Emergency & Family Assistance
13 Vienna Street | 585-325-4910 ext. 1134
The Emergency and Family Assistance Department (EFA) provides free services to residents in order to help them with basic needs.
The team is passionate about serving the community and moving residents toself-sufficiency.
The Emergency and Family Assistance Department, known as EFA, plays a vital role in supporting families and individuals facing emergency situations. By addressing immediate needs- such as food, clothing, rent, vital records, and advocacy-EFA also focuses on identifying proactive measures to prevent future crises.
EFA offers valuable guidance to help clients navigate complex public assistance programs, including Monroe County Human Services, unemployment benefits, Social Security, SSI, and mediation between landlords and tenants. After resolving immediate emergencies, EFA fosters ongoing communication through phone calls, emails, and written correspondence to ensure that clients have the support they need to overcome any subsequent challenges.
Additionally, EFA connects families with an array of services, including the CDC clinic, behavioral health resources, daycare, and after-school programs. This comprehensive approach ensures that families receive holistic support.
The dedicated staff at EFA understand the challenges many community members face in accessing basic needs; by stepping in and providing assistance, they empower families to work towards self-sufficiency and a brighter future.
Dolores Rodriguez was born in Chicago, Illinois and has been employed at Baden Street Settlement for 30+ years serving the community in which she was raised. She went to Franklin High School and then attended Monroe Community College. Upon joining the Baden Street family, Dolores realized that Baden Street had a positive impact on the community and she wanted to be a part of that. Dolores began as a clerical worker then as a bilingual caseworker, eventually reaching senior caseworker status. Over the years, Dolores conducted client interviews, completed intake and eligibility forms, provided language translation services, emergency food, housing, in addition to referrals and strong advocacy to social services, SSI/SSD, medical, mental health, and chemical dependency services. Dolores is currently the Director of the Emergency and Family Assistance Department, and is grateful to Ms. Annie E. Miller and Gladys Holloman, the extraordinary ladies who taught her the meaning of giving back. In her free time, Dolores likes to sing, solve puzzles (Sodoku), and go for walks.