Community Spotlight

In the Spotlight

Anderson Interfaith Ministries

More than 20 years ago, Anderson Federal Credit Union partnered with Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM) to serve their constituents — through providing financial education and advice. Today, Spero Financial is looking forward to continuing that legacy, and growing the financial well-being and growth of the Anderson area.

As Spero Financial, we will continue to support AIM and other community organizations to inspire hope in Anderson. If you’d like to get involved with this ministry, please visit their site at aimcharity.org.

When AIM opened their doors over 30 years ago, the goal was simple: to meet the needs of the local community efficiently, without duplicating efforts among other charitable non-profits. From the time they opened their doors in a rent-free building off of Manning Street, their focus has been on creating self-sufficiency of those most in need through a “hand up, not hand out” mentality.

Since that time, AIM has grown to a campus of five buildings, and diversified its base of support outside of its founding churches to also include foundations, corporations, government agencies, individuals, and civic clubs. From the original 20 volunteers, the organization is now comprised of around 20 staff and more than 500 volunteers throughout the Anderson community. And with five programs that focus on hunger, housing, employment, education, and urgent support, the organization serves thousands of people in the Anderson area each year — more than 13,000 in 2019 alone.

When a client comes to AIM in crisis, the first steps taken are to serve and meet the client's immediate need. Then, AIM works alongside the client to get a better understanding of the core issues that are keeping the individual in hardship, and a plan is created to help the client work towards self-sufficiency and the bright future ahead of them!

Clients may need help in one or many of five service areas:

• Pivotal Support

From financial education to emergency bill payment,

AIM assists people with their immediate crisis and provides them with the tools that can change their future.

• Hunger Ministries

This program is designed to help alleviate the hunger problem within the Anderson community for those residents in temporary need or who are receiving SNAP benefits. AIM's food pantry assists an average of 35+ people each day, totaling around 10,000 families a year.

• Housing

This department assists lowincome homeowners to remain in their homes by providing ramps and other necessary repairs that threaten the health and safety of these families.

• Employment Pathways

Focused on helping people find meaningful employment, this program can help with everything from resumes to filling out applications.

• Women & Children Succeeding

WACS is an empowerment program for mothers pursuing a post-secondary degree.

These five major program areas act as a continuum of care to address clients' basic needs and self-sufficiency challenges, and also provide meaningful opportunities for participants to give back.

Holiday Closings 01/18

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

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PRESIDENTS' DAY

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