Community Lunch Series - The community lunch series in Region 1 is a forum for human services providers and interested community members to network, discuss issues, share ideas, and hear educational panel presentations on a variety of topics. Department of Systems Management for Human Services staff coordinates this effort which is held on the third Wednesday in September, November, January and May. The program for each event is advertised approximately three to four weeks in advance. If you would like to be added to the community lunch mailing list or email distribution list, please call 703-704-6700.

Neighborhood and Community Building Initiatives - While all communities face challenges, they also have many strengths. The neighborhood and community building initiatives in Region 1 strive to tap into these assets as a means to promote community involvement in strengthening their neighborhoods and in addressing these challenges. Currently, we are working closely with the Hybla Valley community. Specific efforts to begin to support this community include the addition of a community computer learning center located at the elementary school, outreach for scholarships to youth recreation programs, streamlining health care access, and a community day. The community day is designed to bring residents together to link them to appropriate resources, to each other, and to conduct an intensive outreach effort. The outreach will include the completion of a community survey, and the results will be used to strategize ongoing efforts and partnerships which can be utilized to further support the neighborhood building effort in Hybla Valley. DSMHS Region 1 staff is currently working with the Police Department, Department of Housing, the elementary and middle schools, property managers, local nonprofit organizations, and local residents in Hybla Valley on this effort. For more information, please call 703-704-6700.

Sacramento Neighborhood Center - A strengthening neighborhood and community building effort in the Sacramento area of Region 1. The resource center is located at the Sacramento Shopping Center and provides the Sacramento community with resource information and programs (e.g., computer learning center, English classes, parenting groups, etc.). An advisory council of community members serves to inform the center of the community needs. The council, center staff, county agencies, and community volunteers work collaboratively to address these needs. The agencies/organization partnering in the oversight of the center are the Department of Community and Recreation Services, the Department of Systems Management for Human Services, and United Community Ministries. Region 1 staff from the Department of Systems Management for Human Services assists with outreach and program planning. For more information, please call 703-619-2964.

South County Neighborhood College - An eight-session leadership development opportunity that provides participants with information and hands-on experiences to help them learn about local government and strategies for becoming effective community leaders. Department of Systems Management for Human Services, in partnership with other county agencies and community groups, coordinates this effort which is held twice each year. For more information or to learn more about an upcoming session, please call 703-704-6700.

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