Coordinated networks—A method for community development

Abstract

A Montgomery County Maryland Regional Health Center contacted the Cooperative Extension Service for assistance in developing a strategy and training for a community development program in their service area. A lack of information about local services emerged initially as the single biggest need when a need survey was conducted.The strategy used was to identify and connect needs and services through coordinated networks of organized citizens, businesses, frontline agency staff, and local government. This mechanism provided for program integration instead of a piece-meal approach of addressing one isolated problem at a time. Programs were pilot tested without additional funding, and then turned over to the county government for funding and incorporation into existing county services.This strategy resulted in such programs as a county information service, a family life center, an interagency council, a community center, activities for senior citizens, youth employment, tutoring assistance for school children, and an interdenominational chaplaincy program.