An inaugural community conference promises to spread rays of helpful sunshine throughout the Hernando community, in the form of resources to improve and enhance the life and health of our citizenry.
Community Connections Conference, presented by People Helping People in Hernando County and Health Services Staff, will take place Friday, Jan. 21, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-noon) at People Helping People, 1396 Kass Circle, Spring Hill. Admission is free.
The objectives of this meeting include:
To identify and share existing resources in Hernando County.
Increase awareness and identify gaps in existing services.
Share common goals for increasing support and self-sufficiency tools to our at risk and vulnerable community members.
Attendees should bring agency/organization info to share.
“Our conference is an informal educational and informational interactive meeting to identify and share existing support resources in our community,” said Maureen Soliman, PHP board member and medical administrator. “By increasing awareness and identifying gaps in existing services we can brainstorm ways to address expansion of programs and funding sources.”
Soliman sees a real need for change in this area.
“Human services are seriously underfunded in Florida,” she said. “Mental health, addiction, domestic violence, substance exposed newborns, homelessness, human trafficking, family strife, are serious issues that tear at the fabric of our society.”
Becky Burton, Executive Director of People Helping People in Hernando County, Inc., said that among the community organizations represented at the conference will be PHP, NAMI, and Mid Florida Community Services.
“We’re looking for more people and other agencies to participate,” she said. “People need to know what services are available in areas like housing, medical help… mental illness, etc.”
Burton said that the conference will provide a forum in which agency representatives can share information regarding their services and resources.
“Everyone who attends will have a chance to talk about what their agency does,” she said. “And everyone is free to ask questions.”
Burton credits Soliman with identifying a need for this valuable community forum.
“As health care providers and concerned stakeholders,” said Soliman, “hopefully we can make a difference in Hernando County,”
Seating is limited for the Community Connections Conference.
To register, call 352-686-4466 or email [email protected].
To spread your own positive community news, send your good news to community reporter Megan Hussey at the Hernando Sun, [email protected]. Show Us Your Sunshine!
