AGAPE Love From Above To Our Community - Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

Aud T.

Back in 2010 my ex and I had just moved to the area. We needed furniture and at the time that was their whole thing. Helping people get used furniture. We spent over an hour filling out forms and being absolutely grilled like chicken on Fourth of July. Told how we needed to get rid of cellphones and get the cheapest possible landline, get rid of the cat, how my then husband needed to get a different student teaching placement because it was deemed too far and a waste of gas by them. Before they launched into the third degree and were acting nice they had asked about hobbies what we liked, and other normal things, only to turn around and shame and weapon use that. My then husband had DARED to admit he enjoyed video games and watching movies!! We were told that we needed to stop wasting time and money on that, sell off the games and systems and DVDs and that despite going to school for a masters in Ed and student teaching my ex needed to get a part time job on the weekends instead of dating to play Mario kart with me or watch a dvd and I needed to get another job as well. Despite working full time and taking classes.
Finally we got told they weren’t sure if they could help and sent off. A week later I got a call from my MIL that agape had called her and were on their way.(she was on the papers as a reference I have no idea why they called her and not either of us) they gave us an old gross armchair, and a broken clothes dryer. The cat loved the chair so that worked out but I had to pay for a disposal place to haul away the dryer off my porch. Yes, I wound up LOSING money after they “helped”

Tiffany L.

Yes I agree with Keisha. I was having some tough times in the area… was given the run around from most social service agencies. Was told to call each one and each one told me to call the one that told me to call them. I first called and was told to do an online application, they were there to help. After days of not knowing what I would be able to do, and wondering I was contacted by a case manager who stated they didn’t have funds to help my family. I was told to call the Gatehouse who then told me to call 211 who told me to Call CSO, who told me to call the Gatehouse again. It was just a waste of energy and lead to false hopes that we would be able to receive a little help. I was told by CSO I made to much money and wasn’t able to receive help bcz one agency considered us “one thing” and another one didn’t because I had to “self-employment income”. I ended up on the phone with places all the way across the state who told me that too many good hard working people are falling between the cracks of the system in our area. I was also told I made too much money due to none of my expenses being calculated just to be able to work. Months later I find out that there is some other help in the area, but you had to be referred by a “social worker or agency” 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ So why didn’t any of these places I spoke to refer me to the correct agency. Instead it’s just a run around and then you feel shamed and hopeless because you had to fix your car so you could continue to work, which put you behind on some bills. Then they pick and choose who they want to help. It’s quite ridiculous if you ask me. I feel sometimes as if it’s retaliation, from previous reviews or questionable funding practices?

Keysha G.

Was in one time for assistance and told by the case manager not to hesitate to reach out for additional needs which I did. I heard her talking to her staff members. She stated, ”she’s a CNA, she’s making good money”. I was also asked how I plan on sustaining my job if I couldn’t pay this bill. I was told by the receptionist that they give hands up and not hand outs. To me their response was totally judgmental and they failed to see that I am trying and I have made good progress. My situation was minimized and I oddly felt shame and embarrassment after reaching out as I was told to do. Will not be doing that again.

Neil A. Y.

Definitely a community asset. For people in need, this is the place to find help.

Emily B.

Very greatful I was going through a tough time and in the process my electricity was shut off for a month that being said I lost all my food . I finally was able to save the money up to turn on the electricity and after a month I now had a fridge but no food and no money .I called and spoke to a kind lady on the phone who told me she would put a box together for me . Thank you so much for what you guys do . You really make a difference.

Marcus ?. K. M. A.

Agape is an organization religious based atmosphere. They have a food drive. They help in services with other problems of life such as financial, housing, clothing, food and so much more. Very grateful to have this in Bloomsburg community

Crystal L.

Called AGAPE for help with paying my security deposit of $600 and spoke to their case manager Karen. I was told on the phone that they were able to help me and that they could provide that amount in funds to me as soon as I found an apartment. I found an apartment, toured it, and got my application approved. When I went to AGAPE to notify them of the approval they suddenly "had no funds available" to help me. So disappointed in being lied too. If they did not have the funds available in the first place then they should have said that over the phone instead of lying to me.

Clayote S.

Still confused about this organization's practices. Was approved for rental deposit assistance, then told that even though we made more income than when we were approved, we didn't make enough income. Also we not only work normal jobs, we are professional artists and musicians, and the caseworker basically told people who devoted their entire life to working and going to school in art and music education that our careers will never pay off. I suppose it just depends on the mood of the judgemental people in the administration, and they forget what they told you the last time you were in. We were really disappointed. And this is a Christian organization. My husband literally does sound at another church and I have a degree in arts education, but just because we were struggling we both feel we were judged, while all the while, holding down housekeeping and food service jobs. None of it made any sense what we were told and how the tune changed according to moods and not the VERY appropriate, very clear proof of income and information we provided, with legitimate guidelines met. Very confusing and sad. Really ruined our day.

And in response to calling the office to talk about our experience, my husband worked a ten hour food service shift before we went in last time to basically be humiliated over his schooling, and I was told my potential teaching job was too far (45 minutes), after struggling with finding people to talk to that could be compassionate OR at least respectful. Calling the office fixes nothing! We were literally told they'll have to think about it. If we qualify, how does someone know n charge use their own judgement to decide and not only decide but change their mind? No thanks, we know who we are and that we work hard.