New hires learn about community services at the semi-annual Resource Connection.

With a goal of improved customer service, several dozen Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services trainees got a crash course in community resources May 21 at the agency’s 237 William H. Taft facility. 

“We want to connect our workers with resources available in the community to ensure our customers have access to them,” said Phylise Hill, leader of the HCJFS Connection Excellence committee that organized the Resource Connection event. “We want to connect faces with names. The main thing is to make sure we provide excellent customer service by making appropriate referrals.” 

Connection Excellence member Paula Davis added: “With rising gas prices and other economic factors, we need to know what the community offers that supplements our services.” 

Representatives from a number of agencies gave brief overviews: Great Oaks/Scarlet Oaks, Ohio Rehabilitation Services, Seven Hills Neighborhood House, Cincinnati Hamilton County Community Action Agency, Great Oaks Health Professional Academy, Literacy City West—Job Readiness, Valley Learning Center, Eva’s Closet, Mercy St. John, Sisters of Success, SUMA Fatherhood Project, YWCA, Positive Beginnings Building Blocks, Talbert House, Jobs of Cincinnati Graduates, Women Helping Women, Ohio Rehabilitation Services and Cincinnati Union Bethel. 

“Although we are big, we absolutely cannot do this alone,” said HCJFS Assistant Director Ron Kirkendall, noting that many of the agency’s customers contend with special needs, mental health problems and other difficulties. “Don’t think what JFS alone can do for our clients. Think about what the community can do for our clients.” 

The next semi-annual Resource Connection is scheduled for Nov. 21. For more information, contact Phylise Hill at 513-946-1251 or hillp@jfs.hamilton-co.org.