NETWORK GROWS — The Jefferson County Educational Service Center Resource Network will continue its mission of connecting Jefferson County residents with needed services and forging bonds of cooperation between agencies and service providers, thanks to new sponsorships. On hand for the announcement were, from left, Beth Rupert-Warren, network coordinator; Prevention and Recovery Board Executive Director Bill Holt, executive director of the Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board; Jefferson County Commissioners Eric Timmons, Tony Morelli and Jake Kleineke; Andrew Henry, Jefferson County health commissioner; and Chuck Kokiko. superintendent of the Jefferon County Educational Service Center. The board of developmental disabilities also is a sponsor. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson County Educational Service Center Resource Network has proven itself a boon to residents and service providers as a bridge for community organizations as well as convenient one-stop for the resources on offer. The program will continue its important work thanks to new sponsorships from Jefferson County agencies.

The Jefferson County commissioners started the network in 2023 using American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The commissioners and the county’s board of developmental disabilities, the health department and the prevention and recovery board will provide funding to sustain the program. The commissioners made the announcement during the July 31 meeting.

The network has developed a website and an app as part of a one-stop hub to help the public navigate the resources. Growth has been phenomenal, officials explained. From August to May, the network’s website has had more than 21,000 page hits. When launched, the site had 30 categories. It has grown to 74, including childcare, addiction recovery, elder services and home health services, and organizers said more will be added.

Coordinator Beth Rupert-Warren thanked the county agencies for building a team of support for the Resource Network’s mission.

“That’s what this is all about, the community coming together, working together, and now to see all these county agencies are going to be working together to support this,” she said.

Accomplishments include helping to establish a kinship care support group for grandparents and other caregivers raising children.

Particularly encouraging are the regular Community Connections meetings, where representatives from service agencies from across Jefferson County gather to share information and foster working relationships that supplement each other’s needs. Attendees have observed these meetings bring the community together. Providers who would have normally never met have forged strong partnerships.

Recent gatherings have included many new faces as more and incoming service providers hear about the network, many saying they have found a networking opportunity unlike any they had yet seen.

The network has gathered a lengthy list of e-mail contacts and regularly shares news about available resources, such as an initiative by the Jefferson County Community Action Council to assist in purchasing air conditioners and paying electric bills during the summer months.

The program sends a message that Jefferson County is a county that works together, and new businesses and people who are considering moving into the area are listening.

Rupert-Warren spoke to one new resident who had high praise for the network after using it to quickly find a notary. She said new residents can expect much less stressful experiences in finding services, adding that other counties have seen what has been accomplished and have gotten in touch to explore creating their own programs.

Network officials continue to look for ways to fill gaps in services. This includes outreach into all parts of the county. In the Amsterdam area, where internet service is limited, signs have been placed to let residents know services are available..

Pediatric home health services is another need the Resource Network is working to meet.

Chuck Kokiko, superintendent of the educational service center, said the network has a bright future thanks to the county sponsors.

“We’re able to continue the project going forward. We’ve got a great base in this program and now we want to continue that positive momentum, continue to add resources, continue to fill those gaps and services that we see throughout the county, and grateful that we have community partners stepping up for the program,” he explained

Bill Holt, executive director of the Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board, said the network has been a much-needed tool for his department.

“The Resource Network has convened some extremely valuable meetings where I’ve had the opportunity to learn about some of the adult education opportunities that are available in our community and some of the employment resources,” he said. “It’s been extremely helpful I think in ensuring that people have access to those supports so that they can be productive and find good work, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

Holt was impressed by the passion and outreach.

“I’m hoping it continues to serve as a hub for the community to really collaborate and communicate. There’s so many things available in Jefferson County that a lot of people don’t know about. Ensuring we have continued access to them is just critical,” he added,

Health Commissioner Andrew Henry knows the program is adept at putting resources at users’ fingertips.

“As a county public health agency it was really a no-brainer for us to support the Resource Network. We’ve seen the work they do firsthand through their community connections meetings. It’s a great opportunity to connect with other agencies as well as the boots on the ground resource page on their website,” he said.

“It’s become a one-stop shop for us. Our community health workers at the health department, we can help connect county residents with resources. They direct them to the Resource Network website immediately. It’s become common practice to use that as our main source of connecting communities with the linkages that they need,” he added.

Michael Zinno, superintendent of the board of developmental disabilities, sees the network’s importance

“Many of the people we work with need resources, and I think it’s a good place to go out there and find resources they need,” he said. “We want to help support it where we can.”

For information, visit jcresourcenetwork.org or email info@jcresourcenetwork.net.