We help … struggling families. Our Compadre Program is a unique workplace-giving program made successful by Ruiz Foods Team Member helping Team Members who have dependent children and are experiencing a crisis.

 

We never know when we may experience a crisis or emergency situation. We hope it never happens, and we try our best to be prepared and support our families. But there may come a time when we need to ask for help.

 

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Compadre Q & A

 

What is the Compadre Program?

 

A unique workplace giving effort administered by Ruiz 4 Kids, the Compadre Program was established to ensure Ruiz Team Member children have their basic needs met in times of family crisis.

 

The Compadre Program is supported by Team Member contributions—and is truly a balance of Team Members working together to help children of Team Members.

 

With a focus on children, the Compadre Program is serious about serving those in great need by providing assistance to families who are facing financial difficulties due to an unexpected crisis.

 

Why a Compadre Program?

 

Ruiz 4 Kids is committed to making sure funds are distributed to those clearly in need due to a verifiable crisis; and we are committed to raising enough funds to meet the needs of children in our Team Member families.

 

We never know when we may experience a crisis. We hope it never happens, and we try our best to be prepared and support our families. But there may come a time when we need to ask for help.

 

This is why Ruiz 4 Kids formed the Compadre Program. It is a unique giving program supported by Ruiz Team Members FOR Ruiz Team Members with dependent    children who are suffering through an unexpected crisis. It can provide short-term financial assistance with for those families who meet the criteria and guidelines.

 

What does the Compadre Program do?

• Ensures Team Member children are provided for when there is crisis.
• Encourages Team Members to take a leadership role in helping others and an understanding of the power of giving.
• Strengthens families by creating solutions to the crisis faced by Team Member families.
• Provides integrity and leadership ensuring the money donated reaches the Team Member families in greatest need.
• Gives Team Member families the opportunity to positively change their lives.

 

How do I help?

 

First, relax, take a deep breath, and realize you are not alone. Everyone needs help at times. Next, telephone Ruiz 4 Kids at: 1-559-591-5510, Extension 2118. A confidential preliminary intake will be conducted. You may even be directed to other resources that can provide assistance.

 

What are the basic requirements?

 

In order to get apply for assistance, you must:

• Be a Ruiz Foods Team Member employed over 90 days with Ruiz Foods.
• Have a dependent child in the household.
• Be able to provide documentation to verify the crisis.

 

What is considered a crisis or a hardship?

 

As stated, the request for Compadre Program assistance must be to solve a crisis situation.

 

A crisis is defined as:
“an even causing a traumatic change in
a Team Member’s life that requires assistance
not available from any other reasonable source.”

 

Examples of a CRISIS...

 

Ruiz 4 Kids has helped many families through their crisis situations and it is important for Team Member applicants to understand the true meaning of a crisis. Below are a couple of actual Compadre Program cases that are true crisis situations:

• The Compadre Program assisted a Team Member with a portion of the cost of the funeral for their 5-year-old child who died of cancer
• The Compadre Program helped a Team Member who sustained life-threatening head and brain trauma due to domestic violence. The program provided the Team Member’s children with basic needs during the Team Members’ hospitalization.
• The Compadre Program assisted a Team Member family who was left homeless due to a house fire.

 

I am behind on my car payment and cell phone bill. Can the Compadre Program help me?

 

No. Being behind on your car payment or cell phone bill is not a crisis.

 

Financial assistance through the Compadre Program is a remedy to a one-time problem, not an ongoing situation. For example, if a Team Member’s monthly cost of living notably exceeds their income, no one-time infusion of financial assistance will solve the problem.

 

Here are just a few of the situations we do not assist with or consider a crisis:

• Team Member is behind on bills with no verifiable crisis.
• Team Member cashed payroll check and lost the money.
• Team Member has a minor medical condition or illness, or having/had minor surgery.
• Team Member is receiving support from State Disability or State Family Leave funds.
• Team Member has filed/is filing a Worker’s   Compensation claim.
• Team Member has lost/decreased wages due to illegal behavior.
• Team Member is on State Disability due to a normal pregnancy.

 

What is the application process?

 

Team Members will undergo an interview and intake process to determine the need, other income, and available resources. Team members are required to provide identification and requested documentation.

 

If approved, the Compadre Program can provide short-term financial assistance with rent/mortgage payments, utility payments, and in some cases, assistance with a portion of funeral expenses.

 

If needed, the Team Member will also be referred to other organizations or care providers for assistance with housing, counseling, food assistance, emergency shelter, etc.