New outreach program connects social workers with residents in need in various community locations
Olmsted County, in partnership with Family Service Rochester, is pleased to bring its Guiding Partners to Solutions (GPS) program to residents in need at various community locations beginning March 21, 2023.
GPS is a team of social workers that serves county residents struggling to connect with resources or services they may need. GPS works to reduce barriers and connect individuals and families with housing, cash, food, and insurance assistance and provides help in applying for these benefits.
Previously, GPS services were only accessible by phone (507-328-6325) and at Olmsted County’s 2117 building on Campus Drive SE in Rochester. Now the county and Family Service Rochester are excited to begin an outreach initiative to bring Guiding Partners to Solutions (GPS) social workers to the following locations in the community beginning March 21.
- Tuesdays, 8 – 10 a.m.
- Location: Riverside Central Elementary School, 506 5th Ave. SE, Rochester
- NOTE: This is only open to families with children at Riverside Central. This is not open to the public.
- Tuesdays, 3 – 5 p.m.
- Location: The Hylands apartment community, 2800 Charles Ct. NW, Rochester
- Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: The Salvation Army Social Services Center, 115 First Avenue NE, Rochester
- Thursdays, 1:30 – 5 p.m.
- Location: Rochester Public Library, 101 2nd St. SE, Rochester
“As we continue to test new approaches to integration and service delivery, community members have often asked if our services could be offered in new locations, beyond our traditional service hubs at government buildings,” said Olmsted County Program Coordinator Mary Eichten. “By increasing the number of locations where our services can be accessed, we are hoping to reduce barriers such as transportation or stigma.”
“As a new initiative to increase the accessibility of our services, we are increasing the amount of time that social workers with the GPS program are found in community locations,” explained Family Service Rochester Program Manager Kristina Ramaker. “The GPS worker will be supported by a virtual connection to a worker from the county’s Family Support and Assistance team to support navigating family eligibility support systems.”
Olmsted County and Family Service Rochester will continue to monitor participation and evaluate the effectiveness of this GPS community outreach program.
“At this point, we don’t have an end date in sight. As we learn more and evaluate the success of the program, days, times, locations, and services may evolve,” continued Eichten.