Services
Applications can be made for these programs 7 days a week, 24 hours per day at Common Help website. Additionally, applications can be made for Medicaid only by calling 855-242-8282, and application can be made for SNAP, Energy Assistance, TANF, and Medicaid by calling 855-635-4370.
SNAP
The SNAP Program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides assistance to low-income families to supplement their food budget and help assure a nutritional diet. Monthly benefits are provided on a debit card which can be used at most food retailers to purchase groceries.
Medicaid
Medicaid offers various types of medical coverage to residents based upon the eligibility requirements of each program. The primary covered groups are pregnant women, children and elderly and/or disabled adults. As of January 1, 2019, Medicaid has expanded, and more adults age 19 to 64 now have access to coverage based on income requirements.
TANF
The TANF program (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) provides eligible families with a monthly cash payment to assist with their basic needs. Participants may be required to participate in the Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare (VIEW) program and will be provided with services such as job skills training, work experience, job readiness training, child care assistance, transportation and other work-related expenses.
Energy Assistance
The Energy Assistance Program helps with home heating costs, heating equipment repairs, utility security deposits, and cooling costs. This is a seasonal program so check with Social Services for application dates.
Child Care Assistance
Child care assistance is available to families who meet specific eligibility criteria to support employment, education, and training. You may apply online or in person at our agency.
Adult Protective Services
Services are provided with the goal of protecting persons 60 years of age and older and incapacitated adults 18 years of age and older from abuse, neglect and exploitation. To report suspected adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation, you can contact our agency during business hours or the 24-hour Adult Protective Services hotline at 888-832-3858.
Adult Services
Adult services assesses for in-home services, adult day care, or long-term care for low-income, aged or disabled adults to remain in their homes or, when necessary, prepare for facility admission by evaluating the need for long term care. You can contact our agency to request an assessment.
Child Protective Services
We receive reports of abuse and neglect of children, investigate to determine the validity of the report, and provide services that enhance child safety and prevent further abuse and neglect. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, contact our agency during business hours or the 24-hour Child Protective Services hotline at 800-552-7096.
Foster Care, Prevention, & Foster Parenting
Every child deserves to live in a safe stable home with caring adults. We offer services to help families alleviate crises such as abuse, neglect, drug/alcohol problems, mental health issues, stress, or lack of family support. Prevention services are available to families with children who are at risk of out of home placement or who have been found by the court to be a child in need of services.
Foster care services offer temporary placement of a child with a substitute caregiver. Returning the child home is the first goal, followed by relative care and adoption. This agency provides training to adults who are interested in becoming approved foster parents. We desperately need foster homes in our county so that children who must be removed from their homes do not also have to leave their community. Interested in becoming a foster parent? Read our foster parent brochure.
To find out more about prevention services, foster care, or foster parenting, please contact our agency.