Community Services (CS) Department includes programs delivering valuable services coupled with case management activities for supporting individuals seeking assistance in stabilizing households and moving towards self-sufficiency. All CS projects work strategically, driven by the assessed needs of the community and individuals living within the Jefferson and Franklin Counties. The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) makes up the backbone and the identity of CS as it is unique and exclusive to Community Action Agencies (CAA), which are only designated as such by the Governor of the State. JFCAC as one of 19 Missouri CAAs gained this distinction with its establishment in 1965 with a focus on serving those within the communities living in poverty. CSBG acts as a catalyst for services and projects addressing local causes and conditions of poverty under three national goals.
Goal 1 – Individuals and Families with low incomes are stable and achieve economic security.
Goal 2 – Communities, where people with low incomes live, are healthy and offer economic opportunities.
Goal 3 – Low-income people are engaged and active in building community opportunities. Programs are designed to address local needs around employment, education, income, housing, health, asset building, and civic engagement.
CS also works to create and achieve new community service delivery projects by working through Ideas to Action (ITA) activities. Two innovative projects are currently underway in the development and launch stages: EZMO Transportation, providing access to on-demand transportation for individuals and the Greenheart Community Project working towards a fully operational garden and education center. Both projects are in the initial stages of securing resources and establishing steps to achieve objectives and goals.
Goal 1 – Individuals and Families with low incomes are stable and achieve economic security.
Goal 2 – Communities, where people with low incomes live, are healthy and offer economic opportunities.
Goal 3 – Low-income people are engaged and active in building community opportunities. Programs are designed to address local needs around employment, education, income, housing, health, asset building, and civic engagement.
- CSBG annual funding award supports projects and activities consistent with the goals and grant requirements allowing maximization of services. Additional program funds and resources are also secured through a variety of federal, state, local, and private opportunities to broaden services.
- The Insurance Navigator Program provides Certified Navigators to help consumers understand health coverage and how they can access primary care and preventative services. Navigators can assist consumers with applying for and comparing coverage through the Insurance Marketplace based on consumers' own information. Consumers can obtain insurance coverage under a Marketplace plan or Medicaid, as well as Insurance Navigation services.
- SkillUp is a program available to food stamp recipients to support their education or employment goals. The program can pay for Hi-Set costs, training and certification programs, transportation, and work-related expenses, including daycare. SkillUp can assist qualifying individuals to reach goals and start a new career.
- Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) provides financial assistance to income-eligible households impacted by COVID-19 for rent and utility arrears for 12 months and up to 3 months of forwarding rent. Utilities include gas, electricity, water, sewage/wastewater, fuel (propane, wood, etc.), and trash.
- Disaster/Crisis Intervention Services are available to qualified applicants who are experiencing a natural disaster or major financial crisis, such as a home that has burned, the community has experienced a tornado or flood, or those facing homelessness. Funds are only used when all other programs and services have been exhausted.
CS also works to create and achieve new community service delivery projects by working through Ideas to Action (ITA) activities. Two innovative projects are currently underway in the development and launch stages: EZMO Transportation, providing access to on-demand transportation for individuals and the Greenheart Community Project working towards a fully operational garden and education center. Both projects are in the initial stages of securing resources and establishing steps to achieve objectives and goals.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 920, Hillsboro, MO 63050 | Phone: 636-789-2686, option 4 | Email: cs@jfcac.org
