Trust is a powerful tool in transforming lives. But it’s also something not easy to come by. That’s where Trusted Advisors come in. Made available through our partnership with the Great Start Collaborative of Jackson County, Trusted Advisors are community members who understand the difficulties and needs of struggling people, and they’re able to step up and help:
“Dorthia” is a vulnerable adult that one of the Trusted Advisors worked with over a three-month period. Dorthia was asked to leave a shelter due to a curfew violation. The Trusted Advisor worked with a local group, Together We Can Make A Difference, to get emergency shelter for Dorthia. The next day the Trusted Advisor connected Dorthia with the Department of Health and Human Services to secure funding for a hotel room for several days. Eventually, the Trusted Advisor was able to get Dorthia to temporary housing through Region 2 Area on Aging, then secured a Section 8 voucher extension through Region 2 and DHHS. Today Dorthia has an apartment and household essentials because of the work of the Trusted Advisor and the cross-community partnership with local agencies. Dorthia expresses her appreciation every time she speaks with the Trusted Advisor.
With your continued support of United Way, we’re able to work with partners like Great Start Collaborative to build trust and deliver hope.