Community navigators are ready to help
Community navigators are trained volunteers who connect people to community resources. They connect families and individuals to the services they need to build a better life. The Community Navigator initiative of United Way of Kaw Valley’s GROW program now has navigators available at the library, East Topeka Senior Center and Fellowship Hi-Crest for walk-in help Monday through Friday.
What community navigators do
United Way of Kaw Valley Community Navigators can guide you through the applications for many types of community services and assistance:
- Housing issues
- Trouble paying rent
- Can’t pay electric, gas or water bills
- Can’t afford a doctor or dentist
- Food, clothing and diapers
How community navigators help
If you need extra help completing an application or gathering necessary documents, community navigators can help! Navigators will make sure clients have the documents they need for a meaningful encounter with an organization. This reduces the frustration of having to return again by explaining program requirements and helping clients complete necessary forms in advance.
Community navigators can also help you connect to other community resources inside or outside of Shawnee County. They are trained to identify additional needs and services the person may not have realized were available. Navigators can refer clients through the WellSky system or other communication methods.
Navigators also listen to, advocate for and act on behalf of the communities they support. In this way, they help social service organizations develop and improve services that better address the needs of the community.
"We want to help connect people in our community to resources that they may need - whether they need help with food and the application for that, or need help finding housing and help filling out an application or making an appointment. We can help with all of that" - Tasha, Community Navigator
Where community navigators help
Community navigators are available for walk-in assistance at several locations in the community. More locations will be added in the future. Check for updates on the times and locations of community navigator at the library on our daily events calendar.
Other ways to access resource information
United Way of Kay Valley also provides access to resources and information through 211, available through phone and text.
Anyone can search directly for resources on Wellsky Kansas Community Network.
For questions about community navigators at the library, email Lissa at connect@tscpl.org.
