Concerned DeWitt Citizens LTD

The DeWitt Referral Center was established in 1974 to provide a thrift store and offer clothing and food assistance to families within the Central DeWitt Community School District. For more than 50 years, the Center has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of the community. Today, the organization provides essential resources and crisis assistance to residents experiencing financial hardship, unexpected expenses, or life-changing challenges.

DeWitt Referral Center 2025

In 2025 the DeWitt Referral Center served 2,722 families, representing 8,115 individuals across the community through pantry services alone. Food insecurity remains one of the most pressing needs. Through its food pantry and supplemental programs, the Center distributed 1,543 food boxes, along with 2,685 bread sacks and 2,602 cereal sacks, helping ensure families had access to basic nutrition. In addition, 817 gallons of milk were provided to families and school children to help meet an important nutritional need.

Housing stability is another critical area of support. During 2025, 149 households received rent or housing assistance totaling $77,835, helping prevent eviction and homelessness. The Center also assisted 159 households with utilities totaling $36,628, ensuring families could keep their heat, electricity, and water connected.

Reliable transportation is often essential for maintaining employment and accessing medical care. The Referral Center assisted 105 clients with gas support and 29 clients with car repairs or payments, helping residents travel to work, school, and medical appointments. 

In addition, the Center provided $1,452.48 in medical expense assistance to residents facing healthcare costs that were not covered by insurance or other community resources.

Beyond crisis assistance, the Center provides everyday essentials that help families maintain stability and dignity. In 2025, the organization provided clothing to 2,118 clients, hygiene products to 5,578 individuals, diapers, wipes, and formula to 605 families, household items such as furniture and bedding to 1,485 clients, and cleaning supplies to 849 households. Additional support included work clothes and boots for 118 individuals, shoes for 350 clients, and winter apparel for 411 community members.

The Referral Center also supports children throughout the year. In 2025, 196 children received free school supplies, 199 children received Christmas gifts, and the Center distributed 145 holiday food boxes and 350 Thanksgiving meals to families in the community.

In total, the DeWitt Referral Center provided more than $186,287 in direct client assistance in 2025, helping local families navigate times of crisis and move toward greater stability and security.

For more than five decades, the DeWitt Referral Center has remained a trusted community safety net—ensuring that when families in our community face hardship, they are supported and not facing those challenges alone.

Mission Statement

The DeWitt Referral Center provides emergency assistance, food, and referral services to residents of the Central DeWitt Community School District of Clinton County and operates a thrift store and donation center open to the public.

The Referral Center is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization.