- Benton Utilities customers enrolled in the SHARE program have their monthly bill rounded up to the nearest dollar, this extra change goes into a fund that is set up for assisting customers, and the SHARE board meets once-a-month to distribute funds. Customers submit a request for assistance–up to 3 times in a calendar year–and the SHARE board is charged with discerning how to respond. For financial accountability as well as for the intention of genuine empowerment, we document who we assist and what assistance was provided (if any) for these benevolence situations. As a believer, your assistance can also include intercessory prayer and additional referrals to community resources.
- A member of the Benton Utilities SHARE board will defer to the public utility commission about meeting times, financial reports, and board purview. If a member of First Baptist Church of Benton, this supporter will advocate (to staff) the sharing of faith testimonies that arise from benevolence situations. Helping with the SHARE board develops a compassionate heart that wants to assist everyone while also recognizing the power of a referral, the potential need to say “No,” and the thick skin needed to not meet every person’s expectations. Confidentiality is necessary.
- MUST BE CURRENT BENTON UTILITIES CUSTOMER
