Community Response is a system of supports and services for children and families designed to prevent unnecessary entry into the child welfare system and high-end systems of care.
What is Community Response?
Community Response is a voluntary program that helps families who are willing to work to resolve crises, set goals, and access assistance. Our team partners with families to increase their safety and well-being while keeping the family intact.
Community Response is short term — typically lasting from one month up to three months — and focuses on connecting families with the right resources at the right time.
Our Services
Community Response can help families navigate and access the following supports:
DHHS Application Assistance
Help applying for Medicaid, SNAP, child care subsidy, and other state benefits.
Food Insecurity & Nutrition
Connections to local food pantries, WIC, school meal programs, and nutrition resources.
Housing & Utilities
Assistance with rent, utilities, shelter referrals, and transitional housing resources.
Childcare Resources
Referrals to licensed childcare providers and assistance with subsidy applications.
Mental Health Support
Referrals to counseling, substance use treatment, and crisis services.
Education & Parenting
Parenting classes, early childhood education referrals, and family literacy programs.
Transportation
Help identifying transportation options for medical appointments, work, and school.
Healthcare Access
Connections to primary care, dental care, and other health services in our region.
Who We Serve
Community Response serves families with children in Cedar, Dixon, Thurston, and Wayne counties who are:
- Experiencing a temporary crisis affecting family stability
- Willing to work voluntarily with our team to set goals and identify resources
- Looking for short-term support to resolve a specific situation
- Wanting to prevent involvement with the child welfare system
How It Works
Our process is simple and family-centered:
- Referral — Families can be referred by community partners, schools, healthcare providers, or may self-refer.
- Initial Meeting — A member of our team meets with the family to understand their situation, strengths, and goals.
- Family-Led Planning — Together we identify what would be most helpful and create a simple plan.
- Connection to Resources — We help families navigate and access community supports and services.
- Follow-Up — We check in regularly to ensure goals are being met and adjust the plan as needed.
Community Response is voluntary, confidential, and free. We work with families, not in place of them — empowering parents and caregivers to build on their strengths.
Make a Referral or Self-Refer
If you or a family you know could benefit from Community Response, please contact us directly. There's no cost and no long application — just a conversation to see how we can help.