What started over 50 years ago in Fuquay-Varina, with the local churches helping Fuquay area residents needing shelter, coal, gasoline, medicine or transportation, has grown into a non-profit organization helping Fuquay-Varina residents in need.
Small churches were using their discretionary funds to help needy residents, but the help needed was greater than the funds available.
In 1964, the Fuquay-Varina Ministerial Alliance formed the Family Aid Council of Fuquay-Varina. Its mission was defined in this way, “The Family Aid Council is a cooperative project of Christian assistance to human need, combining the professional services of a battery of helping agencies with personal Christian love in action. It is FOR CHRIST’S PEOPLE THROUGH HIS CHURCHES.”
The aim of the Council was to assist residents with immediate emergency needs and to advise those in need of agencies that could help on a more extended basis.
Guidelines were established and an application drawn up to be filled out by those seeking assistance. The Rev. James B. Reaves, pastor of Fuquay-Varina Presbyterian Church, served as the first ministerial advisor and acting administrator. The church took an active role in Family Aid Council’s emergency program. As part of the program the church maintained a clothing closet in its basement for years. The clothing closet eventually moved to an empty store space.
Today, Family and Community Empowerment Services (FACES) assists clients on a first come, first serve basis. They take applications from 9:00am to 11:45am Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
FACES’ volunteers are here to help Wake County residents of Fuquay-Varina (27526) during financial emergencies.
They consider electric bills and LP gas fill ups, discuss medication scripts or refills, and will work to help keep residents from eviction in their rental unit or home. FACES’ representatives will also consider other one time major bills that have impacted a resident’s budget.
Applications are evaluated, and then it’s decided if help is needed, and available.
FACES Hours:
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00a.m. to 11:45a.m.
605 Bridge Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
In the Family Life Center of St. Augusta Missionary Baptist Church
Phone: 919.567.8100
Email: GetHelp@faces-cares.org
