Client-focused treatment and referral must be based on an understanding of the family relationships, cultures, and communities of clients served by nonprofit human service organizations. Human service providers are responsible for understanding the contexts in which their clients operate, including community disparities and resources. Human service providers and administrators must be aware of provider scope of practice and organization limitations in delivery of services. Building organizational collaborations and a client-focused referral network will close the service delivery gap towards meeting client and community needs. Developing a referral network starts with creating a community resource inventory or mapping resources.
Assignment Directions
Begin by reviewing the Unit 8 Case Study and identifying the needs of Justin and his family that need to be addressed. For this assignment, you will take an inventory of at least five groups that exist in your community (or the community of the human service organization where you work) that you can partner with and/or use as a referral option for your clients. Consider the associations, organizations, agencies, and institutions that you already know about and the following sources to help you compile your list. Review the suggestions below:
- United Way’s 211 contains information on nonprofit organizations for many communities.
- Local community websites can provide information about available resources and may also include the names of key community stakeholders who you could list as contacts if you need more information.
- The local chamber of commerce will usually have a list of the businesses in the community.
- Local newspapers may have their own list of organizations and institutions that are not generally published that they could make available to you.
- The yellow pages, town directories, or bulletin boards and community calendars may be found virtually or physically within the community.
- Friends and colleagues may know about groups, organizations, and community assets.
- You might look for churches, colleges, universities, elder care facilities, fire departments, hospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, libraries, police departments, schools, utilities, community centers, radio or TV stations, small businesses, large businesses, social services, government agencies, home-based enterprises, nonprofit organizations, religiously affiliated organizations, or farmers markets.
Then, use the Unit 8 Assignment Template to respond to the following:
- Provide a brief discussion of Justin and his family’s needs.
- Create an inventory of human services organizations that are available within the community. Include information about what type of agency they are, which populations they serve, what services they provide, and their referral process.
- Explain the purpose(s), including vision, mission, and goal(s) of each organization.
- How does each organization align with the needs of the client?
- Which of your list of resources and organizations would you suggest Trevor refer Justin’s family to for help? Support your answer