about us
First Call for Help Is: A division of Aging and Community Services of South Central Indiana, providing Information and Referral Services for the people of Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson, Jennings, and Scott County. Our Mission Is: Linking people in need to community resources. Our Goal Is: To improve access to services for all community citizens and support community agencies in the maximization of their available resources.
Community Spotlight (22 MB) Community Spotlight program recorded by and broadcast on
First Call For Help: Helps people in need connect to resources and services that can best meet their need through First Call For Help Helpline Services 376-6666 or Dial 2-1-1. Maintains and annually updates a database of health and human service resources Performs outcome surveys with callers to determine if services were obtained and adequately met their need. Participates in community initiatives to improve and enhance community resources. Advocates for clients who are unable to navigate the maze of resources due to age, disability, or cultural background. Prepares statistical reports on unmet needs and gaps in services for local planners and funders.	First Call For Help Provides: A helpline service Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with telephone specialists trained in active listening, assessment of caller situations, and responding to callers in a non-judgmental fashion. A fully automated database of resource information with a listing of over 1,400 helping human service programs. A comprehensive listing of housing options in the community, training for case workers on community resources and connecting clients to services, and a user-friendly website available to access resource information online. Acts as the clearinghouse for families to register for school supplies and community holiday assistance programs. Specialized resource guides such as the Help Is Here brochure Information Card, and Tips for Unemployment.		Points of Interest: In 2008, First Call for Help volunteers and staff responded to 14,412 calls. Twenty-five percent (25%) of those calls needed only quick answers for information, such as a telephone number or hours of operation for an agency. Remaining calls required more detailed intake information and/or intervention in order to provide assistance. First Call for Help volunteer telephone specialists gave out 20,813 referrals in 2008. In addition to School Supplies and Community Holiday Assistance, the most frequent caller needs for 2008 were: Basic Information, Financial Assistance for Rent and Utilities, Clothing Assistance, Disaster Assistance, and Emergency Food. Telephone Specialists staff lines from 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday - Friday answering 25-60 calls per day.		Additional Opportunities: First Call For Help trains volunteers to staff help line, perform general office duties, or register families for seasonal assistance programs. Internships and work-study positions are available for students throughout the school year and summer months. High school students in need of senior projects are encouraged to contact our office to discuss project options or organize fundraisers.