FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Sally Dean is someone familiar with the needs of those down on their luck. The San Jose, Calif. native and longtime Baldwin County resident was recently named executive director of Ecumenical Ministries Inc. The promotion comes at a time when the economy is still in relative turmoil and more people than ever are seeking the services provided by the United Way agency.

“It seemed like a natural progression to step into this job when it opened up,” Dean said. “I understand the importance of emergency aid.”

Dean was emergency aid coordinator for more than four years when she accepted the top job. She also wore a second hat as administrator of Emmy’s Thrift Shop, which helps fund EMI programs.

As coordinator, Dean was tasked with efficiently providing a wide range of assistance to families in need, including help with rent payments, mortgages, utility bills, food and access to medical care.

She takes the reins from Jennifer Crawford Claro, who had been with the agency for more than 10 years before stepping down to continue her education and raise a family.

“She did a great job in the years she was here,” Dean said. “I worked well with Jennifer. She trained me through example.”

Dean came to Fairhope 14 years ago. She said, “We traveled for a while in our motor home, but wanted a different environment (than California) for my daughter.”

Sarah, who was home-schooled, finished her high school studies at age 16 then attended Faulkner State Community College before moving on to graduate from Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. Dean quickly developed a case of empty nest syndrome.

“I looked around and said ‘I really need to do something.’ A friend suggested applying for the job as emergency aid coordinator,” she said.

Dean had been serving as acting executive director since Claro went on maternity leave in March, so the transition into her new position was fairly easy. But, she knows there are challenges ahead.

“This last couple of months, we have seen people lose their jobs or have their hours cut back,” she said. “Many have never had to ask for help before, and don’t know what to do.”

Some of the first-time unemployed apply for food stamps, she added, but because the process includes a rather lengthy waiting period, that assistance often doesn’t come soon enough. Even unemployment benefits sometimes don’t meet their needs.

Dean said, “If you’ve got unemployment of $600 a month, and your rent is $900, you’ve got a problem.” She pointed out that EMI can help fill the gap. They can only do so once every 12 months, however.

The agency received an Emergency Shelter Grant to help prevent homelessness, she said, but EMI must match it dollar for dollar, and that can tax the group’s resources.

The grant funding comes from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, and is channeled through the Baldwin County Commission.

“That has given us a little more help with rents and mortgages,” Dean said, “but you have to be able to show the family can recover. We have to work within the criteria given us to receive the money.”

EMI must also work within the generosity of the community it serves. Two churches recently held food drives to stock the agency’s pantry, but it must constantly be restocked to meet the demand caused by economic hard times.

Dean doesn’t necessarily like the type of job security the growing need gives her, but is preparing for the long haul. She said, “EMI’s role in the next few years is to have a strong emergency aid program. I’ve taken over with my track shoes on. In this time of a down economy, you really need a place like EMI. It’s going to be a tough year.”

Not long ago, an appeal letter was sent out to those on EMI’s mailing list, and Dean said she appreciates those in the community who responded with their financial support.

Dean said she hopes to squeeze even more from that support by lowering administration costs so a larger portion of each dollar goes directly into services.

She is also planning to expand the group’s Web presence. Dean has hired a company to redesign the agency’s site, something that will result in the added capability of accepting donations online.

“The age 25-35 population is definitely Internet-oriented,” Dean said. “In order for EMI to stay in that area, we need to be online. We’ll continue work with the (older) generation on the level they enjoy and work with the next generation. We need to make sure we’re strong and healthy to meed the needs.”

She seems well-suited to do just that.

Dean said, “I strongly believe in EMI — about what it is, and what it does.”

For more information on services offered by EMI, or to learn how to contribute, call the Fairhope office (564 Fairhope Ave.) at (251) 928-3430 or the Foley office (102 W. Spruce Ave.) at (251) 943-3445. You may also visit the agency online at www.baldwinemi.com.