In the out of school time arena it is not uncommon for youth serving leaders to enter the field because they simply like working with kids or they like a particular topic like STEM or outdoor recreation. But it only usually takes a few hours in programming to realize that child and family needs are much more complex and we quickly feel a larger and more urgent calling to serve the whole child and whole family. Unlike during the school day however, our programs rarely have the support staff such as social workers who can help us make important connections for families and it is up to us to forge partnerships and find solutions to these problems. We often don't realize there are helpful resources right at our finger tips. Doing something simple like providing information about a resource can go a long way in supporting our kids.
On this episode Lisa Smith and Megan Kenney join us to talk about 211, a resource that is accessible to anyone in Wisconsin. Megan Kenney is the 211 State Program Director for United Way of Wisconsin and Lisa Smith is the Director of United Way Fox Cities 211, serving 10 counties in Northeast WI. They walk us through what it is like for someone to call 211 and ask for resources and also give us insight into how we can treat others with dignity while helping connect them to necessary resources and services.
In the out of school time arena it is not uncommon for youth serving leaders to enter the field because they simply like working with kids or they like a particular topic like STEM or outdoor recreation. But it only usually takes a few hours in programming to realize that child and family needs are much more complex and we quickly feel a larger and more urgent calling to serve the whole child and whole family. Unlike during the school day however, our programs rarely have the support staff such as social workers who can help us make important connections for families and it is up to us to forge partnerships and find solutions to these problems. We often don't realize there are helpful resources right at our finger tips. Doing something simple like providing information about a resource can go a long way in supporting our kids.
On this episode Lisa Smith and Megan Kenney join us to talk about 211, a resource that is accessible to anyone in Wisconsin. Megan Kenney is the 211 State Program Director for United Way of Wisconsin and Lisa Smith is the Director of United Way Fox Cities 211, serving 10 counties in Northeast WI. They walk us through what it is like for someone to call 211 and ask for resources and also give us insight into how we can treat others with dignity while helping connect them to necessary resources and services.