As I sit here on this snowy Friday morning, I can’t help but reflect on how mild this winter has been. And for that, I am truly thankful. It’s not lost on me the struggles parents face, trying to keep their homes warm while caring for children with unique needs, so a mild winter is a blessing. That’s one of the reasons I eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring – the relief it brings to our cost of living.
I’m thrilled to introduce you to a program we’re running in collaboration with CHCS, made possible by a grant. It’s called the Community Family Support and Navigation program, or simply our Navigation Team. This initiative is linked to a federal grant they’ve secured known as the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with them. Here’s what we’re doing…
We’re offering a “no wrong door” approach to anyone who reaches out to our agency for assistance. This approach ensures that community members have a centralized point of contact where they can seek guidance in navigating the array of services available to them. Whether it’s information, referrals, or service coordination across different sectors and agencies, our centralized access point serves as a hub for support and connection.
If you’re in need of children’s case management, you’re in good hands – it’s our expertise area. And if there’s a waiting list, we’ll connect you with other case management agencies upon request. While we may not have all the answers, our incredible team – Laurie, our referral coordinator, Reanne, our Community Navigator, and Shannon, our Community Family Support Partner – will either find the right contact for you or assist you themselves.
Let me elaborate on what the “no wrong door” approach entails. If you’re unsure whom to call for help, you don’t know where to start, reach out to us. Start with us! We want to help! You can contact us at 207-941-2988, or use our instant referral feature on our website, www.wingsinc.org. During office hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), you’ll be greeted by our friendly receptionists. Our Navigation Team can guide you towards adult services, transition services for youth, food pantries, respite programs, children’s services like in-home community treatment, and other home-based services both adult and children services. Perhaps you need assistance with a Mainecare application, Social Security, or the heating assistance program. Even if you’re unsure of your exact needs, we’ll help you assess them and provide valuable information with six caring ears ready to listen.
We’ve been providing this type of service through our referral department for years, if not decades. With this special grant, we’re extending our reach to assist anyone who reaches out, regardless of where they’re from. While we may not have all the answers, we’re committed to helping you find them, or connecting you with someone who can. Two of our Navigation Team members are parents of children with unique needs, some of whom are now adults. They possess a wealth of knowledge about services and supports. So, whether you prefer to call us, visit our website, or drop us an email, we’re here for you.
Until next time, keep your spirits high – spring is on its way!