Fundamental Concepts

Creating Collaborative Community I&R Services:

Partnering Between 2-1-1s & ADRC’s

CAJUN AREA AGENCY ON AGINGCAJUN AREA AGENCY ON AGINGAGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTERAGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER

• One of 13 ADRC Pilot Sites• Cajun AAA received the grant in 2003

232-HELP / Louisiana 211232-HELP / Louisiana 211

• First comprehensive Information and Referral Agency in Louisiana

• First 2-1-1 Center in Louisiana– 4th in the U.S.• One of six 2-1-1 Centers in Louisiana• Louisiana 2-1-1• Collaborative Efforts

Wisconsin AIRS ConferenceWisconsin AIRS Conference Made a connection with a 2-1-1 employee

Signed a Memorandum of UnderstandingSigned a Memorandum of Understanding• Opportunity to meet Jewell Lowe – brought

the 1st 2-1-1 to Louisiana• Agreed to partner to provide collaborative I & R services in our area• Signed MOU

What is Collaborative Initiative?What is Collaborative Initiative?

• The processes, activities, and relationships in which a group and its members engage in collaboration.

• Collaboration is defined as a mutually beneficial and well-defined relationship entered into by two or more organizations to achieve common goals.

Primary Objectives• Increasing the understanding and importance of what

collaboration really means;• Increasing the knowledge of collaborative opportunities

available between 2-1-1s and ADRCs• Increasing the consistency and quality of information

between 2-1-1s and ADRCs for benchmarking and effective messaging regarding I&R development and service

• Increasing the opportunities in obtaining grants based upon collaborative efforts between agencies

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Why Collaborate

• Shared Concern• Pool Power• Overcome Gridlock (“get unstuck”)• Add Diversity• Increase Ability to Handle Complex Issues

Quotes on Collaboration

• None of us is as smart as all of us» Edward C. Register, 1915

• Cooperation! What a word! Each working with all, and all working with each.

» Warren Bennis, 1996

• Collaboration is damn tough» Focus group participants, 1997

» All quotes from Medicine and Public Health: The power of collaboration, Lasker, et al.

Networking – Exchanging information for mutual benefit.

Coordinating – Networking and altering activities to achieve a common purpose.

Cooperating – Coordinating and sharing or pooling resources.

Collaborating – Cooperating and enhancing the capacity of another for mutual benefit to achieve a common purpose. (Himmelman)

Competing – Exchanging some amount of information, but not “proprietary” information; altering activities to meet own needs; sharing resources minimally or with a “hidden agenda.”

Roles of 2-1-1 and ADRCs2-1-1 and ADRCs both play very different roles

in the community.

Memorandums of Understanding

• Clarity of respective missions• Visual reminder of roles and responsibilities• Coordination between agencies

Integrated Service Delivery System:

• A collaborative group of local service providers who agree to deliver their services in a coordinated way to ensure broad access to community services, maximize the utilization of existing resources, avoid duplication of effort and gaps in services and facilitate the ability of people who need services to easily find the most appropriate provider.

• AIRS Standards Definition

• 2-1-1: Broad range of services for anyone seeking assistance

• ADRCs: Broad range of services for the aging and disabled, specific target areas

Positioning for Accurate Referrals / Information

Positioning for Accurate Referrals / Information

• Database• Sharing of Resources• Information shared via AIRS affiliate• ? others

Opportunities for Grants

• Grantors want coordination • Grantors do not want duplication of services• Grantors want measurable outcomes• Grantors do not want competition

Keys to Successful Collaboration

• Good Timing• Broad-based Involvement• Overcoming Mistrust• Clear Need • Credibility• Open process

» Chrislip and Larson

Characteristics of Successful Collaboration Opportunity to participate in decision making Quantity of information exchanged Quality of information exchanged Handling of conflict Shared vision and values Satisfaction with the project Commitment to the project

» Mizrahi and Rosenthal, 2001; Larson, 2002

Characteristics of Successful Collaboration Achieves the goal Gains recognition from (social change)

target Gains community support Creates lasting network Attains longevity Acquires new skills

» Mizrahi and Rosenthal, 2001; Larson, 2002

Questions

ContactContact

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Lynda SouthardInformation SpecialistCajun Area Agency on AgingTelephone: (337) 572-8940E-mail: adrc@bellsouth.net

Mona Gobert-Cravins, CIRS, CRS2-1-1 Manager232-HELP / Louisiana 211Telephone: (337) 205-6004E-mail: mona@232-help.org