Human Services Information Station, a bridge to human services activities

Contacts MAG Human Services Manager: Amy St. Peter Human Services

Since 1976, the MAG Human Services Committees have collaborated with a number of key stakeholders such as state and county agencies, municipal planners, community based organizations and funders of human services within the MAG region. The committees identify strategies to address human services priorities at the regional level and recommend allocations for human services funding in three areas: federal Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) funds for a variety of human services needs, Stuart B. McKinney funds to support homeless assistance programs and Section 5310 funds for agencies that transport older adults and people with disabilities.

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Main Focus Areas: Five committees address regional human services planning at MAG.

General Human Services Planning
The MAG Human Services Coordinating Committee advises the MAG Regional Council on human services-related issues and develops regional human services plans. It is supported by its technical counterpart, the MAG Human Services Technical Committee. The two Committees develop allocation recommendations for the locally planned dollars of the Social Services Block Grant. In addition, the committees address emerging needs, opportunities, and trends in human services. The current focus of the two committees is how to integrate the talents and meet the needs of people aged 65 years plus through the development of a Regional Network for Aging in Place. Aging in place refers to the ability of older adults to choose how and where they live with connections to their community.

Homelessness
The MAG Continuum of Care Regional Committee on Homelessness provides direction on homeless planning and policy. This is done through updates to the Regional Plan to End Homelessness and a consolidated application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to support homeless assistance programs.

Domestic Violence
The MAG Regional Domestic Violence Council develops and implements strategies to reduce the incidence of and trauma associated with domestic violence, including the Regional Plan to End Domestic Violence. Areas of focus include working with survivors, law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim advocates to enhance the way the region arrests and prosecutes domestic violence offenders.

Human Services Transportation Planning
In 2001, MAG convened an elderly mobility planning process that resulted in the development of the Regional Action Plan on Aging and Mobility and in 2002, with the region hosting a national conference. MAG also facilitates the application process for Section 5310. The Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Transportation Program Committee determines a priority listing of Section 5310 applications for vehicles, radio equipment, software and mobility management funds to transport older adults and people with disabilities for the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Focus has broadened from older adults and people with disabilities to include people with disabilities and people with low incomes. MAG developed the first MAG Human Services Coordination Transportation Plan in 2007 in response to new federal requirements in SAFETEA-LU legislation. That plan was hailed as a national model and has presented across the country. The FY 2013 plan and FY 2014 plan update were developed with strong support from the community and provider agencies.

MAG Human Services Information Station
The MAG Human Services Information Station is a bridge to community and human services activities. MAG member agencies and community partners will be better informed about and more connected to human services resources in the region through the information and links provided.