Last month, Children’s Trust and the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services hosted a webinar inviting public libraries, faith-based organizations and rural health organizations to join Community Connections, a statewide resource network database.
The free 24/7 online database of resources connects South Carolinians in need to available social and health care services across the state. Individuals can search for free or low-cost services by ZIP code.
“We know South Carolinians and parents are looking for services so they can be the best parents they can be to their children—and Community Connections, working alongside findhelp, really does that for the folks in our state finding resources,” said Amelia Wilks, Children’s Trust community relations coordinator, during the webinar.
The Community Connections database is available for anyone and can be accessed through a search bar at scdhhs.gov.
Specific search categories include health care resources, employment and job training opportunities, education opportunities, food and housing assistance, childcare and transportation resources, financial aid and financial education resources and other community services. Within each of these broader categories, subcategories help users narrow their search. The platform is also available in a wide range of languages, including Spanish.
Community Connections launched in October 2021 by SCDHHS, in partnership with Children’s Trust, and it has been growing since.
Public libraries, faith-based organizations and rural health organizations especially need to know about the resource because they have frequent, direct contact with people who are often seeking services, according to Jeff Leieritz, director of external affairs at SCDHHS.
“We view this as a resource of resources,” said Leieritz to attendees. “And this resource is helpful, but it’s only as helpful as it is used. So we want to make sure we’re raising awareness about this resource to you all.”
Not only are these particular groups situated to inform their patrons and members about the resources available through Community Connections, but they can also help grow the database by adding any services they offer, according to Leieritz. He encouraged organizations to join the database by claiming their programs, which is a free process similar to listing your house on Zillow.
Community Connections is powered by findhelp, which manages and updates all programs and services on the database regularly so that information on the platform stays relevant.
Andrew Knoblich, a community engagement manager at findhelp, demonstrated for the group how to claim their program and use the suite of tools available for organizations.
He offered attendees ways to integrate the database into their work, such as embedding a Community Connections search box on an organization’s website for users to easily access. He also showed how the database is also a helpful tool for organizations to use to find and refer individuals to resources that may be outside of their specialty.
Organizations that want their services to be included on the findhelp platform can suggest their programs through the site at no cost. The platform can be used as a referral system and is available at no charge. If you’re interested in learning more about Community Connections or hosting a stakeholder convening and demonstration session for the platform, contact Amelia Wilks with Children’s Trust at awilks@scchildren.org.
Watch the replay of the webinar on March 24.
