Watertown is an amazing community. If you spend any time here, you will hear opinions on all sides of this. However, based on my experiences over the past two years as the Director of Codington County Welfare Office, I have lived Margaret Mead’s quote “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.”
When I was hired two years ago, the County Commissioners had identified a need to establish a “System of Care” to improve social service delivery in our community. What has happened since then has surpassed anything we dreamed of. Our community has come together to not only improve services, but to create systems change.
While the process hasn’t always been easy, I can say without a doubt that we can Never say Never when it comes to the community of Watertown. Here are some of the many moments that this community has brought me to my knees and forced me to take a minute to check my reality:
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We initiated and are continuing a Social Services Strategic Planning Process which was an equal partnership between the city, county, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, and Watertown Area Community Foundation
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Five priority areas have been identified with achievable goals for our community and working groups were established to addressed each of these 5 areas to develop action plans.
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The housing working group jumped right in, identified a need and an opportunity and has already met the goal of establishing Emergency Housing through the purchase of 612 Flats and establishing the new non-profit Watertown Cares.
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The Childcare group knew that we needed to start by gathering data. They coordinated and administered a child care survey and are now using the results to increase child care opportunities in our community
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Community Transformation decided to start by increasing community awareness of needs through education. They partnered with Resilient Community Codington County to plan events like Codington Connects day on April 18th.
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Centralized Services wants to make it easier for community members to be able to recognize and find needed services. They have developed Codington Connects into a brand that will be recognizable and a website that is truly a 1-stop-shop.
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Mental Health has worked with the SAFE Coalition to increase awareness and help our community be more aware of services available for mental health needs.
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The Helpline Center has worked with local social service agencies to develop the Network of Care – a software system that allows us to share referrals and make it easier for clients to get the services they need.
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An Interagency meeting that is held once a month with great attendance. This meeting has built relationships and connections among providers. We’re learning who to call when a client has a unique need.
Reflecting back on all of this work is amazing! Our community has come together to improve the lives of all citizens. All of this work has resulted in Codington County being designated a Resilient Community which is a remarkable achievement. So when someone tries to tell me that Watertown is never going to change, I know we can confidently say, “Just watch us.”
Sara Foust, Director
Codington County Welfare Office