Development and operation of two community-based, walk-in, inter agency, Community Service Centers (CSC) serving as consumer "portals" to an integrated, coordinated system of services and resources. One CSC is located in the north end of the county (Berlin) while the other is located in the south end (Pocomoke). Both locations are in CSAFE Communities. In their respective communities, the CSCs, increase consumer awareness of and access to a wide array of coordinated, integrated services in a neutral, non-threatening environment staffed by individuals cross trained to provide direct links to both public and private-sector single-service providers.

• What has worked well?: The Worcester Youth and Family Community Service Center has been serving as a single point of access for members of the community since 2003. Since that time agency has served thousands of Worcester County residents and become the “go-to” source for those in need and specifically those struggling to navigate our social service system. Our ever increasing outreach efforts have connected with the business community, , residents, schools, faith-based organizations and sister social service agencies. . Community activities for children and families include National Night Out, Berlin Main Street events and healthy fun-filled gatherings. Agency has partnered with numerous organizations such as Atlantic General Hospital, Salisbury University, County Board of Education and local schools to build community support systems for our residents. Partnerships have been so significant that WYFCS won the Richard E. Henson non-profit of the year award for extensive community partnerships. .
• WYFCS has increased social media efforts with Facebook, Instagram, Constant Contact, and Chamber of Commerce news alerts so that our communication reach is greater than ever before..
• Because of our increased outreach efforts, the community service center “community room” was utilized 228 times during Fiscal Year ’16. This includes after hours and weekend hours.
• WYFCS staff works diligently to coordinate services within the agency and throughout the community. For example, Family Connections staff refer children to the SAGES and SABERS adolescent programs; CASA volunteers and counseling staff refer families to Family Connections for resource assistance in the community; and Phil Cropper, the chef at Worcester High School Technical School, used the kitchen in the community service center to teach the youth in the Berlin Youth Club how to cook healthy meals. .

• What needs improvement?
  Links to employment and job skill/readiness within the county

• Plans for improving?: Building connections with the One Stop Job Market and business owners for employment sponsorships. Expanding partnerships with Board of Ed, Health Department, DSS, DJS and the One Stop Job Market to reach disconnected youth.

Undereducated and underemployed families that reside in areas that are at risk for criminal behavior and drug/alcohol involvement. We also consider children at-risk for criminal behavior and drug/alcohol involvement if they have been displaced from their family with DSS and/or DJS actively involved in their lives, have the potential of DSS and/or DJS involvement, or recieve counseling services.

Youth Homelessness, Childhood Hunger, and Disconnected Youth