Millage Recipient Profile - Health Net of West Michigan
Health Net of West Michigan, part of the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage Outreach and Navigation Network and Training and Education Lead, acts as a vital link between formal healthcare systems and essential social services. Through, the Care Model, rooted in client empowerment, Health Net helps families navigate complex systems and access necessary resources, ensuring equitable access to healthcare and community support. The Care Model (c) Training series and Supervisor Learning Cohort, support navigators of health and human services to develop their skills working alongside clients and equip supervisors to support their staff in their roles. Both training courses improve the quality of navigation services offered in our community.
Receiving funding from the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage expands Health Net's reach to more families, fostering access to crucial resources for birthing people women, and families with young children in Kent County. Executive Director Maureen Kirkwood, MPH, sees this funding as transformative for improving access to essential services.
With values centered on well-being, equity, collaboration, adaptability, respect, and education, Health Net remains dedicated to advocating for every individual in Kent County to access essential resources for healthier lives.
Family Voices
Kent County Health Department WIC referred a client named Marcia for assistance with housing and food. Darcy, a Health Net Case Manager, contacted via phone to introduce herself and discuss Marcia’s needs. Marcia shared that her family had just lost their home due to eviction. They were devastated and struggling to find housing. Darcy first connected Marcia with the Salvation Army’s Housing Assessment Program and Community Housing Connect, as well as shelter resources. After applying to the resources, Marcia was connected to Family Promise to find housing.
While waiting for updates on housing, she applied for Social Security Disability Insurance. Marcia began receiving monthly income through this program, inching her closer to affording her new home. Meanwhile, her partner was job searching and received an offer for a new job. In more exciting news, they found an affordable trailer home for them and began working on a payment plan. Before Marcia knew it, the move-in date was set. Once they settled into their residence, Marcia and Darcy began focusing on their food and clothing needs.
Darcy called Marcia to review the list of resources she collected. She provided the 2-1-1 database and Feeding America map as a resource to find local food pantries. Darcy explained how to navigate both resources and let Marcia try them on her own.
The whole family was overjoyed with their new home and delighted to have their own private space again. Marcia expressed to Darcy how thankful she was for the support and all the resources. Darcy was thrilled to see the family succeed and all the hard work they put into their housing struggles.
Learn More About Health Net's Care Model
