The Community Impact Fund was established to provide seed money to partner agencies, helping to address service gaps or meet critical unmet needs. Since 2021, we have continued to advance and invest in the Community Services Navigator Program. UWNO has an arrangement with Advocates of Ozaukee to provide HR and program support, and UWNO reimburses program expenses at 100%. It is currently the only program that UWNO funds at 100%. In 2023, we received ARPA funding from Ozaukee County, which enabled us to build infrastructure and provide sustainability support without jeopardizing any of our thirteen partner programs that we support. All UWNO-hosted events, such as the Annual Ozaukee "Scramblin' for Funds" outing, will be reinvested back into the CSN Program.
Over the last several years, our Community Services Navigator initiative has experienced significant growth and success. The CSN program, which bridges the gap between community services, has led to a more comprehensive and coordinated delivery of services. This has resulted in increased client engagement, improved client experience, enhanced collaboration among service providers, and the creation of a sustainable, lifesaving program. As of January 1, 2025, the program had served 173 households, comprising a total of 358 people, making a significant impact on our community.
The top four areas of need are:
- Housing – 86 households successfully addressed their needs related to housing, including immediate shelter, rental assistance, and applications for subsidized housing.
- Financial & Material Assistance – 36 households successfully addressed their need for assistance with childcare, utilities, and food, amongst other things.
- Health & Safety – 19 households successfully addressed needs related to health and safety, enhancing their overall mental and physical well-being.
- Transportation – 18 households successfully addressed transportation barriers, allowing clients to access healthcare services, employment, educational opportunities, and social services.
Referral Process:
Ozaukee County residents are welcome to contact the Community Services Navigator directly. CSN does not require a referral from another agency to begin working with an individual. The Community Services Navigator will guide the individual through the process, assess their needs, and connect them with the appropriate services.
If you are a professional or volunteer from another agency and would like to complete a referral form, please click here. We encourage all professionals and volunteers who work with individuals in need to consider the CSN program as a valuable resource.
Phone: 262-618-2192 ext. 171
Email: csn@advocates-oz.org
For all the latest from the Community Services Navigator, please check out our Facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/
Success Story:
CSN worked with a gentleman who was on leave from his job of almost 20 years due to a debilitating mental illness. His short-term disability payments had run out, so he had no income, but he still had his health benefits, and his employer was being supportive. He was accepted into an intensive outpatient treatment program in Milwaukee, and his insurance would cover the cost. After completing the 6- to 8-week program, he planned to return to work. The problem was that his vehicle was not worth fixing, he had junked it, and he had no way of getting to and from Milwaukee 5 days a week. Sarah, the Community Services Navigator, was able to help him apply for state health insurance, and by carrying that secondary coverage until he returned to work, he gained access to free transportation services to and from treatment each day. She also connected him with a food pantry, advocated for him to receive emergency rental assistance, and shared information about a loan program that could help him purchase a new vehicle when he was ready to return to work. This success story is just one example of how the CSN program has made a significant impact on the lives of our clients.