Strategic Speakers Bureau: Huge success in first year

Sept. 12, 2008 -- Dozens of area residents have a better understanding about the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services and its programs thanks to nearly 200 appearances by agency speakers in the past 12 months.

The agency launched the Strategic Speakers Bureau in September 2007 as part of expanding efforts to become more accessible and open to the community.

Bureau members give presentations, staff informational tables and answer questions at booths at events.

Presentation topics include an agency overview, adoption and foster care, child protection, adult protection, child support, Medicaid, subsidized child care, services for grandparents raising grandchildren... and more.

Formats range from a single speaker talking informally to several agency clients at a halfway house to a panel giving a half-day workshop to a large group of case managers at a social service agency. Community organizations such as the Cincinnati Kiwanis and the Western Hills Exchange Club have hosted speakers.

To request a speaker for your organization, see the online form under Contact Us on www.hcjfs.org.