News • Wish to speak with an individual who can direct you to the various health and human services you might need? Call Johnson County's OneAssist at 913-715-5000. • Have a news item you would like to contribute? Please send it to us and we will post it here. Agency of the Month Highlight – January 2025 Fountain of Life, Inc. - A non-profit organization providing a welcoming space for Asian seniors in the Greater Kansas City area. Collaborating and partnering with faith and civic groups serving the Asian population seeking to provide safe places for limited English proficient seniors to build friendships and get connected to health and aging services in order to enhance their quality of life.   We aim to accomplish this by offering accessible senior community centers with engaging programs and activities and by providing wellness outreach to home-bound seniors. Fountain of Life also recently became an official partner for AccessKC (formerly called Kansas City Medicine Cabinet).   Staff are trained to screen community members for health vouchers so they can access emergency medical assistance that they may need. Located at 10101 England Drive, Overland Park, KS 66212.  913-600-3728.    Want us to highlight your agency? Please email us with the specific information about your agency that you would like us to highlight and we will post it here. Jan 15, 2025 Johnson County K-State Research and Extension is hosting Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) on Wednesdays & Thursdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Saturdays from 8:30 to 11:30 am between the dates of February 5 to April 12,2025.  Free Tax Preparation will be available on a first-come first-serve walk-in at the Sunset Drive Office Building (11811 South Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS).  They also have drop off and mail options prior to April 8.  More info... January 14, 2025 Johnson County Genealogical Society (JCGS) is offering Memory Lab Sessions during January 2 -  April 30, 2025. The JCGS memory lab is located in the Genealogy area of Central Resource Library (9875 W 87th St, Overland Park KS 66212). Equipment and volunteers are there to help you with the process of converting your family photos, slides, 8mm movies, VHS tapes and documents to digital formats so you can easily save and share with other family members. More info... January 14, 2025 On the second Tuesday of every month (10 am - 12 pm), Johnson County Department of Corrections and Library host a Community Resource Fair at Central Resource Library (9875 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212). The Fairs are open to everyone in the community, including justice-involved individuals, and they help attendees reduce barriers and connect with resources available in our community. For questions, please contact Johnson County Community Corrections at 913-715-6700. More info... January 10, 2025 On Friday, January 24, 2025, Mental Health America of the Heartland will host a webinar entitled, “Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult ADHD”. 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. $45 fee.  More info… January 08, 2025 Johnson County Government's Winter Weather Guide offers key tips to keep you safe before, during, and after a storm. From emergency supplies to knowing where to get updates, these tips will help you and your family stay safe throughout the season. Stay informed about emergencies: sign up for NotifyJoCo to receive messages from Johnson County, cities, and participating public utilities. January 08, 2025 Presented by The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, Story Connections is a specially designed program for those experiencing memory loss and their caregivers. Participants will be connect to art, history, and nostalgia through object-based conversations and hands-on activities that ignite the imagination! The events take place during 2 - 3 pm on the 2nd Mondays during Jan - Apr of 2025 (Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, and Apr 14), at Shawnee Library (13811 Johnson Dr, Shawnee KS 66216). More info... January 08, 2025 Johnson County Mental Health Center's Parenting a Second Time Around (PASTA) resumes on Thursday Jan 9, 2025. PASTA provides grandparents, relatives and caregivers with a supportive community, practical skills, and valuable resources as they navigate their unique parenting journey. The group will meet bi-monthly on Thursdays at the Church of the Resurrection (5001 W 137th St, Leawood, KS 66224).  Meetings are from 7-8 pm. Participants are also invited to join the group for pizza beginning at 5:30 pm.  More info... January 3, 2025 On Friday, January 17, 2025, Mental Health America of the Heartland will host a webinar entitled, “Ethical, Cultural and Family Challenges with End-of-Life Decision Making”. 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. $45 fee.  More info… January 2, 2025 Mazuma Credit Union- Financial Wellness Workshop - WFP Connect. Our next Workforce Partnership Connect is coming up! Please register if you would like to participate. Workforce Partnership Connect brings together local HR teams, recruiters and vendors from across the Metro KC area to hear about relevant strategies and best practices. Workforce Partnership currently has employers actively hiring, visit their website Kansas Works for job openings.    January 01, 2025 Harvesters Community Food Network distributes food intended for families in need of emergency food assistance at multiple locations and times. Days, times, and locations of Harvesters Partner Agencies in the Kansas and Missouri service areas can be found at its Food Locator and Meals for Kids webpages. January 1, 2025 LIEAP -  The Kansas Department for Children and Families are accepting applications for the LIEAP program from November 18, 2024 through March 31, 2025 till 5 p.m. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a Federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. If you need assistance with the application process, DCF is holding in person events to help Kansans submit their LIEAP applications. Make sure to bring proof of income for all adults in the household and your most recent heating fuel bill. Other information may be requested.   More info… and to access the online application. January 1, 2025 Project 1020 is Johnson County’s only shelter for adults who are experiencing homelessness. They provide transportation to and from the shelter, a hot evening meal, and a grab-and-go breakfast in the morning. It is a safe place to sleep and to receive care, compassion, and support. They are located at 9400 Pflumm, Lenexa, KS 66215, on the south wing of Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church.  Hours are from 6 pm to 8 a.m. from December 1st through March 31st. There are countless ways to help their Guests, whether it be face-to-face or behind the scenes.  Please contact them at [email protected] or 913-219-3347. January 1, 2025 Women's Employment Network (WEN) will host "Mental Money" on Wednesday January 15, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. online.  Register Online December 12, 2024 2025 Johnson County Mental Health Center training opportunities now open! Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health starts with education. Scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance. Choose from three impactful programs: Adult Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. More info... November 8, 2024 Health Partnership Clinic is now accepting Appointments for Marketplace Enrollment during the open enrollment period of November 1 through January 15, 2025.  They offer free, in-person help with the health insurance application.  Appointments are required, call (913) 730-3653 to schedule.  A certified application counselor is available to help you in English or Spanish.  More info... Quick Services Search Common Searches: •  Event - •  Low Cost Home Rental Listings •  Child Support Assistance/Enforcement •  City/Town Clerk Offices •  City/Town Council Offices •  Clothing •  Community Clinics •  Community Mental Health Agencies •  Community Service Sites •  Dental Care •  Domestic Violence •  Early Childhood Education •  Employment •  English as a Second Language •  Eye Care •  Food Pantries •  Food Stamps/SNAP •  Furniture •  GED/High School Equivalency Test Instruction •  Homeless Drop In Centers •  Homeless Shelter •  Immigration •  Job Finding Assistance •  Kansas Dept for Children and Families •  Local Transit Passes •  Low Income/Subsidized Private Rental Housing •  Medicaid Services in Kansas •  Medical Expense Assistance •  Mental Health Co-responder Program •  Mental Health Services in Hospitals •  Oxford House for Men •  Oxford House for Women •  Pregnancy Counseling •  Prescription Expense Assistance •  Psychiatric Hospitals •  Rent Payment Assistance •  Soup Kitchens •  Substance Abuse •  Support Groups •  Taxi Services •  Temporary Employment •  Transitional Housing •  Veteran Benefits Assistance •  Electric Service Payment Assistance •  Gas Service Payment Assistance •  Heating Fuel Payment Assistance •  Water Service Payment Assistance Zip:  County:  Help and Videos Request Assistance … I need help using a particular feature of the application. I can't find a community resource (service). Can someone help me? I have a general question. I want to learn more about MyRC Mutual Client Alerts. Offer a Suggestion … I have an idea/suggestion on how to improve the application. I would like to suggest an addition/update to community resource (service) information. Participants Johnson County Corrections Chris Schneweis - 913.715.4503 Johnson County Court Services Kevin Waring - 913.715.7400 Johnson County Developmental Supports Lois Ferguson - 913.826.2364 Johnson County Aging and Human Services Yolanda Foltz - 913.826.5515 Johnson County Mental Health Jessica Murphy - 913.826.4010 Johnson County Health and Environment Debra Kellison - 913.826.1218 Johnson County MED-ACT Adiel Garcia - 913.715.1952 Melody Morales - 913.826.1014 Johnson County District Court Trustee Johnson County Manager's Office Johnson County AIMS Steve Yoder - 913.715.2102 Jin Yao - 913.715.2116 Johnson County Library Kate McNair - 913.826.4311 Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Kansas Department of Corrections Olathe Parole Office (supervising Johnson County) - 913.829.6207 Kansas City Parole Office (supervising Wyandotte County) - 913.621.1830 All Parole Offices Johnson County Sheriff United Way of Greater Kansas City - 2-1-1 Mid America Assistance Coalition Justice and Community Partners, Overland Park Neighborhood Improvement Project Community Partners      •KS Dept. of Commerce (Kathie Harris)   •Workforce Partnership (Erich Ulmer)   •Catholic Charities (Rebecca McKinley)   •KC Crime Commission (Ron Smith)   •Johnson County Library (John Helling)   •Gracious Promise (Shirely Miller, John Errante)   •Shawnee Mission School District (Steve Loe)   •Health Partnership Clinic (Cara Cramer)   •Shawnee Mission Headstart (Betty Choi) Overland Park Law Enforcement      • Richard Breshears Probation: Juvenile Corrections      • Tom Truax Probation: Adult Corrections      • Amy Toal Programs and Services If your group or organization would benefit from learning more about a particular program listed below, use the (request speaker) email links below to arrange for a more in-depth presentation. Read about the Programs and Services of Johnson County … • Corrections   • Court Services   • Developmental Supports   • Aging and Human Services   • Mental Health • Health and Environment   • District Court Trustee   • Library   • Planning, Housing and Community Development Johnson County Department of Corrections Adult Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) - The Intensive Supervision Officer (ISO) utilizes Evidence Base Practices (EBP) in targeting interventions for the client/offender to address those needs that may cause the person to re-offend. Domains are identified from a validated instrument looking at dynamic aspects of a person life that can be impacted (i.e., changed). By assessing actuarial risk and employing positive reinforcement the ISO can provide constructive motivation for self change. (request speaker) Adult Residential Center - The main objective of the Residential Center program is to reintegrate clients into the community as successful, productive citizens. The Residential Case Manager (RCM) would initiate collaboration with family members, treatment providers, employers and community resources so assist the client in their reintegration back into society. (request speaker) Adult Therapeutic Community (TC) - The purpose of the Therapeutic Community (TC) is to reduce crowding in Kansas prisons by diverting probation condition violators to an intensive, long-term residential treatment setting. (request speaker) Adult House Arrest - House Arrest officers routinely refer offenders to community based treatment, and monitor their compliance with any programming required. House Arrest Officers also maintain a high level of contact with: An offender's employer, an offender's family and any party that plays a significant role in an offender's life. (request speaker) Juvenile Justice Authority (JJA) Case Management - The case manager will meet with the juvenile as necessary and help guide the juvenile to a successful future, ideally to include reunification with the family. The supervision given by the case manager will include arranging for services for the juvenile and his/her family while the youth is in placement and upon his/her return home to help ensure the originating problem does not continue. (request speaker) Juvenile Intensive Supervision Program (JISP) - The Intensive Supervision Officer initiates collaboration with schools, family members, employers, treatment providers and significant others. All clients participate in counseling, as directed by the court. They observe a curfew and are tested frequently for drug and alcohol use. Clients participate in community service, as well as in-house programs, such as Life skills, Offender Group, Anger Management, or Tobacco Free Teens. (request speaker) Juvenile House Arrest - The program provides an alternative to incarceration. Juveniles are electronically monitored through random telephone calls and breathalyzers. House Arrest Officers also randomly visit the juvenile's home without notice. (request speaker) Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center (JIAC) - The Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center is a collaborative effort of the Johnson County Department of Corrections, Johnson County Court Services, Kansas Children's Service League, Regional Prevention Center and Responsive Centers. During the intake and assessment process of youth, JIAC personnel use state mandated screening instruments and validated assessment instruments to identify risk and needs of the youth, and make referrals to appropriate services to the youth and families. At JIAC, youth are processed and/or booked as either a Child in Need of Care, Notice to Appear (NTA) cases, or law enforcement drop-offs. Community safety has to be carefully determined for each youth that is presented at JIAC regardless of the reason for the referral. Some of the services offered to youth and families include, case management, substance abuse, mental health services, family counseling and anger management. (request speaker) Johnson County Court Services Adult Supervision - Court Services Officers (CSOs) supervise individuals that have been placed on probation by the 10th Judicial District Courts. Within the department, there are six teams: Domestic Violence, Fraud/Forgery, Intensive Supervision, Drug, Sex Offenders, and Bond Supervision. While duties may vary, it is the CSO’s primary responsibility to ensure the client complies with all conditions of probation set forth by the respective District Court Judge. (request speaker) Adult Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) - The PSI unit is responsible for the preparation of misdemeanor and felony pre-sentence investigation reports as ordered by the Johnson County District Court and in accordance with the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines. These reports include a complete compilation of the defendant's criminal history, comments from victims concerning sentencing and restitution, and an assessment of appropriate conditions should the defendant be placed on probation supervision. (request speaker) Domestic Unit - Provides services and resources for families going through the divorce process or in post-divorce matters in the Johnson County District Court. These services include providing mediation for separated or divorce parents, preparing written reports (home studies) for the District Courts, leading an education program for parents raising children in two homes ("Solid Ground"), leading a court-ordered education program for high conflict families ("Higher Ground"), providing an environment where parent/child contact can occur with supervision ("Supervised Visitation"), and ensuring a safe transfer for children between parents ("Supervised Exchange Program"). (request speaker) Juvenile Diversion - Diversion is a program designed for first-time offenders charged with relatively minor offenses. Diversion is a privilege and not a right. If the youth's diversion is revoked, the youth may be found to be a juvenile offender and have a formal juvenile record. If all the requirements of the diversion are completed, the case will be dismissed. (request speaker) Juvenile Probation - Court Services Officers (CSOs) ensure that the juveniles under supervision are abiding by the terms and conditions of their diversion/probation, as ordered by the District Court Judge. Cases are assigned to CSOs based on what school the juvenile attends. Additionally, CSOs may prepare pre-sentence reports and enforce special conditions of probation (e.g., Alcohol/Drug Evaluations and Treatment, Psychological Evaluations, Sex Offender Evaluations, Attendance of Specialized Groups, Community Service Work). (request speaker) Johnson County Developmental Supports Case Management - JCDS case managers help individuals gain access to needed services and offer an array of coordination supports including needs assessment, personal support planning, assistance in identifying and accessing funding options, planning for service transition, and advocacy. Case Management services promotes maximum independence and successful integration into community living, minimizes individual reliance on institutional services, and maintains accountability and continuity of services to individuals and families as long as services are required. (request speaker) Day and Employment Services - JCDS offers a variety of on-site and community-based Day Service options for individuals with all levels of support needs: • Subcontract (Center-Based) Employment - Subcontract (Center-Based) Employment is designed for people who desire consistent support and instruction while performing paid piece-rate work. Participants earn a wage based on productivity while completing important assembly, packaging, and other subcontract tasks at the Elmore Center. (request speaker) • Supported Employment - Supported Employment offers full or part-time employment opportunities to individuals or to small groups of people with disabilities (generally 3-6) seeking work at local community businesses but who need on-going support. The workers are trained, supervised, and supported at the company's job site by a JCDS job coach and work among employees who are not disabled to fulfill contractual agreements. (request speaker) • Community Employment - Community Employment places a person with a developmental disability in a job in the community business which best suits his/her abilities and preferences. Training is provided by a JCDS job coach at the work site to help the worker develop job skills and work-related procedures and behaviors. Support continues until the individual no longer depends on the job coach to perform assigned tasks or routines at an acceptable level. (request speaker) • Life Enrichment Supports - Life Enrichment Supports offer a variety of leisure, social, therapeutic, and volunteer opportunities. It is especially designed for individuals who want a day program that includes opportunities for non-work as well as work-related activities. (request speaker) Residential Services - JCDS offers a wide variety of community living options ranging from fully supported to independent living settings: (request speaker) • Supported Living Services - Supported Living Services respond to those individuals who need comprehensive, on-site staff support 24 hours per day in their homes shared with one to three other people with developmental disabilities. JCDS' Supported Living program provides these intensive supports while promoting as much independence as possible within individual abilities. • Supervised Living Services - Supervised Living Services are offered for those who need daily assistance in their homes. Through training, supervision and assistance, this program promotes greater self-sufficiency in the tasks of daily living while reducing the amount of direct support needed from staff. • Community Living Services - Community Living Services present a range of services for those who require less assistance - in his/her own home or in a community apartment. Part-time staff support is provided as needed to help the individual establish or maintain an independent lifestyle in the community. Health Supports - JCDS offers a variety of professional services and supports necessary for people with disabilities to maintain health, expand functional abilities, and increase adaptive behavior: • Nursing Services - Nursing Services at JCDS are provided by licensed nursing staff who are experienced with the developmental disability population. In addition to routine nursing tasks, nurses conduct wellness monitoring, develop health care plans, and provide staff training in such areas as exposure control and medication administration. (request speaker) • Assistive Technology (AT) Services - Assistive Technology (AT) Services redefine "possibility" for people with severe and multiple disabilities by helping to overcome physical challenges. JCDS' AT specialists apply tools and equipment designed to develop, maintain or improve a person's ability to function in all aspects of life. The assistive technology team has demonstrated significant results in helping people achieve their desired lifestyle through the application of AT and modifications to their home and work environments. (request speaker) Johnson County Aging and Human Services Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - Includes the following programs and services: • Private Care Management - Private care management focuses on assisting individuals age 60 and over to live independently in the community. Services include assessment of individual needs, development of an individualized plan of care and locating and establishing services. (request speaker) • In-home Services - Services such as homemaking and bathing assistance are important supports for persons who can no longer independently meet all their own needs. Clients meet State eligibility guidelines for nursing home care but prefer community care. (request speaker) • Nutrition Program - Meals on Wheels provides meals Monday through Friday to persons 60 and older who are homebound. Neighborhood Centers operate in eight locations throughout the county. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00p.m. Monday through Friday, they provide a nutritious meal for 60+ older adults. Activities including exercise classes and games are also offered at each center. The CHAMPSS Program offers nutritious meals Monday through Friday at several Hy-Vee grocery food courts with more meal options and greater flexibility of meal times. (request speaker) • Client Assessment Referral & Evaluation (CARE) Nursing Home Pre-Admission Screening - The AAA administers the CARE program, through which anyone seeking a permanent move to a Kansas nursing facility must be assessed. (request speaker) • Aging Information & Referrals - The Johnson County Area Agency on Aging offers a single point of entry for services. Aging information specialists are your starting point for locating resources such as in-home services, congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation, legal assistance, insurance, housing, and more. (request speaker) Accessibility - Includes the following programs and services: • Case Management - Case management is assisting persons with a disability in assessing needs, finding available resources; and connecting them with those resources so they can live as independently as possible. (request speaker) • In-home Services - A variety of in-home services is available to Johnson County residents with a disability who are 59 years of age or under to enable independent living. (request speaker) • Catch-a-Ride - Connects people needing rides with volunteer drivers. Residents of Johnson County who are 60 and older, have a temporary or permanent disabling condition, or are in life transition (divorce, job loss, etc.) use Catch-a-Ride for transportation to and from medical appointments, service appointments, and other necessary travel. (request speaker) Outreach - Multi-Service Outreach Centers provide a safety net for those in need and a means of moving beyond cycles of aid into self-reliance. We serve people in need of social services who live in geographic areas generally conforming with school districts. (request speaker) Johnson County Mental Health Center 24 Hour Crisis Emergency Services - Professional clinical staff are on duty 24-hours-a-day to provide mental health emergency services. (request speaker) Mental Health Services - Includes the following programs and services: • Children Services - Family Focus serves children and youth with severe emotional and behavioral problems who are at risk of being hospitalized or placed away from their families. Services include case management, psychosocial groups, home-based family therapy, individual community support. and parental support. (request speaker) • Adult Services - A comprehensive range of services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness, including ...   • Case Management   • Counseling   • Peer Support   • Vocational Services and Supported Education   • Young Adult / Transition Services   • Aging Services (request speaker) Substance Use Services - Includes the following programs and services: • Adolescent Center for Treatment (ACT) - is a 30-bed residential facility for adolescents experiencing problems due to a substance use disorder. The program is staffed 24 hours a day by licensed clinicians and youth care technicians and provides teens with a safe, trauma informed environment to begin their recovery. (request speaker) • Adult Detoxification Unit (ADU) - is a 14-bed unit that assists individuals safely through the process of withdraw from alcohol or other drugs in a non-medical setting. ADU accepts admissions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (request speaker) • Outpatient Services (Adolescent, Adult) - Outpatient services for those who are experiencing difficulty with both substance abuse and mental health issues. (request speaker) Prevention Services - A prevention resource for communities, families and individuals interested in reducing the risk correlated with adolescent substance abuse. Provides training and education, information, problem identification and referral, and research based community development programs to local leaders. (request speaker) Deaf Services - Provides specialized services for hearing impaired residents of Johnson County. (request speaker) Johnson County Department of Health and Environment WIC (Women, Infants and Children) - WIC is a nutrition program that provides nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services to pregnant and breastfeeding women, new moms, and kids under age 5. (request speaker) Immunizations - Childhood immunizations, school immunization requirements, travel immunizations, and adult immunizations. (request speaker) HIV Testing and STD Testing - (request speaker) Pregnancy Testing/Family Planning - Includes various reproductive health services in order to assist individuals or couples with the timing and spacing of pregnancies, to provide counseling and contraceptive services, to assist with infertility and identify other medical problems, and to improve knowledge about reproduction and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. (request speaker) Prenatal and Postpartum Services - Skilled staff help meet the needs of both mother and baby prior to and following delivery (e.g., pregnancy testing and counseling, physical examinations, laboratory testing). In-home assessments, counseling and education are also available. (request speaker) Targeted Case Management for Adolescents - "Empowering Futures" provides free case management for pregnant and parenting adolescents under the age of 21. A case manager will help with setting and reaching goals in several life areas (e.g., Daily Living Situations, Education and Training, Employment, Finance, Key Relationships, Parenting, Health, Empowerment). (request speaker) Child Care Licensing - The Child Care Licensing Program works with all child care providers in Johnson County. According to Kansas Child Care Licensing Law, anyone providing care for children other than those related by blood, marriage, or adoption, must be licensed with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. (request speaker) Employment/Higher Education Physicals - Physical examinations for adults in order to attain employment or enroll in higher education. (request speaker) Additional Services • Outreach Nurse Home Visiting Program for Senior Adults • Safe Kids Johnson County • Blood Pressure Clinics • Tuberculosis Testing • Emergency Preparedness: Dispense Assist, Family Emergency Preparedness Johnson County District Court Trustee The Johnson County District Court Trustee's office is responsible for enforcement of all Johnson County support orders (e.g., child support, spousal support) as well as any other court orders referred to it by other courts. Hearing Officers within the Court Trustee's office preside over summary administrative hearings for enforcement and modification of child support/maintenance orders, enforcement of parenting time, enforcement of visitation orders, the establishment of support orders in limited cases, and birth certificate changes. (request speaker) Johnson County Library The Johnson County Library is so much more than a place to find a good book or DVD. It is even more than a place to read magazines and newspapers, use a computer, connect to a free wireless network, reserve a study or meeting room, or make things using 3D printer, laser cutter, sound booth, green room, and other tools. In fact, the library isn't just a place anymore  —  although it most certainly is still that  —  since it offers many of its services online now. The Johnson County Library  —  both the thirteen physical, brick and mortar facilities and the digital, online library  —  is also a place where … • Persons can get help developing a career and searching for a job (e.g., resume writing, interviewing, job searching) • Kids can obtain help with homework • Parents and caregivers can help children develop the six skills they need so that they are ready to read by age six • Young kids can participate in events that make reading fun (e.g., Storytime, Books to Go Kits) • Teens can get help with homework as well as submit stories/poems/photography/illustrations for publication, participate in Anime clubs, etc. These are but a few of the free services offered by the Johnson County Library. For more information, visit Johnson County Library online. (request speaker) Johnson County Planning, Housing and Community Development Housing Services - Includes the following programs and services: • Housing Authority - The Housing Authority administers the federally funded Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for the cities of De Soto, Edgerton, Gardner, Lenexa, Merriam, Mission, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Roeland Park, Shawnee, Spring Hill and Westwood areas, Leawood, Fairway, and Stillwell. The program provides subsidies to very low and extremely low income families, allowing them to locate decent, safe housing while maintaining their rental payments at an affordable level. (request speaker) • Minor Home Rehabilitation - The Minor Home Rehabilitation Program assists eligible Johnson County homeowners with home repairs and provides limited accessibility modifications for eligible persons with a disability. (request speaker) • Johnson County HOME Program - The HOME Program assists eligible Johnson County homeowners with rehabilitation of their homes to bring them into compliance with local housing codes (Housing Quality Standards). (request speaker) Success Stories Have a success story to share? Send us a message and we will post it here. Please note that some of the stories below refer to My Resource Connection (MyRC) by its previous name, the Caseworker Resource Center (CRC). Submitted by Kevin McGuire, Johnson County Mental Health We were having a difficult time locating a high risk client after he unexpectedly walked out of our building. We had bad contact information. This client was high risk for self-harm and we considered this situation an emergency. We called 911 and asked LEO to search for this client. They were unsuccessful locating him at two addresses we had on file for the client. We found another address on MyRC and reported this to LEO. They found the client at this address and he was safely located and brought back to our building for continued safety assessments. Without MyRC, we may not have found the client.  Submitted by Corrie Steele, Johnson County Mental Health Yesterday, MyRC played an integral part in reuniting a young woman with her mother, whom she had been out of contact with for years. This woman came into contact with MHC staff after she ended up at RSI having recently been released from jail with nowhere to go and stayed with a man she did not know for several days. She had no identification and had very few contacts. She was also struggling with mental health symptoms. Since engaging in services, she has been able to secure housing at Breakthrough House and has been working with staff at trying to obtain identification so she could apply for such things as food stamps, disability or even a job. Staff had been working on trying to locate her mother and even her probation officer was joining in on the search. While reviewing her records for data purposes, I became aware of the search for her mother and opted to try a little digging on my own. I was able to locate her mother’s name in her old file which I then plugged into MyRC. Fortunately, her mother had recent contact with another county entity and her address and phone number was located. This was passed on to staff that was working with the consumer (who happened to be meeting with her at the time I sent my email) and she was able to reconnect with her mother after years of not knowing how to contact her. Not only will she be seeing her mother tomorrow for the first time in years, but her mother will be able to bring documentation to her that will help this young lady get identification so she can move forward with connecting to needed supports … all because of MyRC. Submitted by Jessica Murphy, Johnson County Mental Health I was able to get correct phone and address for this client following a screening for the state hospital this weekend. Without MyRC, it would have taken more resources to locate them and assure they are ok, including an outreach by my team and police this afternoon. Submitted by Kay Lowe, Johnson County Human Services Yesterday I had a client in for utility assistance and she was looking for a part time job to help pay her bills. I showed her the MyRC site and how to use it. Today I met with her again & she said she already has a job interview from one of the jobs she saw on the MyRC site. I told her to give me a follow up call, if she gets the job. Submitted by Mary Taylor, Johnson County Health and Environment Jo Beth recently helped a handicapped gentlemen in Mission. He was wheelchair bound, had trouble communicating and he was homeless. Jo Beth was so kind to sit with him to see what services he needed. Information from MyResource Connection was used to get the gentleman the necessary services he desperately needed. Jo Beth has a heart of gold and always provides excellent customer service. Thanks Jo Beth for your commitment to public service! Submitted by Amber Huff, Wyandotte County Corrections I recently had a Client in desperate need of assistance with funds to replace his Driver's License as he could not obtain employment with his expired one. I referred him to Avenues to Life who welcomed him with open arms, and provided him with voucher funds to pay for this identification piece. Now he can apply for jobs with proper identification to help decrease this barrier he had against him. He is very thankful for Avenues to Life for assisting him so he can now obtain a job. Please check out Avenue of Life Submitted by Becky Carlton, Johnson County Library I helped a library patron find area homeless shelters. Thank you so much for this valuable resource! Submitted by Amber Huff, Wyandotte County Corrections I recently had a young male who was coming out of jail and needed warmer winter clothing. I reached out to MyRC and found Avenue of Life. I contacted them with my Client's sizes and they filled 4 trash bags full of clothes from their thrift store. They even included hygiene items. They even advised if upon release this individual needed further services to contact them or come by their location for further needs. My Client's response was "This agency has completed exceeded my expectations". Please check out Avenue of Life as they are willing to help out the neediest of the neediest, and welcome anyone with open arms, as they are trying to bridge the gaps. Submitted by Becky Carleton, Johnson County Library I helped a library patron find adult literacy programs. Thank you. Submitted by Patricia Daniels, Johnson County Court Services My sister is a nurse practitioner at Children’s Mercy Hospitals Main Campus. We were talking about resources and that there were several new social workers at the hospital and they were struggling with finding resources for families. I told her about My RC and sent her a link to share and utilize. She has told me that they are thrilled with the resource and using it and are very thankful. Just wanted to let you all know that this tool is able to help in all walks. Submitted by Melinda McCarty, Johnson County Community Corrections The new RC updates (Oxford House Listings search & Lenexa Municipal Court Records search) are great features & will be very helpful. Just wanted to say "thank you" for adding these tools & for all the work that the CRC team does. This is an awesome resource & I use it daily! Submitted by Amber Huff, Wyandotte County Community Corrections I recently had a Client that her Son committed suicide. Due to her mental state, I found free Counseling services to refer her too, and free safety net clinics for medications. She is now attending regular individual free Counseling sessions with Licensed Counselors and has also got her Daughter-In-Law involved in the free individual counseling as well. Additionally, My Client got involved with the Medical Clinic and is receiving medications at no cost. My Client reports that both herself and her Daughter-In-Law are doing well and feel so much better. Thanks to MyRC for the wonderful referrals, My Client and her Family are back on the road to recovery. Submitted by Becky Carleton, Johnson County Library I'm a librarian at the Johnson County Library. I helped a patron looking for a list English as a second language classes. I found a list of resources here. Thank you! Submitted by Melinda McCarty, Johnson County Department of Corrections I recently met with a client who is coping with several medical issues. She expressed an interest in wanting to try physical therapy, but had not looked into it any further due to the cost associated. We utilized the CWRC to find companies that provide physical therapy and accept Medicaid. The client followed up with this information on their own and now has an appointment scheduled for their first PT session. Submitted by Kim Winsor, Johnson County Human Services Department I had a client that needed some furniture and when I looked up options in the CRC I found Hope Faith Ministries. I called them and their VM asked a CMGR to fax a letter confirming need, items and contact info for client to them. I faxed them that Friday and they delivered the needed items this past weekend. The client is very happy – she received a mattress, box springs, couch and recliner. When you call, the VM states delivery will take up to 6 wks, but this was very fast? She stated the items are in good condition and she is very satisfied. Submitted by Lamar Delt, Johnson County Department of Corrections I have a client who will be time serving tomorrow. However, he doesn’t have place to go or plans for food. I looked on the CRC. We found Shelter on CRC and he now has a place to go. We also found Catholic Charities and he will be meeting with them tomorrow to set up food vouchers and will get help with rent payment assistance after he finds an apartment. Submitted by Dino Callahan, Johnson County Department of Corrections I was meeting with one of my clients last week, he told me that he was staying at a friend’s house because he could not afford to pay his electrical bill for Kansas City Power & Light. The house arrest client stated that he feels he is in a bad environment and his friends do not respect that he is on House Arrest and are doing whatever they want at this house. I looked up several programs for the client and gave him numbers and people to call through the CRC and when meeting with the defendant this week he was able to move back home and his power at his home was turned on and the client stated that he was able to call the Johnson County Outreach program and the client stated that he paid $200 out of a $600 bill to have the electricity back on with the help of the Outreach program. The client stated that he was very grateful and surprised that we were able to help him. Submitted by Barb Thompson, Johnson County Public Health Department A female client of mine has been bed ridden for over 15 years with a benign brain tumor. Her spouse can transfer her to a wheelchair, but has limited finances and is unable to afford a wheelchair van. I found under CRC, transportation resources for a wheelchair van. The client’s family rented it for a day and took her out on outings (Walmart, visiting her mother in a nursing home). She was so happy to get out of the house and will use “Lift Lenexa” again. Thanks CRC! Submitted by Melinda McCarty, Johnson County Department of Corrections As a new Intensive Supervision Officer (ISO), I just received training on the Caseworker Resource Center this morning. I also met with my first client for the first time this afternoon. I was able to provide her with information about an upcoming job fair geared towards women (posted under the news section), as well as resource information for KC’s Medicine Cabinet to help with her medication. It was very helpful to have this information so readily available to provide the client. Submitted by Pat Pickett, Johnson County Public Health Department I was so happy to see the CRC News item today about an upcoming free dental clinic. I had just been to see a new prenatal client this afternoon and her husband was having a toothache and had been in pain for 1-2 days. I called him with this information and he is going to take advantage of the opportunity. He plans to go on Saturday and have his tooth extracted. Thanks again. Submitted by Chris Montgomery, Johnson County Human Services Department At the Multi-Service Center, I was working with a laid-off client who had experience in the crane business and was looking for a job. I knew I could look up jobs through the CRC resources. I clicked the job link that was included in his data to search for jobs. I helped him fill out the job application and update his resume, then uploaded the resume to the job site. By the time the client got home, he had a telephone message from the prospective employer, asking him to fax more information. I don’t know how it turned out, but the CRC helped him get a foot in the door! Submitted by MaryJo Davis, Johnson County Mental Health Center The recent news item concerning helping clients with professional clothing was very helpful. I took one client and she got some great things. Thanks. Submitted by Barb Thompson, Johnson County Public Health Department I recently saw an 84 year old lady who recently became a paraplegic and her spouse was the main caregiver. I gave him "Caregiver" information from the CRC. Also, they wanted to know if I knew anyone that “puts” in elevators in residential homes. Well, I thought surely, it won’t be on CRC. And to my surprise, I found two resources that actually do that. So, you never know. I am thankful I was able to help them. Submitted by Nancy Hart Kline, Counselor at Leawood Middle School Thank you so much for getting us trained on the CRC. Yesterday I used it twice in working with parents and was able to do in minutes what usually would have taken hours! Excellent resource! Submitted by Kevin McGuire, Johnson County Mental Health Center Through the Caseworker Resource Center I helped a client (who lives in Johnson County) find a bed even though the info in the CRC said "Jackson County residents only". We called anyway and they were able to help my client; all we had to do was go pick it up. That was my client’s only goal and we were able to meet it. Submitted by Kevin McGuire, Johnson County Mental Health Center The CRC helped me get connected to the Probation Office on 87th Street. The client wouldn’t give me the information and I looked them up in the CRC and got it. It was really beneficial. Submitted by Jessica Murphy, Johnson County Mental Health Center When I get back to the office after meeting with a client, I use the CRC to look up resources for them. Submitted by Jeff Stiefvater, Johnson County Mental Health Center I had a new client in need of homeless housing options. The CRC was very helpful to be able to find the phone numbers for the homeless shelters quickly. Submitted by Charlie Clement, Johnson County Mental Health Center I have had multiple times when I have looked up new referrals in the CRC and learned about criminal charges and which probation officer they were working with. Also, it is convenient to have all contact information in one place. Submitted by David Hall, Johnson County Department of Corrections The Caseworker Resource Center is the best tool I have to serve my clients. Submitted by Jay Leak, Johnson County Human Services Department I received a release of information from Minnesota regarding a client who supposedly received services from Johnson County. He was too young to be served by the Area Agency on Aging where I work. Our Accessibility program had no record of him. We got on the Caseworker Resource Center to see what department had worked with him so we could redirect the request. From what we learned he had not been served by one of the participating departments. This was helpful to us as we tried to track down his records. Submitted by Christina Jordan, Johnson County Human Services Department I did an assessment with a client who lost her husband and she was looking for grief resources. I printed out a map of several grief groups in her area with directions. She called me and let me know she attended a group and liked it. Submitted by Pam Owens, Johnson County Human Services Department Question: How do two people, who both have physical and developmental disabilities, move from a second floor apartment to a more accessible first floor apartment? Answer: With a whole lot of help! Fred (not his real name, of course) and Ethel (ditto) have lived in their apartment since 1991. Since that time, Fred has developed heart trouble, and Ethel has had brain surgery as well as difficulty walking. Living on the second floor of a building with very steep stairs has not been easy, and everyday tasks such as doing laundry in the common laundry area in the basement and bringing in groceries became overwhelming. When Ethel recently spent several months in a nursing center for mobility rehabilitation, it became clear that something had to change. Fred receives services from the Human Services Department Accessibility Program, while Ethel is a Johnson County Developmental Supports client. Both have been receiving home delivered meals and homemaking services from Human Services for some time, but further cooperation was now needed. The case managers from both programs have assisted with this move: JCDS found an apartment complex where several of their clients already live, and their HSD case manager assisted with the paperwork required for the move. HSD also provided a volunteer to help them pack and unpack. When Fred's case manager called to ask if the volunteer had been helpful, Fred, who is rarely positive about anything (due to his developmental issues), said, "Oh my heavens, did she! I never saw someone so strong! For a woman!" and went on for several minutes about how much he appreciated her help! JCDS also found funding to pay for movers and the move has been accomplished successfully. Fred and Ethel love their new place, and slowly but surely, they are settling in. This achievement could not have happened, however, without teamwork between Johnson County agencies. Submitted by Chris Schneweis, Johnson County Department of Corrections I am usually the one asking staff for stories about how the CRC assisted them with working with clients. Well, this time, I'm the one who has a story to share about an interesting resource that I found on the CRC. I referred one of my clients to an agency called "Family Conservancy" and they are assisting him with a car loan. It's very interesting how it works. First off, it's for "single parent" only, who have bad credit or no credit. The loan is up to $6K dollars and the interest rate is only 8%. Now, here is the interesting part. They put a "kill switch" system on the engine and if the individual doesn't make their payments, they turn the car off and render it inoperable. However, they don't repo the car, they just work with the individual to make the payment, at which point they turn the car back on. Also, to get approval, the person has to go through budgeting classes and provided all the necessary documentation (proof of employment, utility bills, rent expenses, etc.). Good resource that I never even knew existed until I sent my client there. Submitted by Linda Rogers, Johnson County Human Services Department A recently paroled felon who applied for rent assistance, but failed to explain why he had been unemployed for several years (he was in prison on fraud and theft charges). This made it clear that he would not qualify for the rent assistance! Submitted by Christina Jordan, Johnson County Human Services Department When clients call me to complain (usually about a fund that is depleted or that they have maxed out their service for the year) I can look them up on MAAC and CRC and do some problem solving with them, referring to additional resources and e-mailing or mailing the information as a follow up to good customer service. Submitted by Stevie Morris, Johnson County Human Services Department The CRC has helped me identify consumers who have a case manager in the system already. Saved me lots of time not to duplicate resources. Also gives me a name of someone that I can tell consumer to approach. Submitted by Chris Schneweis, Johnson County Department of Corrections I was contacted today by a Child Care Facilities Specialist with Public Health regarding a Corrections client. She found the individual in the CRC and had received a complaint that he might be living in a daycare setting. The case manager contacted me with the initials and the System ID. We talked, and I was able to provide her with the offender's conviction information. Come to find out, his conviction does prohibit him from living in a daycare and they are going to investigate. Submitted by Nanette Bales and Christina Jordan, Johnson County Human Services Department We staffed a case together - although it appeared the household qualified, something about their story did seem right to her (good professional gut instinct). We looked the clients up on CRC and found discrepancies in their information. About My Resource Connection (MyRC) is a secure web resource developed with the central goal of increasing client success. To that end, the primary focus of the MyRC is to provide Human Services professionals with information that increases their understanding of a client and his/her needs, and to foster collaboration among these professionals when they are serving the same individual or family. While MyRC has many features, Human Services professionals will largely benefit from the following core features: Client Information – Basic demographic data about individual clients and the services they are receiving from a department/agency. A client receiving services from multiple departments/agencies is flagged as a Mutual Client. Household Information – Information about other clients potentially living at the same address. Collaboration Contacts – To facilitate collaboration, phone numbers and email addresses of other professionals providing service to a client are furnished. Information about Human Service Agencies – Referral and location information for community based social services in Johnson, Wyandotte, Leavenworth, and Miami counties in Kansas, and Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties in Missouri. Mapping – Map/Route clients to community services. Map/Route Human Services professionals to clients. My Resource Connection is supported on all three of the most heavily used internet browsers: Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. If you experience problems with a particular browser, let us know what's not working and we will do our best to fix it.

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