The overarching goal of the Dakota County Community Resource Center (CRC) initiative is to foster resilience and empower Dakota County residents to thrive by addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity in access to resources and opportunities for children, youth, families and residents at high risk of involvement with child protection and other crisis services, including families of color and low-income families. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, we envision creating and sustaining a supportive network that strengthens families and uplifts communities across Dakota County. This work is grounded in the Five Protective Factors Framework. Dakota County Vision – Healthy, Safe & Thriving Communities. Community Resource Centers Mission – Partnering with individuals, families, & communities to build healthy, stable, & vibrant lives. Community Resource Centers Intitiative Vision – to connect various county & nonprofit services in ways that are easier for residents to access & reduce involvement with crisis services, such as child protection. The purpose of this solicitation is to have a Coordinating Agency responsible to work with the Dakota County Community Services and community partner agencies to implement and support Community Resource Centers (CRCs) to serve residents of all ages and family contexts in four targeted communities, for a period of not less than two years. Responsibilities of the Coordinating Agency will include: • Tracking and distributing a limited amount of funds to CRCs and community partner agencies, as authorized by Dakota County and in accordance with accounting standards • Hiring, training, and supporting one full-time equivalence (FTE) Program Coordinator to coordinate implementation and operation of the Dakota County CRC initiative Responsibilities of the Program Coordinator will include: Work with CRCs and community partner agencies to identify and support the vision for their local CRC, Work with CRCs and community partner agencies to develop and coordinate service strategies, Support ongoing assessment of community needs, and coordinate the development of service responses with the CRCs and community partner agencies, Engage with diverse populations to identify unmet or emerging needs, and foster partnerships between diverse populations and community partner agencies, Work with CRCs and community partner agencies to cultivate community relationships to increase resources and engagement, Develop and support Dakota County resident leaders to guide CRCs and community partner agencies on programmatic needs, including through their membership in CRC governing bodies, Support the CRCs and community partner agencies to develop the Navigator role, identify/onboard Navigators, and support their development and success, Coordinate a calendar of supports and activities for each CRC, and support the development and distribution of communication materials for CRCs, Support CRCs and community partner agencies in ensuring events and activities are holistic, culturally appropriate, accessible, and maintain legal and ethical standards, Support CRCs and community partner agencies to gather data to understand and evaluate CRC programs/activities for effectiveness and efficiency,
