From emergency food assistance to long-term stability, our programs meet you where you are and walk with you toward where you want to be.
How We Help
Upward and Onward Community Pantry offers a full continuum of services designed to address the root causes of instability in Ellis County. Every program is built around one belief: with the right support, every person has the capacity to thrive.
Core ServiceAll community members in need
Food Pantry & Nutrition Assistance
Our food pantry is the heart of what we do. We provide fresh produce, shelf-stable groceries, and essential household items to individuals and families facing food insecurity — no judgment, no barriers, just nourishment.
Weekly food distribution for families
Fresh produce and shelf-stable groceries
Baby formula, diapers, and infant supplies
Household essentials and hygiene products
Holiday meal boxes and seasonal food drives
Wraparound SupportAt-risk families, individuals in crisis
Case Management Services
Our case managers work one-on-one with individuals and families to assess needs, develop personalized plans, and connect them with the right resources. This isn't a one-time visit — we provide ongoing support through every stage of the journey.
Our Fatherhood Initiative helps fathers build parenting skills, deepen their engagement with their children, and become stronger anchors for their families. Programming is available both in-school and online.
In-school fatherhood education programs
Online parenting resources and curriculum
One-on-one coaching and mentorship
Co-parenting support and communication skills
Father-child bonding activities and events
Empowerment ProgramAdults seeking employment, families building stability
Self-Sufficiency & Workforce Development
We help individuals and families build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to achieve lasting independence. From job readiness to financial literacy, our self-sufficiency programs target real, measurable outcomes.
Job readiness training and resume support
Financial literacy and budgeting workshops
Goal-setting and life skills coaching
Workforce participation planning
Connection to local employment resources
Coming Soon
Youth ServicesYouth ages 6–18, at-risk young adults
Youth Programs
Young people deserve a strong foundation. Our youth programs provide mentorship, educational support, and life skills training that help youth navigate challenges and build a vision for their future. Coming soon: Transitional Housing for At-Risk Youth — safe, stable housing and wraparound support for young people aging out of foster care or facing homelessness.
After-school mentorship and tutoring
Life skills and leadership development
In-school program partnerships
Social-emotional learning support
Transitional housing for at-risk youth (coming soon)
Veteran SupportVeterans, active duty families, military spouses
Veteran & Military Family Services
Those who served deserve unwavering support. We connect veterans and their families with specialized resources, benefits navigation, and community connections that honor their sacrifice and address their unique needs.
Benefits navigation and advocacy
Housing and financial assistance referrals
Mental health resource connections
Family reintegration support
Peer support and community connection
Crisis ServicesIndividuals and families in immediate crisis
Emergency Assistance & Crisis Support
When life takes an unexpected turn, we're here. Our emergency assistance program provides rapid-response support for individuals and families facing sudden hardship — helping stabilize the situation so recovery can begin.
Emergency food and supply boxes
Utility and bill payment assistance referrals
Emergency clothing and household items
Shelter and housing crisis referrals
Same-day intake for urgent needs
Resource NavigationAll clients seeking additional community resources
Community Referral Network
We don't just serve our community — we connect it. Our referral network links clients to trusted local partners for healthcare, legal aid, childcare, transportation, and more, ensuring no need goes unmet.
Healthcare and mental health referrals
Legal aid and advocacy connections
Childcare and early education resources
Transportation assistance referrals
Government benefits enrollment support
How to Get Started
Getting help is simple. We make the process as easy as possible.
01
Reach Out
Contact us by email or walk in. No appointment needed for your first visit.
02
Needs Assessment
We sit down with you to understand your situation, goals, and what support would help most.
03
Build Your Plan
Together, we create a personalized service plan that maps your path to stability and self-sufficiency.
04
Ongoing Support
Your case manager stays with you — checking in, adjusting the plan, and celebrating your progress.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Our team is here and ready to help. Reach out today — no judgment, no barriers, just support.
