ToRCH, which stands for Transformation of Rural Community Health, is a vital program aimed at improving access to essential services in rural areas. Recently, the ToRCH Community Leadership Board announced the awarding of 10 grants, totaling $240,000, to be given to local community organizations in Dent County. Each grant that was awarded was designed to address gaps in services within the community and tailored for the community.
One of the recipients of the grant awards was SACBA, or Salem Area Community Betterment Association, in the amount of $17,000. Sarah Massengale, SACBA Treasurer, shared that the goal is to expand the Farmers’ Market SNAP benefits program by hiring an Organization Coordinator. When the Farmers Market reopens for the summer the first weekend of May, it hopes to be able to accept SNAP benefits.
“The organization coordinator role will work with the farmers' market to implement the SNAP benefits program at the market with the vendors, assist with marketing, and keep program records and document impact,” relayed Massengale in an email to The Salem News. “The coordinator will also assist our broader SACBA organization and volunteers to help support the other programs under our SACBA umbrella including Love Thy Neighbor, Dent County Toy Drive, Creative Arts Center, and ONCRC.”
Over the past several years SACBA has grown considerably, stated Massengale, and this coordinator role will help to streamline some of the administrative logistics so that volunteers can continue to focus on strengthening program impacts. SACBA hopes that the community will see more consistent and cohesive marketing this year about programs offered, along with new ways to volunteer or be part of the SACBA team.
“We are excited to be part of the Unite Us platform to help connect our program participants to other resources in the community and are so appreciative of the SMH ToRCH program to help us strengthen SACBA's efforts in the community,” said Massengale.
