New website promotes Unity in the Community

ESC’s new Jefferson County Resource Network

STEUBENVILLE -- It may be true that "it takes a village to raise a child." But once in a while, it takes a community to assist someone in need.

During her 40-year career in social work, Beth Rupert-Warren has come across more local residents than she can count who have needed some type of assistance.

The Engage service coordinator has encountered numerous instances when a family was in need of aid.

And yet, that help just couldn't be found. Until now.

Because she has decided to do something about it.

Enter the Jefferson County Resource Network.

This newly created website was the brainchild of Rupert-Warren. It has been developed by those at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, with the help of grant money obtained by Jefferson County commissioners.

Site officials are planning and preparing for their first community meeting, scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. Dec. 8 at Eastern Gateway Community College.

The purpose of the meeting is to review the steps when adding a service provider's information onto the website, and to address why the site was created.

Officials will outline the site's purpose and provide an update about its progress.

To register for the meeting, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ssu95ks.

"Rupert-Warren is a service coordinator with the Engage program, working with families and service organizations throughout the county," explained ESC Superintendent Chuck Kokiko. "She saw a disconnect between the services available and people not knowing what was out there. After brainstorming and working on this, we went to the county commissioners, who approved the grant funding to support this."

Jefferson County Commissioner Tony Morelli stated, "The commissioners funded the website after Beth and the ESC asked us and told us they felt there was a problem -- this tangled web we have of services."

"They thought there was a need, and we agreed," Morelli added. "So we funded it and made the money available so that we can do this. It's for the residents of Jefferson County."

"Based on the ESC's role as a service agency, we do work often with the service organizations, so it made sense for us to take the lead in the program because we have the staff and resources to facilitate it, plus we have the background of being able to successfully create programs," Kokiko added.

"The virtual impact will be a one-stop location where people can find out about available resources," he continued. "Whether it's looking to help someone in need or if a school official wants to help a student, it will be updated and available for people to use."

So what is the resource network's purpose?

It has been designed to bring together as many nonprofit agencies and organizations as possible and listing them on one page of a website.

These service providers will describe the assistance they offer and list their current contact information where they can be reached.

The ESC marketing team explained, "The purpose of the site is to ensure that every resident living in Jefferson County will receive the most up-to-date information when trying to locate help with finding a local service provider."

"It is about bringing together as many service providers as possible and categorizing them in a way that will allow users to find the assistance they need through a quick and simple process."

To date, the network has approximately 60 resources listed.

Categories including advocacy, child care, elder services, housing assistance and veteran services have been created to allow users to easily locate those service providers who can assist in these subjects.

Once a category has been selected, the following page will display a listing of all local nonprofits and organizations which offer that assistance. Users will be able to select which provider they want to learn more about by clicking on their logo or title. Doing so will bring up a description page containing a link to that agency's website.

The service providers will be responsible for keeping their pages updated with current information and contacts.

Because unfortunate situations arise daily, people often ask themselves, "Who do we call?" "What can we do?" "How can we reach someone to answer our questions?"

This is another example of why this site is so helpful for every Jefferson County resident.

Anyone can utilize the Resource Network to search for answers on various topics, including, if an area resident is seeking help in paying their rent; finding a physician who takes a particular type of insurance; locating a veterinary clinic that is open when the family dog becomes ill after 4 p.m.; or becoming aware of the type of care out there when an ailing parent can no longer take care of himself.

Locating answers to scenarios such as these can be difficult and time-consuming. There isn't an easy way to access that information and instantaneously receive an answer.

Operator assistance and phone books are pretty much a thing of the past. The online yellow pages usually require a payment before divulging any contact information. Individual web searches could take hours and still leave one wondering who they should contact.

The JCRN website hopes to alleviate those issues and bring residents answers to their daily questions. Many service providers have already come forward and applied to be a part of the JCRN website.

Officials hope to have additional community meetings with new or interested service providers and possibly users who want to know more about the site.

"I am very encouraged by the positive response from service providers to submit their information," Rupert-Warren stated. "This is an example of 'Unity in the Community.'"

"Working together to foster positive, working relationships to make a wealth of information to those who need it," she said.

In addition, the Jefferson County Resource Network team hopes to coordinate quarterly meetings with these service providers to find out what still needs to be offered in Jefferson County.

The meetings would allow providers the opportunity to collaborate with one another and ultimately identify the service gaps within Jefferson County.

Once these gaps have been identified, officials explained it is their hope these service providers will become established within the county in order to meet the needs of the community.

The ESC is looking to bring together as many nonprofit agencies and organizations as possible.

In addition to a desktop site and mobile version, the marketing team and website developers have created a JCRN app and a QR code to make it more convenient and accessible at all times.

A PDF version has been added which allows printouts to be made of the information as well.

Kokiko said as time goes on, officials will look to see what is needed and discuss what is required for more resources.

He thanked Rupert-Warren for her idea, and expressed his appreciation to the county commissioners for financially supporting the move.

Moreover, he said he appreciated the JCESC board for backing the network by providing the staffing and support for the development of the app and webpage.

Barry Gullen, president of the JCESC board, said the site will offer valuable information to area residents.

"The Jefferson County Resource Network connects services in the community in a way that is easily accessible, so people know where to go to get the help they need," Gullen said.

"The Jefferson County ESC is proud to be part of this endeavor, because we also offer services to school districts and political subdivisions in the area," Gullen added.

"This is just another way to enhance what we do and extend our reach into the community. We applaud Rupert-Warren's efforts on spearheading the concept, and hope people take advantage of this worthwhile service," Gullen added.

Any nonprofit agency or organization interested in applying to be a part of the new website can visit jcresourcenetwork.org.

There will be a blue "add your resource" box located on the homepage. This will bring up an option for choosing a community interest form to be completed.

By following the prompts, users will be able to fill in the required information and submit the application. Once completed, the marketing team will upload the entries after making their final review.

For questions or information, Rupert-Warren can be contacted at info@jcresourcenetwork.net or (740) 381-5224.