Connecting People Goal

Goal.  Effectively connceting people to services and volunteer opportunities.

Issue:  According to the Butler County Sollutions Assessment, 60% of residents don't know where to turn for help with medical, STD, HIV, employment, emergency food or shelter, rent or mortage assistance, physical abuse, mental health, drug and alcohol, senior care, and children's behavioral issues.  United Way of Butler County operates the only official Information and Referral (I&R) Service in the County.  Center for Community Resources (CCR) offers I&R funded only for mental health/mental retardation and drug and alcohol.  However, CCR does intake and referral for all types of calls.  Agencies experience challenges in helping clients since their history is often unclear and clients often don't communicate their needs effectively.  This often leads to duplication of service.  Clients become frustrated when they have to repeat intake procedures multiple times.

 

United Way of Pennsylvania is leading a coalition to bring 2-1-1, a single-call helpline, to the state.  PA is one of only three states that does not have a 2-1-1 system.  There is a business plan in place that calls for regional call centers with each region being responsible for implementing and funding their own system.  Public policy and advocacy efforts are underway at state and federal levels to provide additional funding.

 

Outcome:  Residents know where to turn and are effectively connected to services and volunteer opportunities, and agencies reduce time for intake and avoid duplication of intake and services.

 

 

 

 

Members of the Connecting People Impact Council include:

Joe LoBue, HR Consultant, Retired, USIS and David Baum, Retired, Penreco, Chairmen; Beverly Antis, Retired, Butler Area School District; Susan Jeffries, Center for Community Resources; Maryanne Puente, Moses Jewelers; Greg Haughey, BASF; and Kathleen Treme`, United Way of Butler County.