SACRA

Donate Directly to SACRA - HERE

Beginning in 1982….

A call was put out by St Francis Catholic Church to all churches in the area inviting them to a meeting to discuss the use of social ministry funds to aid the needy. 

There was thought that a more coordinated effort would better serve the needs of those seeking assistance as well as an equitable way to ensure those in need were served equitably.   This group decided that having a central location with a central filing system of persons who had been helped would be beneficial. 

The group set about drawing up guidelines as to how help would be given and where the central office would be located and how reporting would be done.  Decision was made to have a Board of Stewards consisting of 12 members that would be drawn from constituent congregations with 9 of those being from different denominations. 

The group was incorporated under the name of Staunton Augusta Church Relief Association (SACRA).  Bylaws were prepared to guide the operation and non-profit status was given for tax exempt designation.  

Clients were to be interviewed to assess their need with information verified with the utility company or a landlord.  Checks for assistance were to be written to a third party and not to the client.  The group was not to be involved in regular assistance but in helping in emergency situations.  Working with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, a food pantry was provided for those in need.

SACRA would be staffed by volunteers with financial support coming from congregations, individuals and other like-minded organizations.

Learn More About SACRA - HERE