Human Services Initiative
The Community Foundation for Nantucket exists to identify critical issues affecting the people of Nantucket, act as a catalyst in identifying solutions by convening appropriate segments of the community and securing funding to address these needs. To that end, in October of 2010, CFNan hired a consultant, Ned Robinson-Lynch, to begin a study of the Island's current Human Services, with the goal of helping service Providers create an improved delivery system for Nantucket residents.
The Foundation’s primary focus for 2011 is to establish a long term strategic plan for an island-wide human service delivery system which will have the following characteristics:
1. Is principally designed by the providers of services
2. Establishes stages of implementation that result in:
Identifying and addressing gaps in services
increased collaboration
improved coordination of services
implementation of system-wide efficiencies
reduced overlaps
heightened data sharing
improved and increased access
3. Is cost effective so that taxpayers and funding agencies, as well as other donors, will feel compelled to support the system to meet its needs
Provider Interviews
Between mid-October and mid-December, a total of forty-five agency providers were interviewed. Surveys have generally lasted 45-60 minutes with additional time for documenting statements made by providers. In addition to providers, several key informants have been interviewed including the Town Manager, all current Selectmen and several others.
Focus groups
Focus groups with Providers and key informants were held to review a power point presentation and comment. A Joint meeting was also held with members of the Council for Human Services and the Council on Aging to discuss findings and solicit comment and suggestions for next steps.
Subsequent meetings were held with the Healthy Community Collaborative for the purpose of deciding next steps based on the findings of the surveys. This led to a productive organizing of “care groupings” for the purpose of developing specific next steps to be taken by the provider community towards the overall goal of improving services and addressing gaps, collaboration and efficiency. Finally, Provider Directories organized by Care Grouping were produced and made available to all providers, and are included in PDF form below.
Still to be completed
Ideally, household surveys, updated needs assessment and community forums will occur. Funding has impacted both direct services and this process and the CFNan continues to attempt to gain funding for these efforts.
It is also planned that care groupings of island providers will continue to work collaboratively on a number of issues. These include funding, reducing gaps and working more across disciplines. The Healthy Community Collaborative has been instrumental in this effort. If additional funding is secured, the Needs Assessment will be distributed to update our knowledge on the health of the community and ongoing issues that need to be addressed.
Providers of Services for Children in Nantucket (pdf)
Services Provided for Nantucket Residents with Disabilities (pdf)
Services Provided for Elders in Nantucket (pdf)
Housing Services Provided for Elders in Nantucket (pdf)
Providers of Services for Low-Income Nantucket Residents (pdf)
