Need some advice on Coupon Classes

[licouponqueen]

Hey everyone, I currently teach classes all over Long Island. I started teaching them about 5 months ago and I am still booking classes just based on word of mouth and facebook. I do get paid for the classes, however, each person gets inserts, and a name brand household or beauty item. I will also do a raffle or 2. The raffle money I donate to my local food pantry.

I was thinking of a way to try and teach people that are less fortunate than us...people on WIC or food stamps..to help them. If course I wouldn't charge them for the classes. I just don't know how to go about this? Would anyone have any idea? I am guessing I would need to contact social services? I just dont really have a clue how I would go about it. If anyone has any advice for me , I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

[BamaBird29]

You could try contacting your local social services office. Also, contact your local newspaper - they may be interested in featuring you as "person of the week" or a similar human interest story. It will get you free advertising and help get the word out that you want to help those less fortunate. Also, contact churches who have a food pantry or contact the food pantries in your area. If they would allow you to use their building or in the case of the church - their fellowship building, then you could teach the ones who are coming to the food pantry. You could even make up special flyers to put in with the food pantry items - announcing when and where the couponing class will be held. I think it's a great idea. I'm in the process of trying to get couponing classes started here in Alabama. Would love to be updated on how this works for you.

[434Teresa]

I know that not everyone feels the way these people I know do. I find that people that get food stamps dont want to use coupons. I know several people that I have tried to help that gets them. I was told they dont need to use coupons for they get food stamps to buy their food with. One person told me it was to much work on her part. Another said I will have to buy a news paper then. They have all kind of reasons not to help themself.

As for WIC I was told one time by someone, why do I need to use coupons on this for I get it free already? I said so more people can get WIC that need it, she rolled her eyes at me.

Again I know that not all people feels this way but dont be suprise if you get this reaction form alot of them.

[licouponqueen]

You could try contacting your local social services office. Also, contact your local newspaper - they may be interested in featuring you as "person of the week" or a similar human interest story. It will get you free advertising and help get the word out that you want to help those less fortunate. Also, contact churches who have a food pantry or contact the food pantries in your area. If they would allow you to use their building or in the case of the church - their fellowship building, then you could teach the ones who are coming to the food pantry. You could even make up special flyers to put in with the food pantry items - announcing when and where the couponing class will be held. I think it's a great idea. I'm in the process of trying to get couponing classes started here in Alabama. Would love to be updated on how this works for you.

I didn't think of contacting the local newspaper! That's a good idea! Thanks! I will def let you know how it goes.

I know that not everyone feels the way these people I know do. I find that people that get food stamps dont want to use coupons. I know several people that I have tried to help that gets them. I was told they dont need to use coupons for they get food stamps to buy their food with. One person told me it was to much work on her part. Another said I will have to buy a news paper then. They have all kind of reasons not to help themself.

As for WIC I was told one time by someone, why do I need to use coupons on this for I get it free already? I said so more people can get WIC that need it, she rolled her eyes at me.

Again I know that not all people feels this way but dont be suprise if you get this reaction form alot of them.

I had the same concerns that you just mentioned. If they are getting it for free and don't have to do anything, why actually work for it. I really don't know too much about food stamps but I thought it only covered food? And not other household items, or medicines for kids. I know I can't pick and choose who I want to help, but thought if I went through the local church..the people that are coming to the food pantries aren't on any kind of assistance and I could help those people. So much to think about...

[434Teresa]

Yes food stamps is only to be used on food.

Funny thing is the food pantries here will not help you with food unless you are on food stamps. Yes here if you are down on your luck but dont get food stamps it is a waste of time to go to the food pantries for help. Which is carzy to me but its their rules. I ask one church why it was that way I was told that is just the rules. I guess they dont realize that there are many people out here that cant get food stamps for they earn just a little over the guildless. Thats to bad for they cant even get a little help from the food pantries without being on them.

Looks like they would want to save on the non food items at least but not the people I know...they sure can fuss toward the end of the month tho for they are out of tp and have only $5 to last for 8 or 10 more days until the next welfare money comes(not saying everyone that gets food stamps gets welfare)..

I hope you can help someone..keep in mind tho the more the more you teach your tricks to the harder getting your own deals may come. Sorry if that seems selfish. I just see so many post about not being about to get so and so for there is so many couponers in certin areas.

Check with your food pantries for I dont think everywhere has the same rules as the ones around here do. I just dont get why to get help you here you have to be on food stamps.

[cpaige]

I know that not everyone feels the way these people I know do. I find that people that get food stamps dont want to use coupons. I know several people that I have tried to help that gets them. I was told they dont need to use coupons for they get food stamps to buy their food with. One person told me it was to much work on her part. Another said I will have to buy a news paper then. They have all kind of reasons not to help themself.

As for WIC I was told one time by someone, why do I need to use coupons on this for I get it free already? I said so more people can get WIC that need it, she rolled her eyes at me.

Again I know that not all people feels this way but dont be suprise if you get this reaction form alot of them.

I know that when I was getting food stamps, I was very grateful for having my coupon knowledge that I had b/c I was able to stretch the little bit of money they are giving me throughout the entire month.

[434Teresa]

I know that when I was getting food stamps, I was very grateful for having my coupon knowledge that I had b/c I was able to stretch the little bit of money they are giving me throughout the entire month.

I did not mean that everyone that got them would not want any coupon help. I know there are some people out there somewhere that would love to have the coupon help to make their food stamps last longer. I was just saying that there seems to be more that dont want to apply themself to learning about coupons. I know about 7 people that get them. I have offered to help them learn and got shot down by them with one crazy reason or another.

[licouponqueen]

I did not mean that everyone that got them would not want any coupon help. I know there are some people out there somewhere that would love to have the coupon help to make their food stamps last longer. I was just saying that there seems to be more that dont want to apply themself to learning about coupons. I know about 7 people that get them. I have offered to help them learn and got shot down by them with one crazy reason or another.

I get what you're saying..and I am going to have to check with my local food pantry to see what their rules are. I agree with you how it makes no sense that you have to be on food stamps to qualify for food from the pantry. I hope it's not like that at the one I donate to. May sound mean, but I would rather try scouting out a family that , like you said..is just above the income requirements for food stamps and gets no assistance at all.

[BamaBird29]

With the food pantries - I think it depends on each individual pantry's guidelines. There are food pantries here that help people who cannot get food stamps. It's not that they are rolling in the money - but some are not eligible for food stamps, yet still live well below the poverty level. For example, I know of a family of two who are on unemployment - they are actively searching for a job, but they are so, so hard to find around here. They have been denied food stamps because they are not working. Yep, you read that right - because they are not working. The actual unemployment benefits are counted against them more because it is unearned income than if they were working for low pay. They were told they make like $9 too much for food stamps. Totally crazy! Thankfully, they have been able to get assistance from food pantries. Because they still fall below the poverty level, they are eligible for the assistance from the food banks and food pantries.

Each food pantry is different - so they will have different guidelines/rules. I'm noticing more and more people are falling on hard times and they really need our help. Although one person seems so small in a sea of need, one person can make a difference. It may seem like you're not doing enough - but you will make a difference and a lasting impression on those you help. Usually when people fall on hard times, they find they are looked at differently and mistreated. As if someone would actually CHOOSE poverty! So often, our caring manner toward others can make all the difference in the world.

It is normal to be concerned about who we help - I mean, no one wants to be lied to and have their kindness and compassion taken for granted. It is really difficult to weed out those who really need it and those who "say" they need it. However, if we just help those who come to us for assistance, having a heart of compassion toward those less fortunate, GOD will deal with those taking advantage of our kindness.