Community Response is the actions a community takes to develop a system of resources and services which strengthen families and build protective and promotive factors and access to prevention resources.
What We Do
Community Response is the actions a community takes to develop a system of resources and services which strengthen families and build protective and promotive factors and access to prevention resources.
Community response increases child, youth, and family well-being and decreases the risk factors which lead to entry into higher-end systems of care (juvenile justice, child welfare, etc.).
2 Key Purposes:
1. Assist collaborations of community agencies, organizations and individuals in developing and maintaining a broad-based system of prevention services through addressing gaps and barriers and effective use of resources.
2. Assist individuals and families in accessing needed prevention services and resources in the community, especially during times of stress and crisis.
The Process
Community Connectors
A community connector is someone that has been in contact with a community member that is in need of support. The community connector will act as a guide and point of contact for the individual or family member to help get them connected to services, support and/or resources with referrals for additional support for their needs.
The community connector can complete a Buffalo County Community Response emergency flex funds application on behalf of clients to be submitted to the Community Navigator, who will process and determine funding availability and eligibility. You may also fill out a laptop form for your clients that may need a device in order to continue their learning, stay connected with family and friends, or for tele-health
Who can be served by the Buffalo County Community Response Team:
A fully developed Community Response system serves a range of citizens from birth to death through multiple community resources. For the purpose of Nebraska Children Community Response, public funding sources specifically support families who may otherwise enter the higher level of child welfare services or who experience significant challenges in areas such as: adequate housing, early childhood development, educational and employment goals, meeting of basic needs, addressing access barriers to behavioral health supports, or in meeting an individual or family crisis.
If you would like access to the Community Reponse application or have further questions contact Community Navigators:
Wanda Fedorchik, positivepressure@bcchp.org
Martha Marfileño (Bilingual English/Spanish), wellness@bcchp.org
Our Partners
On March 20, 2020, volunteers from these agencies met with Nebraska Children and Family to develop a Buffalo County Community Response Team:
United Way of the Kearney Area, Mid Nebraska Community Action Partners, Buffalo County schools, Educational Service Unit #10, Kearney Area Community Foundation, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Region 3 Behavioral Health Services, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney Works, City of Kearney, Villages of Buffalo County, Law Enforcement, South Central Area Agency on Aging, Kearney Area Community Foundation, SAFE Center, Community Volunteeers, Buffalo County Rooted in Relationships, HealthyMINDS Collaborative, Be Well Collaborative and Buffalo County Community Partners. Additional agencies and individuals are welcome to this planning table.
Contact us
For more information, or for any questions, please fill out the form below.