FISH of Roane County is a volunteer service organization which provides emergency assistance to Roane County residents in obtaining clothing, food, furniture or household goods, prescription medications, transportation/gasoline for doctors appointments, and limited assistance in rent and utility situations. Services are normally provided on a one-time emergency basis, with some exceptions being made.
More than twenty five volunteers coordinate the requests for assistance with the person or agency fulfilling or responding to the need. In addition, there are over a dozen drivers who provide transportation for those needing rides for medical appointments. Last year, nearly 7,530 miles were logged by volunteer drivers. Requests for food are coordinated with one or more of the local church-run food banks. Clothing requests are usually handled in a similar manner with locally operated clothes closets.
FISH of Roane County is part of an international movement which originated in 1961 at St. Andrews Church in Oxford, England, to minister to neighbors-in-need as Christian "Fishers of Men." Today, there are over 1,000 active chapters of FISH in the United States. The local group draws its volunteers from various Roane County religious institutions. Its budget is funded by the United Way, volunteer contributions, and occasional corporate or institutional donations.
FISH of Roane County has no paid employees: all work is volunteered. Over 90% of funds are used for the needs of the recipients. The remaining 10% administrative expense is primarily for postage and telephone. The volunteer membership meets annually and elects a board of directors.
Anyone interested in becoming a telephone volunteer or a driver should call FISH central 882-9505. Further information about FISH may also be obtained from this number.
