbyterian
Andrea Spicka, At-Large
Jackie Bednarz, Episcopal
James Hall, At-Large
Todd Latham, Baptist
Lois Sell, Mennonite
Jane Ford, Catholic
Anita Sanders, Lutheran
Nancy Bowman, Church of the Brethren
Athena Hall, At-Large
Kim Mitchell, United Methodist
Lt. Mark Gates, Salvation Army
SACRA Services
In collaboration with other area service agencies, SACRA provides the following services:
Hunger
Housing Needs (Does not include hotels/motels)
Utility Assistance
The reality of hunger in the Blue Ridge is broader and deeper than you might expect. Many area residents are aware that people experience hunger every day across the nation, but they don’t know it’s also happening right here.
One in 10 people in Staunton and Augusta County are living with hunger, which is higher than Virginia’s statewide average. The numbers are even bigger for area children.
Seniors, families with children, and people on fixed incomes are more at risk when costs rise. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank believes that everyone should have enough to eat.
BRAFB partners with food pantries and agencies, including SACRA throughout the Staunton and Augusta area to realize that vision.
If you or someone you know needs help finding free groceries, go to www.brafb.org/foodfinder.
Housing is considered affordable when no more than 30% of income is put toward housing expenses. If a home is cost-burdened, they are struggling to pay for the cost of maintaining their homes, which impacts their ability to pay for other important expenses such as transportation, food, and childcare.
Overall, around 1 in 5 homeowners and 2 in 5 renters are cost-burdened in the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro area.
We can also measure housing affordability through the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Threshold; ALICE households are those that carry steady employment, but are still constrained by income and forced to make difficult choices in paying for household essentials, transportation, child care, and other expenses.
In the SAW region, around 1 in 3 households are considered ALICE.
SACRA works with Dominion, Shenandoah Valley Electric Corporation, Quarles and other service providers to assist with payment for bills including electric, water/sewer, propane, fuel and other expenses. The increase in utilities cost has impacted budgets for all residents. Payment is made directly to the service provider with counseling assistance to the client on budgeting and ways to manage the cost of utilities.
Other Area Services
Other area services for information and assistance:
Valley Mission-Shelter and Support for the vulnerable and homeless. https://www.valleymission.net
540-886-4673
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The Salvation Army Providing services to those in need of financial, spiritual and emotional support. https://salvationarmypotomac.org/stauntonva
540-885-8157.
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Department of Social Services-Assistance for those experiencing financial hardship, neglect and abuse. https://www.co.augusta.va.us/government/social.services
540-245-5800.
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Meals on Wheels provides meals to those unable to prepare for themselves.
Call 540-886-1219 for Martha’s Meals on Wheels,
or
540-949-7141 for Valley Program for Aging Services, Meals on Wheels.
Valley Community Services Board
- Mental health and substance abuse needs. https://www.myvalleycsb.org
540-887-3200
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New Directions
-Serves those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. https://www.newdirectionscenter.org
or call hotline at
540-886-6800
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Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
- Providing resources for pantries serving the hungry. www.brafb.org
or call 540-248-3663 for a list of pantries in the area
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Blue Ridge Legal Services
- Assistance for those needing advice and services from an attorney.
540-433-1830
Staunton Housing Authority
- Assistance with housing needs.
540-886-3413.
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Staunton Augusta Health Department
- immunizations, family planning, pediatric services.
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/central-shenandoah/
540-332-7830
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Brite
- public transportation by bus.
540-943-9302.
Give and Get Involved
Contact us at 540-886-3957 to discuss opportunities for volunteering, hosting a fundraiser or being a business partner.
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Donate by Check or Credit Card: Tax deductible financial donations can be made out to SACRA and mailed to 118 N. New Street, Staunton, VA 24401.
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Volunteer to assist clients: Call SACRA at 540-886-3957 and leave your name, contact information and information on your desire to volunteer.
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Donate food or hygiene Items: Food and/or hygiene items can be dropped off at SACRA during operating hours on Tuesday and Wednesdays between 9:00 – 11:30. SACRA is located at 205 North Augusta Street, Staunton, VA 24401.
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Organize a fundraiser: Call SACRA at 540-886-3957 and leave the name and contact information of the organization/individual to be contacted by a Board member.
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Request a speaker: Call SACRA at 540-886-3957 to request a speaker for your group. Provide the name of the group, date/time you are requesting a speaker, and we will return your call for details and arrangements.
IN THE NEWS
Stay in the Know
HOW VOLUNTEERING AT SACRA CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
Expenses for the association average less than 3% of the total expended, and we continue to be an all-volunteer group with no paid staff. We have volunteering opportunities in the office, in operations, board membership, and speaking engagements.
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Are you ready to join us and create real transformation in the lives of so many?
FINANCES AND OPERATIONS
Finances:​​
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Through June 30th, 2024, $195,738.00 was disbursed to 549 clients. $4,189.95 was disbursed in food assistance to 452 clients.
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SACRA continues to operate solely with volunteers, enabling 98% of donated money going directly into services for clients. Supporters can be confident that their donations are being utilized to assist those in need!
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SACRA is a 501 (c) (3) and all donations are tax deductible.
Operations:
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SACRA is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 – 11:30 by appointment. Walk-in clients are assisted as time allows. For an appointment, call 540-886-3957. If you call outside of operating hours, leave a message and someone will return the call to set up an appointment for services.
DONATE
This is your donation form. Encourage your site visitors to make a donation today by providing additional information about your organization, or how their contribution can best help achieve your goals.
CONTACT US
Physical Address: 205 N Augusta St, Staunton, VA 24401, USA
Mailing Address: 118 N. New St, Staunton, VA 24401, USA
Phone Number: (540) 886-3957 (leave a message and a volunteer will return your call)
Days & Hours of Operation: By Appointment, Tuesday & Wednesday, 9:00 - 11:30