By Staff
Tell us about your non profit and services.
We are a 501 C3 nonprofit organization our Team is made up of retired health care professionals as we work to give back to communities in need. I initially organized the business in 2014 while working as a licensed nurse in the state of Indiana. Since then I’ve retired as a licensed nurse and continued to practice healthcare work in the Clinical Research Industry. I relocated to Fairburn Georgia in 2016, I revamped my nonprofit organizations business plan and started this nonprofit Proficient Frontline Community Services here in Georgia during the COVID-19 Pandemic breakout . I recognized a greater need in the Georgia Region during that time period. We started Connecting displaced individuals with appropriate resources to assist them throughout COVID-19: The primary goal of PFCS referral service was to and still is to continue to connect individuals in need with the appropriate resources, services, or organizations that can address their specific needs. This has involved providing information, referrals, and or making direct connections to ensure individuals receive the help they require through a range of services and support to assist individuals experiencing homelessness. Some of the things we offer include:
Housing referrals: We help connect homeless individuals with emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, or permanent supportive housing options.
We provide Basic needs assistance: This include providing access to food pantries, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential items.
Healthcare referrals: We refer individuals to medical clinics, mental health services, substance abuse treatment centers, or other healthcare resources.
Employment support: Assist with job search resources, resume building and connecting individuals to employment training programs.
Benefits assistance: In some cases we have helped individuals navigate and apply for government benefits such as food stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, or Social Security.
Legal aid referrals: PFCS will also refer individuals to legal services for issues such as eviction prevention, accessing public benefits, or addressing other legal concerns.
We also guide individuals towards educational opportunities or vocational training programs to improve their skills and employability.
We offer Transportation assistance: Such as bus passes & vouchers
It is important to note that the specific services provided by our nonprofit referral service can vary depending on the organization and available resources in the community.
What motivates you to work with the population that most simple ignore?
I am motivated by the desire to make a positive impact for this population of people and create meaningful social change which is our key motivator for this nonprofit referral organization. Seeing the tangible difference our services make in the lives of individuals and the broader community can be incredibly rewarding and provide motivation to continue our work. Being a retired professional healthcare provider for more than 30 years I the organizer have always posed Empathy and Compassion as a nurse for more than 30 year as well as a Clinical Research Consultant. I have a deep sense of empathy and compassion for the homeless community and I’m a driving force for the organization. I have a great Understanding of the challenges and hardships faced by homeless individuals and families this has fueled a strong commitment to providing support and resources to help improve their situations. Also
Community Engagement and Collaboration are key elements. The opportunity to engage with the local community and collaborate with other organizations is a motivating factor for our nonprofit referral organization. By working together to address the issue of homelessness, we can build strong connections, foster a sense of community, and work to create a collective impact that goes beyond what they could achieve alone. This sense of community and collaboration can be highly motivating and inspiring for multiple organizations.
What is your process like to distribute items to your clients?
The process we use distributing items to clients of our nonprofit organization we distribute care packages to the homeless is well organized and efficient.
Our Team starts by identifying the specific needs of clients. This includes items such as food, water, hygiene products, clothing, blankets, and other essential items. We Regularly communicate with clients to understand their needs and prioritize the items that are most needed.
We have Inventory Management: Our Team Established a system to manage our inventory of items. This involves categorizing and storing the items in a designated storage area . We also Keep track of the quantity and quality of the items to ensure adequate supply.
We create care packages by combining different items based on the needs of our clients. We create different packages for individuals, families, or specific demographics within the homeless population. We Ensure that each package is well-balanced and includes a variety of essential items.
We Identify strategic locations where we can distribute the care packages. These include shelters, community centers, soup kitchens, and areas with a high concentration of homeless individuals. We Collaborate with other organizations or agencies that serve the homeless to reach a larger audience.
I’ve also Establish a regular distribution schedule to ensure consistency and reliability. We’ Communicate the schedule to our clients and the community to avoid confusion and maximize the impact of our services.
Our Distribution Process: We Set up an organized and efficient distribution process. Th include creating a designated distribution area, assigning volunteers specific roles, and ensuring the flow of people is managed effectively. We use a sign-in process and ticketing system to track the number of clients served and ensure fair distribution.
We Train volunteers on the distribution process, including how to interact respectfully and empathetically with clients. We Provide guidelines on maintaining confidentiality and respecting the dignity of each individual.
We Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of our distribution process and seek feedback from clients and volunteers. This helps to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the care packages are meeting the needs of the homeless population.
We always keep in mind that it is essential to treat each client with respect and dignity throughout the distribution process, ensuring they feel valued and supported.
What can people do to support your organization?
Individuals can volunteer their time and skills to assist with various tasks. This includes distributing care packages, organizing fundraising events, coordinating outreach initiatives, and providing administrative support. Volunteers can help expand the impact of our organization and strengthen its capacity to serve the homeless community.
Make monetary Donations: we are seeking out financial contributions from individuals, businesses, and foundations to support our organization’s operations and programs. We have Created a donation page on your website, we also promote fundraising campaigns, and are always exploring partnerships with local businesses for sponsorships or in-kind donations. We Regularly communicate the impact of donations to inspire continued support.
We encourage people to spread awareness about our organization and its mission. We are starting to Utilize social media platforms, website blogs, and local media outlets to share success stories, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities. We Engage with our community through presentations, workshops, or guest speaking engagements to educate others about the issue of homelessness and the work our organization does.
We Host Fundraising Events: Organize fundraising events such as charity walks, benefit concerts, and auctions. These events cannot only raise funds but also increase community involvement and engagement. Collaborate with local businesses, community organizations, and influencers to maximize the impact of these events.
In Kind Donations; We Encourage individuals and businesses to donate essential items such as food, clothing, hygiene products, blankets, or other items that can directly benefit the homeless community. We are currently creating a wish list of frequently needed items and provide drop-off locations details for organize collection drives.
We are working to Collaborate with more nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations that serve the homeless population. By working together, we can leverage resources, share best practices, and create a more comprehensive support system for homeless individuals and families.
We Encourage people to advocate for policies and systemic changes that address the root causes of homelessness. This includes contacting elected officials, participating in advocacy campaigns, or attending community meetings to voice concerns and support initiatives that prioritize housing, mental health services, and social welfare programs.
We express gratitude and recognize the contributions of supporters by regularly updating them on the impact of their support and involve them in the organization’s activities to foster a sense of ownership and continued commitment.
What impact have you noticed from serving your clients?
We are noticing a Reduction of Homelessness and Poverty: By connecting homeless individuals to the appropriate services and resources, our organization can continue to contribute to reducing homelessness rates in the community. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on poverty levels and improve the overall social fabric of the communities.
In addition we are noticing that providing Advocacy and Systemic Change: As our organization serves homeless clients, we are gather firsthand knowledge about the challenges they face and use this information to advocate for systemic changes. By sharing their stories and advocating for affordable housing, supportive services, and policy reforms, our organization can contribute to addressing the root causes of homelessness and work towards long-term solutions.
By providing this referral service, our nonprofit organization has the potential to positively continue to impact the lives of homeless individuals and we are contribute to creating a more compassionate and supportive community.
Where would you like to see your career in the next five years?
I Aim to expand the reach and impact of our organization by serving a larger number of homeless individuals and connecting them with a wider range of services and resources. This will involve establishing partnerships with more service providers, expanding our referral network, and increasing our organization’s visibility and reputation.
Enhancing Program Development: Seek to develop new and innovative programs or services that address the specific needs of the homeless community. This will involve conducting research, gathering feedback from clients and service providers, and collaborating with other organizations to identify gaps in services and develop effective solutions.
Invest in my own professional growth and development by attending relevant workshops, conferences, and training opportunities. This will enable me to stay updated on best practices, emerging trends, and new approaches in the field of homelessness and social services.
Work towards becoming a recognized advocate for homeless individuals and influencing policy changes at the local, regional, or national level. This will involve participating in more advocacy campaigns, engaging with policymakers, and leveraging my organization’s expertise and experience to shape policies that address the root causes of homelessness and improve the lives of those affected.
Focus more on building a sustainable organization that can continue to make a difference in the long term. This includes developing a strong fundraising strategy, diversifying funding sources, building more partnerships, and ensuring effective governance and management practices.
Seek to strengthen partnerships with other organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders. Collaborating with like-minded organizations will enhance my organization’s effectiveness, expand my reach, and create synergies that lead to better outcomes for homeless individuals.
Increased More Public Awareness and Support: I Aim to raise public awareness about homelessness and the work our organization does. By increasing public understanding and support, I would like to attract more volunteers, donors, and advocates to our cause, ultimately leading to greater resources and impact.
Setting these goals for my career and organization can help guide my efforts and ensure that I continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of homeless individuals over the next 5 years and beyond.
Denice Marie Peterson, Founder
Proficient Frontline Community Services, Inc.
