Benefit Bank offers help and hope

for those who need it most

Terry Leos knows the pain of seeing hunger in the eyes of her children, and the frustration of being able to do little or nothing about it. With her husband trapped in Mexico as he wades through the miles of bureaucratic red tape to obtain permission to come to the United States, she suddenly found herself unemployed.

The face of the immigrant has changed little in the last century; one can still see the hunger written in their eyes – hunger not only for food, but for a good job, a good life.

Yet, as Leos can attest, the red tape allowing them entry into this country has changed dramatically. The system has forced many into hiding, afraid their undocumented status, or that of a loved one, could lead to their deportation should they seek medical help, or help buying food for their children.

That’s where Catholic Social Service comes in. Through the CSS Benefit Bank program, individuals and families can learn if they are legally entitled to financial assistance, health care, or food supplements, regardless of their status. These are not hand-outs. These are benefits ready and waiting for those in need. Once a Benefit Bank guide helps them complete the paper work, the individual brings the papers to the office of Social Rehabilitation Services (SRS) where they are processed by licensed case workers.

Today, people come into the Benefit Bank office at CSS searching for the same support that Leos found. Sitting behind the desk is Leos herself, who was hired last September. She now finds herself guiding others through the same program that brought her food when her children were hungry.

“When one of my families calls me and tells me how happy they are about getting $100 or $200 back, I feel like it’s me getting the money,” Leos said, smiling. “I love what I do because I know what it is to be in need. I’m very passionate about this.”

Twice per month Leos can be found at the Ford County Health Department offering five-minute “pre-screens,” in which Leos asks a series of questions pertaining to jobs, income, and citizenship. Later that day, she’ll plug the information into the Benefit Bank computer program at the CSS office in Dodge City.

“If I get a return of four or five stars, it looks eligible,” she explained. “If I get three stars, they’re over-income.”

That same day, she’ll notify the individual of their results. If they qualify, they will return for an hour-long session at the Benefit Bank computer during which Leos will lead them through the necessary documentation to deliver to SRS. Because the paper work is complete, SRS is able to process the information in a matter of a day or less, rather than the 10 days needed without the Benefit Bank’s help.

"I have the envelopes and I have the labels and they just have to go to the Post Office and get the stamps for Healthwave applications,” Leos said. “I’m trying to make it as easy as I can for them, because they don’t know how to proceed. SRS said they are very grateful because it makes it really easy for the caseworkers when they get the Benefit Bank folder. All the paper work is done.”

Immigrants are notorious fodder for disreputable individuals who promise for a price what they can’t deliver. So it’s natural that many are suspicious, especially since Benefit Bank charges nothing for the service.

“They just don’t understand the process,” Leos said. “They ask why we are helping them, and then they want to pay. They reach for their wallet and say, how much? I say it’s free. They look at me like I’m crazy.

“I saw one person in Great Bend a few weeks ago,” Leos said. “She was married with two kids and had no job. She called me yesterday and said she’d been approved for $517. She was crying. She said thank you; God bless you. I know what it’s like for this family being in that hole and having no food.”

Assistance lasts for six months, and comes in the form of monthly cash payments, medical assistance, a “VISION food card,” and/or assistance with utility bills.

The program is supported in part through a grant awarded to CSS from SRS last October. In February, SRS representatives met with CSS staff to learn how the program was proceeding. It just so happened that February was the Benefit Bank’s busiest month, with 65 people seeking assistance.

“They were just blown away,” Leos said. “We met our expectations.

“I’m very proud,” Leos added. “I’m helping my community. When you’re down and you’re struggling, and someone comes to you and says you might qualify for this assistance, they don’t expect that. So, when they get it, even if it’s $100, they’re grateful. And I tell everybody, if you have a friend, a neighbor – anybody -- tell them to call me. I’ll do the questions over the phone. I’ll stay after work, whatever I have to do to accommodate you. And I tell them not to be afraid.”