Policy & Practice | Spring 2024

force for community well-being and are already making a significant differ ence within the Greece community. Collaborating Together: GCSD and TogetherNow’s Connected Provider Network In 2022, GCSD’s decision to join the TogetherNow Connected Provider Network was a significant leap forward. GCSD has established a Neighborhood Navigation Center (NNC) in a high-need zip code within Greece where school families can work with a systems navigator to connect with services for a variety of needs

Connected Provider Network exempli fies the power of collective effort. It aims to transform schools into vibrant centers of community life where students and families engage to access support, gain empowerment to tackle life’s chal lenges, and build confidence and skills for success beyond the classroom. It has increased and improved connections between and among social workers, counselors, teachers, and more. That engagement then supports students in learning and thriving both in and out of school, leading to healthy, engaged, and empowered students and families. This is the essence of GCSD’s Community Schools strategy—a

an issue often overlooked by services designed to assist those in need. In 2016, the GCSD recognized this problem and took a bold step by adopting the Community Schools strategy. Community Schools are not just about education—they take a “big picture” approach to education by creating a hub for support, resources, and growth. Using schools as hubs, Community Schools bring educa tors, family, and community partners together to offer a range of opportuni ties and supports to their children, their families, and the broader com munity. This person-centered approach to service delivery promotes family

engagement and empower ment through partnerships with community-based orga nizations (CBOs), businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and governmental agencies. The Community Schools strategy provides integrated support systems to students, families, and the community. School staff and community partners systematically coordi nate health and social services, academic and nonacademic supports, and enrichment opportunities in a manner that

commitment to nurturing educated, well-rounded, resilient students ready to con tribute to their communities and the world. Conclusion: The Path Forward Technology innovations are catalyzing our ability to deploy “technology for good” that achieves advancements along with social responsibility. The “technology for good” movement focuses on lever aging technology to impact

Our partnership is not just about building a system; it is about weaving a fabric of support that holds our community together, ensuring every family and individual can thrive in a caring, responsive environment.

fosters student well-being. By bringing these services together under one roof and partnering with families, local businesses, and CBOs, the Community Schools strategy is helping to break down barriers and make it easier for families to access the resources they need, from providing food, clothing, and counseling to offering comprehensive in- and out-of-school activities and powerful family engagement opportunities. GCSD’s strategy focuses on lever aging the community’s assets while identifying the needs of students and families to provide real-time support before crises occur. Helping a family stay housed, helping a parent maintain employment, providing mental health services to a child, or providing supple mental food to a family while they await government assistance are just a few ways the Community Schools strategy helps GCSD provide stability for students. GCSD and other districts across the United States are trans forming education into a powerful

our aggregate well-being and move the needle on healthier populations and safer cities while staying mindful of data stewardship, privacy, and bias. Reflecting on the individual stories at the beginning of this article, the role of Neighborhood Navigation Centers and platforms like MyWayfinder become even more critical. They serve as pivotal support points, guiding families through the complexities of available services. Looking ahead, the adaptability of these models across different sectors highlights the broad potential of our efforts. By continuously expanding and refining our strategies, TogetherNow and IBM aim to reinforce the importance of collaboration, innovation, and com passion in our collective journey toward community wellness and to build a future where every community member has the necessary support to thrive.

ranging from housing, food, transpor tation, and other social health-related concerns. The NNC has connected with approximately 170 families since its establishment. The goal is not just to meet immediate needs but to empower families to navigate obstacles more effectively, ensuring a more robust and secure future for their children. GCSD’s collaboration helped expand the Community Schools’ services while also making them more accessible to families. Through the NNC and by using MyWayfinder, the NNC systems navigator manages referrals to internal GCSD services such as the food pantry, clothing closet, and counseling center in the same manner as referrals to external partners such as local CBOs that offer needed services that the GCSD doesn’t directly provide. The NNC plays a crucial role in providing access to a wide range of services that address families’ most pressing needs. GCSD’s Community Schools initia tive combined with TogetherNow’s

Reference Note 1. https://www.cityofrochester.gov/ IBMSmarterCities.aspx

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Spring 2024 Policy & Practice