One of the most used services at Pearland Neighborhood Center is its food and baby pantry.[/caption]

Pearland Neighborhood Center provides assistance for any individual in need, and if it is unable to help, it will find someone who can.

Organization lends a hand in hard times[/caption]

Founded in 1987, PNC is the only multiservice center in Brazoria County, Manager Debbie Rubestello said. The nonprofit organization offers a variety of programs, including a food and baby pantry, emergency assistance and utility and rent payment assistance through partnerships with groups, such as United Way of Brazoria County, The Women’s Center and Pearland ISD.

“Information and referrals [are some] of our largest services,” Rubestello said. “If there is a service [PNC] can’t help someone with, I don’t stop until I find someone who can help them, even if it takes hours.”

The center’s most used program is its food and baby pantry. Individuals may purchase clothing and a variety of other children’s items, including diapers and baby formula, Rubestello said. PNC also aids homeless people in the area by providing food and hygiene items as well as vouchers to use at the pantries.

While PNC assists homeless and low-income individuals, it also aids many middle-class families in paying for basic necessities when going through a rough financial patch, Rubestello said.

Depending on what grants the center receives each year, it offers a variety of free classes. This year PNC is hosting a financial stability class the third Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon, Rubestello said. If individuals request help paying their rent or utilities more than two times, they are asked to participate in the course to help them move forward.

“We try to help them better their [lives] to where they don’t need our services anymore,” she said.

Sometimes the individuals who receive help also give back in return. Such is the case for Eva Guerra, who works as a part-time contract worker at the center and has been involved for five years.

Guerra’s family fell on hard times when she and her husband both lost their jobs while she was pregnant with her second child. One afternoon while out to eat with her mother, Guerra happened upon a brochure for PNC. She said she was able to obtain diapers and other essentials while slowly getting back on her feet.

“As things started to get better for me, I got to know the girls working there, and I started volunteering and helping,” Guerra said. “Knowing how they helped me, I knew I could help others [too].”

Guerra said she never felt judged by the volunteers and staff at the center, and their friendliness left a lasting impression.

PNC also provides services to seniors who cannot afford food or medication. The center provides pet food that is donated from area businesses so seniors do not have to choose between feeding themselves or their companion, Guerra said.

“Things happen, and sometimes you’re up and sometimes you’re down,” she said. “It’s nice to know there’s a place out there for you.”