This class is no longer accepting registrations
It's hard for people to navigate complex systems to obtain basic needs when faced with life changing events. The Kansas City Public Library recognized that members of their community would benefit from a program that helps pave the way. To fill the need, KCPL launched Community Resources. The Community Resources Team provides individuals experiencing life challenges an inclusive place to access the connections, support, and services they need. Made up of social workers, education specialists and librarians, the team offers help to community members in a variety of ways, through multiple channels. This presentation will share how Community Resources came to be at the Kansas City Public Library, what the program consists of and how it has expanded since the pandemic and what the plans are for the future.
Speaker Information:
Beth Hill, MSW
Beth has been the Community Resources Sr Specialist at the Kansas City, MO Public Library since November 2019. Prior to social work, Beth was in higher education as an instructor of speech communication and theatre for 24 years. Her study in interpersonal communication and eventual doctorate in speech communication, led to her interest in understanding how family and environment affect personal development. Her dissertation topic, A Semiotic-Phenomenological Analysis of the Self-Reflexive Communication Patterns of Adult Children of Alcoholics, led her to an interest in cognitive therapy and ultimately social work. The plan was to become a therapist but while studying for her MSW discovered the macro perspective gave her more opportunities to work with a diversity of people and settings. Since completing her MSW from Washington University in St. Louis, Beth has served as a career specialist with Job Corps, a job specialist/social worker inside Topeka, KS Correctional Facility, and a VISTA Volunteer for MO/KAN Goodwill Industries.
By registering for this class, you are agreeing to the NNLM Code of Conduct
1. Understand the challenges people facing life changing events encounter when attempting to obtain basic needs.
2. Explain the role social workers play in connecting library users facing life changing events with service agenices and community resources.