What do you think of when you hear “welfare”? The word is stigmatized and many in our community do not feel like they should receive the services when they need them to get back on their feet. That’s what a survey found that supported a name change to Codington County Community Services.
Codington County Community Services provides, well, community services, including financial assistance to those who qualify as mandated by state law. State law regulates how the county provides economic assistance. Anytime the office provides financial assistance, they have to lien the person they help and create a repayment plan. Codington County Community Services’ financial assistance is also the option of last resort.
“Because of this, our goal is to help people avoid needing county assistance,” said Sara Foust, Director. “We would rather help people get on their feet and provide the support needed to be successful in life than put them further in debt.”
This is why you’ll see Community Services as the organizer of several key initiatives and strategies; including, Codington Connects, Codington County Social Services Advisory Council, and Systems of Care. Staff are connected to non-profit organizations, agencies, and other helpful groups to best help residents when they walk through their doors.
“The greatest joy in our office is giving people hope. When someone comes into our office in crisis or feeling completely alone and realizes there is hope and support so they can live the life they dream of – it’s the best feeling in the world,” said Foust.
If you’re looking for resources but can’t stop by – that’s why Codington Connects is available online. Foust and team spearheaded the project through the Social Services Advisory Council. “Codington Connects is an amazing resource,” said Foust. “I wish everyone realized how many people came together to build this resource for Watertown. It truly is a resource for our entire community that was created by the social services community! It demonstrates how dedicated our community is to making Watertown a better place for everyone.”