Agencies Working Together

A new initiative in Kansas is reshaping the dynamics of community support. Agencies Working together stemmed from a reflection by Jenny Westerman, Greenbush CHW, on how case management used to involve many agencies collaborating together. In an effort to restore this idea of many organizations working together, the team set out to build a network that would enable this collaboration.

The Agencies Working Together mission can be encapsulated in these four main pillars “we learn together, we support families, we support each other, and we stay connected” as Anita Cooper; Southeast Regional Direction of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), shared. The goal of this project is to promote collaboration and support among the various agencies that serve children and families in Southeast Kansas. Each month, representatives from organizations such as the DCF, Greenbush Community Liaisons, CHCSEK Community Health Workers, Family Strong Response Advocates, KFAN, and others meet virtually to share insights, introduce community programs, discuss recent data, and address family needs. Through monthly meetings and a continuous virtual chat, they serve as a critical network for connectivity, resource access, and collective expertise in meeting the diverse needs of children and families.

Technology emerged as an important tool for Agencies Working Together. The project uses Microsoft Teams as the main communication platform. The platform is free to join, and the Teams chat is very useful and user-friendly, as community partners can simply ask for resources or support in the chat regarding a particular case/topic and in return, all the involved agencies can see the message and provide the needed support/resources. The team works hard on ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of families helped, through continuous monitoring of the platform.

Agencies Working Together has a growing impact, with over 220 members currently serving approximately 16 counties in Southeast Kansas. The DCF recently organized an educational collaboration in which teachers from across the state gathered. The need for improved networking between agencies was identified and the workgroup was inspired by the Agencies Working Together model. Furthermore, the Agencies Working Together team plans to present at the Kansas Practice Model Showcase; an annual event that highlights the work of child welfare actioners, providing insights into regional efforts and promoting cross-state learning opportunities.

The transformative stories of families who have personally experienced the Agencies Working Together collaborative efforts speak to its profound impact. Stefanie Senf, Assistant Regional Director of DCF’s Southeast Region, shared a poignant story about the collaboration's prompt response to a single father in Pittsburg who was struggling with bed bug treatment costs. The Agencies Working Together community quickly rallied to find resources that would cover the expenses, ensuring an immediate resolution to this pressing concern. Furthermore, the information shared during this process allowed other agencies to identify additional needs, such help with Food Assistance and benefits paperwork. This multifaceted approach not only met the initial need, but also helped the family move forward by addressing a variety of other issues. This success story amongst several others, highlights the ability of Agencies Working Together to deliver support quickly, often outpacing traditional state agencies' response times, and their commitment to provide holistic services that result in stronger, more resilient communities.

The Agencies Working Together platform serves as a network that combines various agencies and community partners that according to Senf makes “community partners feel empowered to help families in their communities.” Through shared goals, mutual support, and unwavering dedication, agencies are forging new paths to support families and foster thriving communities. If you are in Southeast Kansas and interested in becoming part of Agencies Working Together contact Jill Kreighbaum, DCF’s Community and Agency Engagement Administrator, jill.kreighbaum@ks.gov.