The Arkansas Department of Education launched its Statewide Community Resources Portal yesterday. This is a website that connects schools and communities with much-needed information about available support services around the state.
As a result of COVID-19, many students and families are in need of essential support services, or “wrap-around” services, such as financial, healthcare, and housing assistance. While many organizations provide such services around the state, a comprehensive repository of information did not exist.
The need for this website became evident after the Arkansas Department of Education launched the ENGAGE Arkansas initiative with the Education Renewal Zones and Graduation Alliance. Students need help locating community support. It was quickly determined that a quick reference list of services for families did not exist. Therefore, ADE and the ERZs partnered with the Arkansas Department of Human Services to develop the portal.
“We are excited to make this website available to everyone around the state,” ADE Secretary Johnny Key said. “While the site will assist schools with providing much-needed services to students, the potential for this website extends beyond schools to DHS and Workforce Services offices, as well as others, around the state who also provide wrap-around services to their clients.”
The website, which is updated daily with new resources, currently contains more than 50 categories of services ranging from abuse services to daycare and transportation assistance.
To access the portal, go to https://adedata.arkansas.gov/scr.