Resources portal created by state
The Arkansas Department of Education has created the Statewide Community Resources Portal, a website to connect schools and communities with information about available support or “wraparound” services.
State Education Secretary Johnny Key announced the establishment of the resources portal during Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s most recent weekly news conference on the covid-19 pandemic in the state. Wrap-around services can include financial, health care and housing assistance, as well as abuse services, day care options and transportation assistance.
While many organizations provide such services around the state, a comprehensive repository of information did not exist.
The new website, which is updated regularly with new resources, currently contains more than 50 categories of services and can be accessed at https://adedata.arkansas.gov/scr.
The need for the website became evident after Education Department and partner organizations began the Engage Arkansas initiative to locate and assist students who have become disengaged or are at risk of becoming disengaged with school. A quick reference list of services for families did not exist. The Education Department and its Educational Renewal Zones worked with the Arkansas Department of Human Services to develop the portal.
“We are excited to make this website available to everyone around the state,” Key said. “While the site will assist schools with providing much-needed services to students, the potential for this website extends beyond schools to Department of Human Services and Workforce Services offices, as well as others, around the state who also provide wrap-around services to their clients.”
Community partners who are interested in adding their contact information to the site may complete the form provided at the “Statewide Supplemental Community Resources” link at the top of the website.