How do you populate the database?
There are three ways we populate our databases:

• Our resource specialists are dedicated to identifying, engaging, and interviewing social service organizations.
• Many of our clients provide us with Excel spreadsheets with names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses to the agencies with which they collaborate. We can upload spreadsheet data quickly into a database.
• We can develop a web-based intake so that social service agencies may input their information into the database directly.

How often does your company verify resources?
Having worked as direct service providers, we strive to verify the programs and services contained in our database as frequently as possible. Depending on our contractual relationships with our clients, we may commit to verify between 50 and 500 resources per month.

Can you translate the resource database into Spanish?
Yes. We recognize that many of our clients serve communities with significant Latino residents, it is important our services reflect the demographic of those who may seek out referrals using our systems.

Can you translate the resource database into any other language other than Spanish?
Yes. It is important to us that our systems reflect the diverse make up of the communities our clients serve. We make this service available in all of our packages.

What happens if a resource no longer exists?
Our resource specialists go through a process of verifying programs in our database. There are three reasons why we would remove a program from our database, they include:

• If, after a series of attempts we are unable to make contact with program staff;
• If the organization is no longer providing services; and
• If directed to remove the resource by our client.

What happens to duplicate services?
Our resource specialists pay special attention to avoid duplicate programs in our database. Prior to publishing a resource in the database, our resource specialist will attempt to contact the organization to verify the correct information.

How much does it cost?
We offer two forms of our resource database: Initiative-based and Comprehensive. The differences in the database include the size of the database, the frequency in which resources are verified, and the population to be served. To learn more about each package, click here.

Why is renewal cost different than the initial cost?
The majority of the initial costs associated with a new database covers the labor needed to customize, design, and develop the system. After the first year, our clients pay for technical support, and the cost to host and encrypt the data maintained in the database.

Can I host the system myself?
Yes. Because we have relationships with data storage providers, we offer our clients peace of mind at an affordable price.

Who hosts the database?
All our current clients require us to host the database. This makes it easier for us to address any issues that may come up.

What kind of personal information do you collect?
Although it is our client’s prerogative to select the questions for the assessment tool, we believe it is important to safeguard the identity of all of those accessing referrals though our database. We do not collect information that would make it possible to identify an individual. We also do not share any of the data we collect with anyone.

How do you protect user privacy?
All of the data collected from the resource database is encrypted.

Who can use the system?
We design our resource database so that anyone can use it. Our goal is always to make searching for referrals as simple, and quickly, as possible.

Do you provide training?
Yes. We routinely provide training to organization case managers, administrators, and members of the community,

Is there a fee to the community?
No. Our resource database is available online to everyone without charge.

How do you help people without Internet access at home?
We recognize that not everyone has access to the Internet at home. We make it a point to encourage our clients to promote putting the resource database on their home page, to make it available at libraries, hospitals, community centers, churches, schools, and where people work.

How do you help people who do not know how to use a computer?
It has always been our goal to reach people in need. We design our resource databases in a way that invites users without complications. To offset fear of technology, we include a variety of images and offer options to search for services.

How difficult is the system to use?
We design our resource database so that those without social service experience can use it easily. We welcome community input as we design our systems to make sure it remains simple and effective.