Our budgets are tightening with an uncertain economy and the rising cost of living. It’s easy to become overwhelmed trying to make everything fit. There are resources available to residents to help relieve some stress of making ends meet.
Prescription costs can quickly drain a budget, but with the FamilyWize prescription drug discount card families and individuals can save up to 30 percent on medications. Marshfield Area United Way announced this discount card in April as an option for everyone in the Marshfield area—people who do not have insurance, those whose medication is not covered by insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or other benefit plans or for people who have not reached their plan’s minimum deductible.
There are no age or income restrictions, no limit on how many times you can use it and no personal information collected. Through May, the FamilyWize card has already lowered the price of 418 prescriptions in the Marshfield area with a total savings of $6,441.48. To get your card, call United Way, 384-9992 or visit www.marshfieldareaunitedway.org.
For some, the cost of preparing for school can stretch an already tight budget. To help families and children start the school year with new supplies, the Volunteer Center is holding Fill a Backpack Fulfill a Need backpack drive. Every child should have the opportunity to be prepared each school year. Having new school supplies may seem small to adults but to a child it can be everything.
If your child receives free or reduced lunch, or if you are experiencing a financial hardship, please contact us to register to receive a backpack, distributed in August. Businesses and individuals can help by donating supplies.
The job market is also a stress many of us are facing. If you are unemployed or a student and want to utilize your skills or gain experience, contact the Volunteer Center. Many nonprofits can use the help of volunteers for various projects: Web site development, construction projects, development of marketing materials, assisting with programming and special projects.
These are only a few of the programs in our community that reach out to people in need. More resources can be found in United Way’s 2-1-1’s Help for Hard Times guide at the United Way web site or by dialing 2-1-1.
The whole family feels the stress of tough times, but help is out there. To learn more visit www.marshfieldareaunitedway.org or call 384-9992.
Sarah Krenn, Marshfield Area United Way’s Community Impact and Volunteer Center Coordinator can be reached at 384-9992 or unitedway.sarah@tznet.com
