Michelle Lloyd

Center for Community Resources

March 25, 2015

I was fortunate enough to complete my COOP hours at Center for Community Resources
(CCR). The Mission of Center for Community Resources is to make a positive difference in
everyday lives by connecting people to a network of supports and services essential for actively
learning, working and living in the community. The agencys goal is to coordinate supportive
services for individuals and families seeking information & referral for mental health,
intellectual disabilities, substance abuse and other human service needs. Services through Center
for Community resources are accessible for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, visually
impaired, and/or those with physical or intellectual disabilities. CCR has helped over 10,000
people in need each year. There are many different resources and services available such as
Community Education, Developmental Supports, Emergency Supports, Home or School
Supports, information and referral Services, Mental Health Supports and Recovery Supports. The
hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:30AM to 4:30PM. There is also a 24/7 Crisis
intervention Service available.
Center for Community Resources is accredited by Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit
Organizations. For the operation of the agency and the welfare of the individuals served they can
be given resources and help if they hold their own private insurance along with those without
insurance and if they qualify for Medical Assistance. CCR works as an integrated point of
contact for individuals and families who are in need of referrals and resources, and assist them to

navigate the human services system. Center for Community Resources provides free and
confidential assistance for men, women, children, youth, seniors and families, regardless of
religion, race, age or ability to pay. CCR is an integrated point of contact working in
collaboration with other human service agencies to identify needs in the community and
effectively respond to assist anyone seeking help.
At CCR I spent most of my time following the Forensic/Hospital liaison, Elisa Hartle.
Her staff assignments included the following: Following consumers through their sentencing and
time being incarcerated working with their needs when release date is upon them. Follow
consumers that are placed in Warren State Hospital and wrapping them with services at time of
release. She had the responsibly of getting release forms signed so she is able to communicate
with others involved and working with the consumer. She also was in charge of crisis
intervention Monday through Friday, as an immobile if having to be dispatched out. The
company itself also has a housing coordinator that helps those suffering from homelessness or at
risk of homelessness and a Student Assistance Program (SAP) that works with school aged
children and their families whom are in need of services as well. Along with Elisas
responsibilities she is required to attend treatment court every Thursday from 1oclock to 3
oclock pm at the Clarion Courthouse.
My responsibilities within Center for Community Resources were very simple. When
going out into the community, visiting the County Jails and Warren State Hospital my main
duties would be to observe the intakes and assessments that were being performed, and to be a
second set of eyes and ears during assessment. Also, when I asked to was to perform tasks given
to me on computer systems such as HMIS and E-system that involved Consumer information
and case notes. I was also asked to make follow up phone calls and schedule appointments for
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consumers who needed to come into the office and fill out paperwork. I was willing to help with
anything that may be needed in the office as well. I would do little things such as collect receipts
from the companies cars filling out mileage sheets when traveling. Elisa Hartle and Cindy Reed
are responsible for supervising me through these 90 hours.
For on the job requirements, CCR must attend mandatory training when they are posted.
Usually there are three different days, a few weeks apart so they all staff are available to attend.
Requirements must include a Bachelors Degree in social services or related field with one year
experience in mental health field required. Act 33/34 and FBI clearances and valid drivers
license required. Individuals who have accessed human services are encouraged. Staff must be
CPR and first aid certified. For me, as a COOP student through the university, I was required to
have a clearances and a criminal background. I also had to sign a confidentially form so that I
would not be able to share any information of consumers I came into contact with within the
company.
Just after a few days at being with Center for Community resources I realize how much
goes into an agency especially with being non-profit. In the housing position for example, Sarah
who is the coordinate is given a lump-sum of money from the state that she must budget for
consumers in need that has to last for the year. Once that money is gone, there is not much she
can do after. From observing, I can tell the money goes quick and she has to use her best
judgment when making decisions which Im sure can be difficult on her end. What I also noticed
with the Forensic and SAP positions, if a situation occurs where others are involved or even the
police are called, confidentiality is key when working with the consumer. Petitions must be read
and made, and releases are a huge deal. Communication between staff and consumers is even
more important due to confidentiality but also because they are dealing with mental health and
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there are many risks you can run into. Everything done must be documented and if anything can
be questionable, it must be documented for safety.