KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- In these tough economic times, people are looking for help wherever they can find it, including their church community.

Four days a week, volunteers at the Father Hix Center in St. Anthony's Church get ready to serve the needy. But recently, people show up at the Kansas City, Kan., food pantry for more than just food -- many are also in need of advice on how to get their finances in order.

"We believe financial literacy is one of those tools people need to help take steps out of poverty," said Catholic Charities Community Services Program Manager Janel D'Agata-Lynch.

As part of the metro's Money Smart week, the church is providing all those who come through the door with information about money matters.

D'Agata-Lynch said the organization now sees its role as evolving from a provider of emergency assistance, to a source of long-term help, everything from how to set up a bank account to finding mortgage relief.

"We know that this is something we want to help provide to people, so that they can either prevent getting into a bad situation, but if they are already in a bad situation, as they move back, try to work towards being more self-sufficient," she said.

For more information on the free services provided by Catholic Charities of Kansas City, including help with finances, visit www.catholiccharities-kcsj.org.