By Danna Downing
Since April 1, Kalamazoo County Department of Human Service (DHS) workers have been open for business in the lower level of the Community Center. Employing their computers, phones and walk-in service have already served hundreds of clients. They have also been great team-mates for the South County Community Services (SCCS) Emergency Assistance staff at South County.
SCCS will be part of the May 17 Summer Kick-Off Event in Downtown Vicksburg to highlight the arrival of the DHS personnel. SCCS will be open from 1-3 p.m. that day with a special open house featuring DHS and other ancillary partners who are hosted at the agency. This would include:
*The WIC program for women, infants and children which is onsite two times each month
*A representative from the Healthy Michigan Plan who will help clients eligible for the Medicaid Expansion Plan to easily get enrolled. During a 15-minute visit, people between the ages of 19 and 64 who are not currently insured may quickly learn if they are income eligible for this income-based program.
*An opportunity to learn about and register for upcoming programs such as Creating Confident Caregivers and Diabetes Path: 6 Weeks To Better Health, two evidence-based programs from the Area Agency on Aging
*Information on using the free METRO Community Service Van and the affordable Metro-Connect service to meet important transportation needs
*The SCCS Certified Veterans Affairs Officer, Robert Barton
*Meet the Girl Scouts from Troop 80856 who will be helping host the event and can share information about their role in expanding services to the SCCS Food Pantry participants.
*Information about upcoming volunteer opportunities for emerging new programs
The SCCS team welcomes the community to visit anytime, but especially during the May 17 OPEN HOUSE from 1-3 pm. Light refreshments will be served.