SERVICES INFORMATION GROUP STARTS ON AUG. 1

First Call For Help, a local information and referral network, is a step closer to providing answers about social services available in Cape Girardeau County.

Finding details about the hundreds of programs and services available can be difficult, and First Call For Help intends to provide that information.

The target date to begin test operation of the telephone network is Aug. 1 for calls from social workers and service agencies only. "We will test the system with these calls for about 30 days to work out any kinks," said Nancy Jernigan, executive director of Area Wide United Way.

"We anticipate a lot of calls from service providers seeking other services for their clients," Jernigan said.

On Sept. 1, the system should be open to calls from anyone.

Work on the referral system began in August 1997. It is a collaborative effort of Area Wide United Way, Community Caring Council and East Missouri Action Agency.

Betty Martin, director of the Cape Girardeau Public Library, knows people are looking for the information. "They are calling the library, calling the United Way, calling the newspaper," she said. "We each fumble around looking for answers. This referral network will help get better answers for people."

Denise Wimp has been hired to coordinate the network. Wimp worked as a school-based social worker for the Division of Family Services. Before that she worked with an information and referral network designed specifically for child care at Porter-Leath Children's Center in Memphis, Tenn.

A reception for Wimp is planned at 10 a.m. July 7 at Cape Girardeau City Hall.

Wimp is in the process of double checking data that has been entered into a computer program designed for information and referral networks. "It will be a constant process of updating information," said Jernigan.

Over 300 money-making and not-for-profit organizations are included in the network. Each organization offers numerous programs.

The database includes a description of individual programs, criteria for eligibility, the groups offering them and how to contact the groups.

When it is in place, people will be able to call a toll-free number. Workers will then search the database to find programs that fit individual needs. For example, A person could ask for help with utility payments, and Wimp would check the database to find agencies or programs that provide assistance.

Wimp will oversee day-to-day operation of the program. A second staff person is expected to be hired within the next 30 days, and volunteers will be used.

In addition to giving people information, the network provides a way to track calls and services requested.

Said Jernigan: "After a period of time we may also uncover gaps in services that aren't out there. We are already starting to compare how many agencies are providing a certain kind of service and asking if these agencies are duplicating efforts."

The program is funded through Area Wide United Way, East Missouri Action Agency and donations from organizations and businesses.