The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in Kitsap County, Washington, offers a variety of different resources to residents in need. More than 2 million people are in need for food, housing, child care, mental health services and long term aging services every year (Services, 2008). The programs offered by DSHS are focused on helping people in need get on their feet and make a better life for themselves and their families.
Residents of Kitsap County have many different options that they can look into when they are struggling with everyday living. A few of the programs include WIC (Women, Infants and Children), who help low income families provide nutritious food and formula during pregnancy and the early years of childhood. Child Care is a wonderful option for low income working families and single parents. I personally have experience with the WIC and Child Care programs.
Helping the homeless
map of Kitsap County and surrounding area
Hanukkah services for soldiersWhile I was pregnant WIC helped to provide nutritious food to eat and formula for my baby when he was born. They offered classes on nutrition and parenting that I took advantage of. They are here to help people in need and help them to be as prepared as possible for parenthood. The Department of Social and Health Services helped me pay for daycare when I was a single parent and not making enough money to pay for daycare expenses on my own. I truly believe that this program is what kept me out of the system and helped me be responsible for myself and my child. As I advanced and was able to obtain promotions, the State gradually paid less and less of my childcare expenses, I am grateful of the help I received when it was needed.
Kitsap Community Resources help with energy assistance and emergency housing needs. They provide school supplies to low income families and have a Christmas Angel program every Christmas where a family can get sponsored and they receive gifts from the community to give to their children at Christmas (Kitsap Community Resources, 2008). Another immense resource is the Work Source program. This business has a database of open jobs throughout the state. People can go to their office or work online and build resumes and search for jobs for free. They have specified training programs for adults, youth, persons with disabilities and programs for laid off workers. Their online database has a Quick Guides link that helps them find whatever they are looking for (Work Source, 2008).
I believe that all the programs that are offered throughout Kitsap County have a huge impact on the way families succeed in achieving their goals of becoming independent and successful in all their endeavors. Without these resources I believe that there would be too many people on welfare and not enough people working for a living. Our state has a three year limit, so that any family who recieves services can only obtain them for a total of three years (Services, 2008). I think that this helps reduce the abuse of the system and helps people be independent and responsible. In conclusion, I am very grateful for the human services employees who are dedicated to helping people make their lives better.
ReferencesDepartment of Social and Health Services. (2008) Retrieved June 2008.
www1.dshs.wa.govKitsap Community Resources. (2008) Retrieved June 2008. http://www.kcr.orgWork Source. (2008) Retrieved June 2008. www.go2worksource.com
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