Community collaboration is a key to success for the WCA’s client-centered program. It allows the program to include value-added resources without added expense. No one agency can provide everything, especially when its clientele require assistance in so many different ways. Some prime collaborative relationships include the following:
- Create Common Good (CCG) – Case Managers refer clients to CCG who are interested in a job training program. Clients who want to participate in the program are asked to first attend and graduate from the Financial Literacy course. Once the client graduates, the Case Manager refers the client to CCG. CCG is a job training program designed to teach culinary skills to clients and work on barriers to employment.
- Idaho Lion’s Club Sight and Hearing Foundation – The Lion’s Club provides financial assistance to our clients who have no insurance and cannot cover the cost of an eye examination, or are in need of glasses. If approved for assistance, the entire cost of the eye exam and glasses is free.
- Morrison Knudsen Foundation – The Morrison Knudsen Foundation provides assistance to clients who are in serious financial need and are unable to afford basic necessities that include medical expenses, shelter, utilities, food and clothing.
- Community Cakes – This community program bakes birthday cakes for children living in the emergency shelter. These cakes are made paying special attention to themes and colors that the child will like, making their day extra special. Birthday parties are often held at the shelter and the cake is shared with other residents.
- Friends of Children and Families, Inc. – Case Managers refer clients with children to Friends of Children and Families Inc. for Early Head Start and Head Start services. Early Head Start and Head Start are opportunities for WCA clients to have extra support around childhood development, health, nutrition and education.