"JJC is trying to change that by becoming a Community Umbrella Agency in Northwest Philly, serving the 5th and 14th police districts. Local CUAs are social service organizations that have to be approved — through an application and review process — by the Department of Human Services to become centralized social service hubs for a specific community. The goal is to make the access to social services more efficient.
“We are responding to the ‘Improving Outcomes for Children’ initiative of the Department of Human Services to bridge the gap between the access of social services and the community,” Glasgow said. “By becoming a CUA we would be centrally located for all of Northwest Philadelphia to come and get services after being referred by DHS. Right now, they might have to go out of the community.”
"If they become a CUA, the center would have to provide certain services only in Northwest Philadelphia, including “In-home Protective Services” and “Foster Care,” both of which JJC leaders said would become more streamlined....
"The CUA transition would allow for partnerships with other social service groups, such as churches and food pantries, so people can be referred to these places if necessary.
"Glasgow said by centralizing their services and becoming a one stop shop, JJC could have long term positive effects for the whole Northwest community.
“It’s really wrapping the community around each other, showing there’s a unified spirit, showing that when there is one down, we [can] all reach and bring them up,” she said. “It’s important for people in the community to know there are people in the community who care.”
More information: Community Umbrella Agencies from the Philadelphia Dept. of Human Services, Improving Outcomes for Children new service delivery model.
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