CBU hosts The State of Riverside County Need conference

Riverside, Calif. (March 15, 2017) – More than 150 individuals who represent Riverside County government and nonprofit organizations attended The State of Riverside County Need conference at California Baptist University on March 15.

The social work program at CBU co-sponsored the conference that was organized by 211 Community Connect. The event focused on the issues pertaining to the homeless, veterans and seniors.

In Riverside County, 211 reports that it received more than 40,000 calls requesting access and referrals to community and health information in 2016.

“Every hour of everyday, people dial 211 for assistance navigating the complex system of community, health and social services,” said Marie Davis, CEO of 211 Community Connect. “We aim to simplify access to comprehensive, seamless services for our citizens, partners and service providers.” 

Faculty members from CBU’s social work program served as moderators. Jan Stanfield, assistant professor of social work, moderated the veterans and advocacy session; Dr. Satara Armstrong, director of the social work program, moderated the seniors and advocacy session; and Dr. Charles Lee-Johnson, field director of the social work program, moderated the housing and homelessness session.

Dr. Jacqueline Gustafson, dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences, said it was beneficial to address these issues collaboratively. 

“The State of Riverside County Need event allowed us to bring together important voices and perspectives in these three key areas,” Gustafson said.  

Gustafson also sees the launch of CBU’s new Master of Social Work program in the fall of 2017 as a positive step in continued community collaboration.

“In the School of Behavioral Sciences at CBU, we believe that meaningful, positive and measurable change is possible for our community,” Gustafson said. “The partnership between the upcoming Master of Social Work Program and 211 Community Connect represents collaborative, like-minded, work toward meeting the needs of our community’s veteran, elder and homeless populations.”