I first was introduced to the Benzie Area Christian Neighbor's (BACN) through my job as a Client Advocate at the Women's Resource Center (WRC), a domestic violence agency. They assisted with food, rent, clothing, diapers; whatever basic need I requested. After working at WRC for 10 years I was laid off, so I volunteered at BACN as a Neighbor Advocate; basically, doing the same thing as I did at WRC. They are a grassroots group that saw needs in their community and rallied together to make a difference. They do not receive funding from the State or Feds, so the money doesn't have "strings" attached. Anyone in need is eligible. The only paid employees are the Executive Director and the Services Coordinator. All the work is done by community volunteers and is made possible by community donations. Plus, a lot of the volunteers came to be by being recipients themselves. That's one of reasons why instead of using the words client or consumer they say 'neighbor'. They are a fantastic group of people.