Integration of Economic, Family and Youth Services

MAN is changing the methods of practice between family, economic and youth services and forging new ways for economic development projects to work within the community by integrating its services with the existing family and youth centered programming. This concept is based on the premise that one must have stability in family life in order to focus on financial success. In essence, MAN views the agency as a resource to the community and the residents, thus integration between service strategies is not only a necessity but a natural progression.

The chart below shows how MAN has incorporated different types of opportunities into each of its services areas. For example, both the youth and family service areas have home visitation services built into their programs. It is important to note that even though home visitation services are not considered a part of economic development, families receiving home visitation are encouraged to participate in the various economic services provided. This holistic approach of service integration allows MAN to incorporate the themes of economic development, youth and family services into the larger goal of promoting a stronger Del Paso Heights.

Mutual Assistance Network works with over 600 families a year through home visitation and over 525 youth attending the local schools. These programs are a safe and comfortable environment for the residents involved, and serve as an ideal place to introduce the concepts of economic development, youth success and community growth. The Firehouse Community Center then provides a locale for families to participate in educational seminars that allow them to meld the goals from all service areas into a plan for the future of the family.