Information, Referral and Outreach


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Purpose

The Information, Referral and Outreach Program serves as a one stop source for community information, follow-up and referrals to other agencies. The program is designed to provide easily accessible information that will assist Soldiers and Family members in meeting their basic needs and improving their quality of life. The outreach program strives to promote Army Community Service (ACS) Family Programs by reaching out to units through ACS overview briefings, information tables and a Unit Service Coordinator. The Unit Service Coordinator (USC) serves as a liaison for the command to Army Community Service. The USC representative acts as the primary point of contact for the command. Commanders and Family Readiness Group (FRG) leaders are encouraged to use the USC representative as a special staff member and invite them to command steering committees and FRG meetings or any functions where ACS can provide services, information and referral for family programs.




How the program works

The Information and Referral Assistant is the first point of contact for clients visiting ACS. The I&R assistant will do an initial assessment of the client's needs, determine the complexity of the level of service needed and provide information to the client in order to meet their needs. Information may be provided from a wealth of resources to include:

  • Resource Library which contains comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date information on available community resources.
  • Maps and directions to other facilities and communities.
  • Telephone calls made on behalf of client in order to solicit information or services.
  • Client advocacy in the event of problems with a service or client inability to effectively represent themselves.
  • Index of public, private, and volunteer agencies and organizations.
  • Referrals to other agencies or resources.
  • A link to Soldiers and Families of available and appropriate resources.
  • Community telephone books and use of local phone books.

Other services provided

  • Provide calendar of events for upcoming classes and events.
  • Schedule clients for ACS classes.
  • Public computers with Internet and printer capabilities (30 min limit)
  • Send and receive faxes for clients (20 page limit)
  • Copy machine (Limit 20 pages)
  • Notarize simple documents (referrals made to Legal Assistance Bldg 113, when documents are complicated)
  • Public telephones for local, toll free or DSN phone calls.

Outreach Services

  • ACS Overview Briefings
  • Information Tables
  • ACS flyers, calendars and program brochures distributed to various locations on post

To request an ACS overview briefing or an information table, contact the Information, Referral and Outreach program at 915-569-4ACS (4227) at least three weeks before the event.