The team is passionate about serving the community and moving residents to self-sufficiency.  Each year the EFA assists ~1300 families and ~2400 individuals seeking emergency assistance and resolves immediate needs for food, clothing, rent/mortgage, transportation, vital records, advocacy and ultimately identifies steps to avoid a repeat crisis.  The staff goes out of their way to make sure that the needs of each individual are taken care of; no appointment necessary.  Additionally, families and individuals are referred to other services such as substance abuse treatment programs, case management services, and job training or employment programs as needed.  The goal of the EFA is to assist residents to become financially self-sufficient.

Program Director

Dolores Rodriguez

drodriguez@badenstreet.org

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, transportation assistance, 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.