Benzie County Human Services Collaborative Body (HSC)
History
The Benzie County Human Services Collaborative (HSC) (formally the Benzie County Human Services Collaborative Body) was established in 1989 to facilitate greater coordination among service organizations to support and serve low income families and children in Benzie County.
The HSC operates under a consensus model. Participating organizations align their efforts towards a common goal of improving their support and services for Benzie County area children and families.
Goals:
Supporting low income families and children.
Identifying and addressing barriers to accessing services.
Identify community needs.
Reducing duplication of services.
Information sharing between agencies.
Resources
Review the Benzie County Community Resource Directory for information on local resources pertaining to: abuse and neglect, substance abuse, advocacy services and legal assistance, courts, law enforcement, childcare, early childhood, youth services, clothing, community meals, food, home furnishings, utilities, housing/home repairs, low income housing, shelters/transitional housing, other housing resources, educational and support groups, parenting skills, and more.
Volunteer
Volunteer opportunities with the HSC are rare and event dependent. Please reach out to the HSC Coordinator, Sarah May at benziehsc@gmail.com, with any inquiries regarding volunteer opportunities with the HSC.
Support
The HSC is supported through sliding membership fees of participating organizations and grants. Each year, there is a $5,000 gap in funding between earned revenue and operational costs. Every contribution from the community helps sustain important, collaborative efforts like the HSC.
Membership
The HSC is composed of an Executive Committee, a Membership Body, and three Workgroups. Workgroups focus on specific impact areas including: family services, 0 to 6 years old support, and substance abuse prevention through the Benzie Area Youth Initiative (BAYI).
There are 30 members of the HSC:
19th District Court Family Division
Advocates for Benzie County
Benzie Areas Christian Neighbors (BACN)
Benzie Bus
Benzie County Commissioners
Benzie County Ministerial Association
Benzie Senior Resources
Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department
Betsie Valley Community Center
Centra Wellness
Department of Health and Human Services
ECHO His Love
The Father Fred Foundation
Grow Benzie
Munson Healthcare
NMCAA HeadStart
Northwest Education Services
Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc.