A few weeks ago, a volunteer came into my office on another busy Friday. “Can you help this customer?” she asked. “She got a letter about her property taxes and she doesn’t know what it’s about,” she explained.

I went to speak with the customer to learn more. Well into her 80s, she was shopping in a wheelchair, visibly upset. “They’re going to take my house,” she said. After gathering some information, it was time to investigate.

A quick look at the Franklin County Auditor’s website showed her property taxes were current. Perhaps the letter was sent in error or it was in regard to another matter. We had to find out, but how? If it was a legal matter, who could help?

Short answer: the Legal Aid Society of Columbus. I sent all the information to our friends at Legal Aid and explained the situation. They called the customer to learn more about the notice she received in the mail. The customer is now working with the City of Columbus to find out why she received this notice. If our customer needs additional assistance, our friends at the Legal Aid Society of Columbus are a phone call away and completely free of charge.

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This story will have a happy ending, and it’s all because of the wonderful partnerships that help NNEMAP Food Pantry serve more than food.

-Our CUSTOMER, our most important partner, knew she could share her concern with the NNEMAP volunteer who was helping her shop.

-Our VOLUNTEER, the heart and soul of our organization, knew there was some way we could help.

-Our STAFF identified an agency that could help the customer.

-Our REPRESENTATIVE from the Legal Aid Society of Columbus immediately responded to our customer’s needs and continues to follow up.

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At NNEMAP Food Pantry, we can give you food. And we can listen.

We can’t give you legal advice, but we can connect you with someone who can.

We can’t complete your application for SNAP/Food Stamps benefits, but we can connect you with someone who will.

We can’t help you choose the right health care plan or explain how open enrollment works, but we can connect you with someone who does.

We CAN care about connecting you to trusted, quality services and organizations. And we do. Because ALL of our partnerships are important.

To find out how YOU CAN BE A PARTNER, click the link below. We can’t wait to see you!

NNEMAP Food Pantry: Partners Wanted!