Human Service Summit:  UCS hosted the annual Human Service Summit on June 10. More than 125 people participated in the event, including elected officials, community members and representatives from government agencies, non-profit, for-profit, and community-based organizations that make up the area’s human services infrastructure.

The Human Service Summit included a progress report on strategic action recommended in Navigating the Future: Setting the Course 2007-2011 , a community-wide planning effort initiated by UCS to study the most pressing human service issues facing Johnson County and subsequently focus attention on areas where strategic action is most needed. A four-page status report was distributed at the meeting.

Participants in the Human Service Summit also took part in small group dialogue to discuss the actions taken in the community to advance the Navigating the Future strategic action priorities and to confer about actions that should be taken by Johnson County’s human services infrastructure in the coming year. To view the future actions developed by the small groups click here. UCS encourages organizations to consider this list of actions as they carry out their work in the community.

UCS recently convened a roundtable discussion on addressing emergency basic needs in Johnson County.  The roundtable provided an opportunity for providers to share information andidentify ways to work together to address emergency needs and focus resources where they are needed most.  For a summary of the meeting click here.

The AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), awarded a $9,910 grant to United Community Services of Johnson County. UCS will use the contribution to purchase a new server, several computers and a laptop. “AT&T is proud to help UCS increase its productivity through technology,” said Chris Carroll, Director of External Affairs for AT&T. “The grant will help USC do what it does best – help all who live and work in Johnson County have a better life.”

Alcohol Tax Fund:  Applications for 2009 Alcohol Tax Funds are due July 31.  The Fund supports efforts to prevent substance abuse and provide intervention, treatment and recovery services to Johnson County residents.  Agencies with 501(c) (3) status, departments of County government and Johnson County Public School Districts are eligible to apply.  An estimated $1.3 million will be awarded.  Click here for more information.