Orcas Community Resource Center Identifies Local Needs

— from Sandra Burt, MSW, OCRC Board Secretary —

Last June, the Orcas Community Resource Center (OCRC – then Orcas Family Connections) created a new Board of Directors, and our first mission was to clarify the priority services the Resource Center could realistically and effectively provide.

“We must endeavor to stay true to our original commitment to serving families with young children, and grow new programs, whenever appropriate and feasible, to reach other underserved individuals in our Orcas Community.” To that end, the Scope of Services (SOS) Committee set out to identify gaps in services and community needs. We visited and interviewed staff from 38 Orcas, county, regional & state organizations providing social services to Orcas Islanders.

That process led to a final needs assessment report in the fall. We found that Orcas Island and San Juan County experienced a dramatic DECREASE in social services over the last decade with the departure of DSHS Child Protection and Case Management services, consistent, locally run Mental Health & Chemical Dependency programs, and the Community Network and Prevention Coalition. The single need universally stated by every organization was for a social work case manager to provide ongoing care to individuals and families in need. The National Association of Social Workers defines case management as

a method of service delivery in which a qualified case manager conducts assessments of clients and their families. Based on the needs identified in an assessment, a case manager then arranges, coordinates and monitors multiple services from different providers to serve client needs. These providers can include state and local social service agencies and nonprofit organizations. Social work case management addresses not only the psychological and social needs of clients, but also the condition of the social service system in which case managers operate,.

Populations with highest needs included individuals isolated in their homes, those with disabilities, families identified by CPS to be in need of services to ensure their children’s well-being, homeless & transient Islanders, those without Medicaid in need of affordable psychiatric medication prescribers, and Spanish-speaking residents.

Additional needs included: Domestic violence perpetrator treatment, teen activities/place, adult education, adult English classes for non-English speakers, mental health training & support to Sheriff’s Deputies, education for non-immunized residents, adult day care, therapists who accept Medicaid, Medicare and other insurance, foster care homes, and respite care for foster families and those caring for people who are aging or disabled.

In our Fall Planning Retreat, we clarified OCRC’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, which included advocacy with local, regional & state entities to increase services beyond the scope of OCRC. We continue all services formerly provided by our dedicated Executive Director, Erin O’Dell. These services include “Ask Orcas” Referral Program (376-7676), Medical Transportation Vouchers, Income-based Medical Insurance Enrollment, Assistance in Applying for DSHS Services, Community Wellness Program (mental health services for uninsured), Rental Assistance, Energy Assistance, Weatherization, Lifeline Program Assistance, Kindergarten Transition Program, Parenting Support, Food Bank Pick-up for those working during Food Bank hours, and providing shoes & coats for children and Holiday Giving Tree Gifts (with Island Market & the Lion’s Club).

This winter, we joined with Emmanuel Episcopal Church and the Community Church to provide cooking stoves, basic needs kits, and warming shelters for homeless Islanders. We have hired a diverse Staff: Jana Webb as an Office Manager/Family Support Advocate; Alison Sanders to implement a “Safe Care” program for families with children birth to five years; Nicole Hill as Bookkeeper; and Dorothy Osborn as Family Support Assistant. The Board is seeking long-term funding for a Case Manager.

With recent restructuring at the Senior Center and Compass Health, increasing services at OCRC, and advocating for more services from other organizations, we draw ever closer to our mission “to insure that all Orcas Islanders have access to services and support for their well being.” For more information, contact OCRC at 376-3184.