EMAA AT FOREFRONT OF SOCIAL SERVICES CONSOLIDATION EFFORT

While various social service providers tout consolidating programs to offer "one-stop" convenience for those who need them, East Missouri Action Agency long ago embraced the concept.

With a number of different services and programs under one roof at its Cape Girardeau offices, the EMAA can better help its clients access needed assistance, said Debra Hamilton, assistant director for the local EMAA.

Prior to coming to its current location at 1111 Linden St. more than five years ago, its programs were scattered all over the city.

"Since everything has come together under one roof, we are really more effective in serving clients," Hamilton said.

In addition to Head Start, family planning, housing assistance and myriad other EMAA programs, the facility houses other organizations such as Caring Communities, Educare and the United Way's new First Call for Help referral service.

With those groups sharing the same site, they can easily refer clients to EMAA programs, Hamilton said.

Consolidation of services is being embraced by a number of organizations, including the Private Industry Council and the new Family Resource Center.

Since Cape Girardeau lacks a public transportation system, it is often difficult for those needing assistance to get around town. Bringing services together improves access.

"It's the wave of the future for serving those who have special needs to be met," Hamilton said.

On average, between 40 and 50 people come to the EMAA for assistance daily. On Mondays, the busiest day, up to 70 people use its services, Hamilton said.

One of the most popular programs at this time of the year is the EMAA's free tax preparation and filing service.

IRS-trained volunteers prepare tax returns for low-income families and individuals and file them electronically.

The service saves low-income taxpayers the cost of going to a private tax preparer and additional expenses for electronic filing and rapid refunds.

"That is money they really don't have to spare, but the idea of getting money back in the week is so appealing they do it," Hamilton said.

Users of the service are guaranteed refunds within 30 days. If they have a bank account, they can get refunds deposited directly within six days.

One of the primary services EMAA offers is its Family Planning Clinic, which focuses on reproductive health for women.

The clinic provides testing for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy testing, birth control options and breast cancer exams.

The clinic's client base runs the spectrum from Medicaid recipients to those who are working but can't afford health insurance. Fees are set on a sliding scale based on income.

"It's a very comprehensive program they operate," Hamilton said.

The EMAA is also offering a new program to promote sexual abstinence among children 9 to 15 years of age. Children attend the eight-hour program with their parents. The class is intended to aid communication between parents and the children on issues related to sex.

Head Start, an early childhood education program, is among the oldest programs offered by the EMAA.

Targeting at-risk children 3 to 5 years old, the local Head Start program has 72 children enrolled in four, half-day classes.

In addition to providing education, Head Start helps children develop social skills and stresses health and nutrition.

Because of changes in the federal welfare system that are requiring former recipients to enter the workforce, Head Start has also added a full-day program.

That program provides daycare for children whose parents can't afford private child care. It operates from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, but currently only has space for 20 children.