Seven Oakland Human Service Agencies Collaborate to Provide Better Service
Agencies factor in convenience for clientele; form unique partnership with assistance from United Way
Oakland County, MI - Oakland County residents who are in need of assistance will now be able to navigate human service agencies with greater ease. After recognizing the need to streamline services for their clients, seven Oakland agencies, -- Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA), Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan, Lighthouse of Oakland County, Jewish Family Services of Metropolitan Detroit, Catholic Social Services of Oakland County, Oakland Family Services and Common Ground, formed a unique collaborative, the Oakland County Client Service Collaborative (OCCSC).
Together, the agencies will create a seamless system for clients seeking services and support. The agencies will also establish client criteria, eligibility requirements and formulate a single intake system linking clients to services with all seven agencies. Once completed, United Way’s 2-1-1 will be included within the collaboration. United Way is also studying the collaborative as a possible model for the future of human services.
“We know that our clients are busy -- often they are working two jobs, caring for children and a home. Their daily schedule will not allow them to make multiple stops at various agencies for assistance,” said Collette Kelly, Executive Director of the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan. “We felt the need to streamline the services they need, and make the path to self-sufficiency a little smoother.”
On behalf of all seven agencies, Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA) was awarded the grant of $42,000 for one year, from United Way for Southeastern Michigan to act as fiduciary for the Oakland County Client Service Collaborative (OCCSC). OLHSA has hired a project manager to oversee the collaborative and work with partnering agencies to form a system linking services.
“Right now things are tough for a lot of people. They need to be able to make one stop to find out what services are available to them when they visit an agency,” said Ron Borngesser, CEO at OLHSA. “No one can really afford to take days off work and wait to try and get help - it’s counterproductive. Our collaborative will break down barriers and give our clients access to much needed services. The seven agencies have been working together for years. This just makes it official.”
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Campaign and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org
Oakland County, MI - Oakland County residents who are in need of assistance will now be able to navigate human service agencies with greater ease. After recognizing the need to streamline services for their clients, seven Oakland agencies, -- Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA), Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan, Lighthouse of Oakland County, Jewish Family Services of Metropolitan Detroit, Catholic Social Services of Oakland County, Oakland Family Services and Common Ground, formed a unique collaborative, the Oakland County Client Service Collaborative (OCCSC).
Together, the agencies will create a seamless system for clients seeking services and support. The agencies will also establish client criteria, eligibility requirements and formulate a single intake system linking clients to services with all seven agencies. Once completed, United Way’s 2-1-1 will be included within the collaboration. United Way is also studying the collaborative as a possible model for the future of human services.
“We know that our clients are busy -- often they are working two jobs, caring for children and a home. Their daily schedule will not allow them to make multiple stops at various agencies for assistance,” said Collette Kelly, Executive Director of the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan. “We felt the need to streamline the services they need, and make the path to self-sufficiency a little smoother.”
On behalf of all seven agencies, Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA) was awarded the grant of $42,000 for one year, from United Way for Southeastern Michigan to act as fiduciary for the Oakland County Client Service Collaborative (OCCSC). OLHSA has hired a project manager to oversee the collaborative and work with partnering agencies to form a system linking services.
“Right now things are tough for a lot of people. They need to be able to make one stop to find out what services are available to them when they visit an agency,” said Ron Borngesser, CEO at OLHSA. “No one can really afford to take days off work and wait to try and get help - it’s counterproductive. Our collaborative will break down barriers and give our clients access to much needed services. The seven agencies have been working together for years. This just makes it official.”
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Campaign and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org
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