COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP MEETING ANNOUNCED

Cape Girardeau has been chosen, along with five other communities in the state, to pioneer a new way of doing business to gain better results for families and children in need.

The communities will have the opportunity to create a partnership with state government that will transform the way services are provided.

Five state agencies, the Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education, Health, Labor and Industrial Relations, Mental Health and Social Services have joined together in an effort to consolidate services and funding. Communities will define existing needs and plan a strategy to deliver services at the local level.

Under the plan, communities will be more accountable for results, bring services closer to where families live, use money more effectively and actively involve people in decisions that affect them, organizers say.

Interested individuals, particularly parents and consumers, are invited to a meeting about the program from 1-3 p.m. Monday, April 24, at the Show Me Center.

Anyone wishing more information may contact the Community Caring Council office at 651-2099.