The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services received a five-year federal grant to develop a One Stop Family Center and Network in Springfield, Massachusetts. The project is funded by the United States Administration on Developmental Disabilities to streamline access to needed services for families who have a member with a developmental disability. The aim of this project is to create linkages among a network of human service agencies, service providers and community resources in Springfield in order to better coordinate information and support to families who have a family member with a developmental disability. There is a particular emphasis on outreach to economically disadvantaged, underserved, culturally and linguistically diverse families.

One-Stop Access Services: SC@N 360 offers information and referral services, a resource library/computer lab, support groups, and trainings based on the needs and interests identified by our families. Trained parent mentors and SC@N 360 Family Navigators offer time-limited support to help identify and coordinate resources and assist families to navigate the specialized generic services and entitlements available in Springfield and throughout Massachusetts.

Community Outreach: Community is an important part of SC@N 360 and reaching out to Springfield families. We are visible throughout the neighborhoods at community events, health fairs, and schools. We also maintain a list of support groups available in the community and can direct parents and family members to these groups as appropriate.

Partner Agencies: Links have been established with 5 Statewide Partner Agencies across the Commonwealth and 5 Community Partner Agencies located in Springfield neighborhoods, providing culturally and linguistically appropriate family services to ethnically diverse families. By collaborating with SC@N 360 these partner agencies are able to expand their capacity by providing supports, resources, and assistance to families who have a family member with a disability.

- Massachusetts Statewide Partners: SC@N 360 has implemented links with 5 State Grant Partners, each of which were previously instrumental in the writing of the grant proposal and ensuring the development of the project from a deep-rooted belief to a reality, and which presently continue to work on the maintenance and future sustainability of the Center. All Statewide Partners continue to be actively engaged with SC@N 360 through regular Partner meetings, involvement on the Steering and Sustainability Committees, and donations of time and service to the Center and our families.

- Springfield Community Partners: SC@N 360 has established links with 5 Local Community Grant Partners to assist in providing intensive family support planning and case management services to families from the identified priority groups. Families are able to obtain SC@N 360 services through our Center or any of the 5 Community Partners.

Affiliations: In addition to our Community and Statewide Grant Partnerships, SC@N 360 has established linkages among a network of human service agencies in the community of Springfield and throughout Massachusetts to strengthen our commitment in helping families access information and support. Collaborative efforts are sustained through shared services, offered trainings, and information and referrals. Collaborative support ensures individuals with developmental disabilities receive culturally sensitive and multilingual assistance and comprehensive knowledge, on federal and state disability laws and practices, necessary to foster inclusion into mainstream society and enhance one’s overall quality of life.