Resource Navigation

During this grant period, our Resource Navigator has provided one-on-one support to more than 120 individuals/households and documented over 250 referrals into the local safety net. Our new safety net tracking system (developed-and evolving-by our Navigator) allows us to monitor presenting needs, referral patterns, and barriers to service across partners, and early trends show especially strong demand for mental health and primary care (Prairie View, NMC Health), financial and basic needs support (Peace Connections, Salvation Army, local food pantries), and safety/trauma services (Safehope).

Qualitatively, clients tell us, “You people actually care,” and partners are seeing the difference: one adult education instructor described a student who was on the verge of dropping out of a rigorous technical program until meeting with our Navigator. After a single focused session that connected her to resources and prompted follow-up with her physician, the student returned to class “a different person” – engaged, organized, and thriving. As that instructor put it, this work is not just helping people get through the day; it is “literally saving lives” and changing the long-term trajectory for families.