What is The Marion County Community Resource Network?
The Marion County Community Resource Network (Marion County CRN) is a community
engagement platform that focuses on firming up safety nets and expanding
opportunities.
The CRN aligns services, connects resources to fill unmet needs for
community members, and accelerates impact by utilizing private sector
innovation, leveraging public sector resources and mobilizing social
service networks.
How does it work?
The CRN is comprised of public bodies, non-profits, for-profit
businesses, tribes, and individuals. When a member becomes aware of a
need it is posted on the CRN. No personally identifiable information
about the client is listed, just the basics about the need. The CRN uses
custom matching to only notify those members whose profiles match the
need. CRN Members contact the requester directly to coordinate details.
The CRN platform connects resources to needs in the local community.
CRN Members Can
Create a custom profile and select service/need categories and locations
of interest to them.
- Share resources or goods.
- View and fulfill requests from other CRN members.
- Seek resources for unmet needs.
- Gather quarterly to celebrate CRN successes and view real-time community data.
- Provide input to add new functionality and improve the CRN.
The CRN is a free online tool for organizations to share resources and/or unmet needs.
You might use the CRN to:
- Share resources or goods. For example, you could share surplus school supplies with
those in need. CRN members can arrange pick up or delivery directly.
- Seek resources for unmet needs. For example, you are working with a family and encounter
a service gap. You could use the CRN to try and fill their unmet need.
- Share service-oriented information. For example, you are conducting a health fair. You
could use the CRN to promote this event to those members interested in this area.