Open to the Public: AM's Community Resource Connections Center

by Klarissa Monteros, AM Program Manager

The Community Resource Connections Center (CRCC) is part of Associated Ministries’ Referral and Resource Department. It is overseen by the Referral and Resource Department Team Lead and is staffed by volunteers and interns. This project is a one-stop-shop where people can receive multiple services needed to come out of crisis, reach stability and work towards gaining assets.

Anyone in the community is able to access the CRCC. Current clients of Associated Ministries can receive direct referrals to CRCC from the staff person they are working with. Non-clients wishing to receive CRCC services must meet in person with a Community Resource Connections Center Representative.  CRCC is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and can take walk-ins. Clients can also call 253-383-3056 ext 128 if they would like to schedule an appointment.

Resource and referrals provided focus on bringing people out of crisis, reaching stability and working towards gaining assets. Services include:

• Support with application process and costs associated with obtaining needed documents for basic employment, education and housing. Documents include but are not limited to birth certificates, identification cards, driver’s license, food handler’s cards and employment licensing (i.e. CNA or CDL license).
• Referrals to Northwest Furniture Bank for those who may need furniture for their new homes.
• Access to a variety of community resource connections that can help fill any areas of need. Resources can include but are not limited to DSHS benefits, food bank information, hot meal sites, legal aid, employment training programs, educational opportunities, transportation and utility support, child and youth services, and medical resources.
• Access to the Stability and Enhancement Fund (SEF) which can provide limited financial support when someone is in need of something that the community does not provide. This is minor financial assistance, for those trying to make ends meet, to prevent one situation from having a trickling effect and leaving a person in crisis.

CRCC is based on the cascade effect model. This model suggests that sometimes there are inevitable and an unforeseen chain of events, that has a domino effect on stability, leaving people in a state of crisis. There are several community resources geared towards bringing people out of crisis but very few that provide support around keeping people stable and out of crisis. CRCC aims to be a resource support for people living through those unforeseen events.