The responsibility of helping our moms often extends far beyond the scope of our centers services. While it may be tempting for us to shoulder all the burden, there are advantages of collaborating with state and local help agencies. This approach provides for the client’s needs and allows your center to keep it’s attention on the main goal of providing pregnancy support and alternatives to abortion.
Here are a few things you will want to remember when providing resources and referrals:
Providing different types of referrals and resources in one simple brochure or handout will give the client access to everything she needs. You might also consider sharing a digital version.
Offering multiple resources for the same need increases the client's likelihood of having her needs met. This can be especially helpful in an emergency situation where a client may be facing a food shortage or utility shut off.
Providing domestic violence and crisis numbers among the other referrals gives the woman important resources without creating further conflict if the abusive partner discovers the resource list.
It's a good idea to clarify that your center is not affiliated with these referral agencies as to remove your organization from any liability or damage of reputation if the resource fails to provide help in the way that the client expects.
Consider offering this list a PDF that can be sent by text or accessed on your client facing website. This gives her access from anywhere and may also keep her engaged in communication with your center.
Calling annually, or even more often, to verify that these agencies are still in operation and are willing to accept referrals will save emotionally exhausted clients from further stress. This can also be a great way to promote what your center has to offer the community.
Providing a comprehensive referral list will empower your clients to seek support, will save her time and the added emotional stress of searching online for resources.
Don't have a comprehensive list? Ask one of your trusted volunteers to be the center's resource advisor. Having this volunteer update the list 2 to 3 times a year can even help with community awareness and is one of the few volunteer positions that can be completed from home.
If you're looking for some inspiration, download a sample here.
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