Written by Eric Gutierrez, Digital Media Specialist
MIDDLEBURG, Fla -- A new partnership between Clay County Community and Social Services and the Florida Department of Children and Families is bringing important services closer to home.
Launched in September, the partnership has enhanced access to state benefits, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, ensuring that Clay residents no longer have to travel long distances to receive assistance. The Case Specialists Team have played integral roles in assisting residents navigate state benefits.
“We recognized a gap in services that assist individuals in navigating the state benefits system in Clay County,” Coll said. “Many individuals we connected with expressed difficulties in finding local assistance for food or medical benefits applications. Prior to our becoming a community partner, residents needing help with applications or document submissions had to travel to Jacksonville, which can be quite a distance for many in our county, so we brought that to our leaderships attention and connected with DCF to become a community partner to better serve our residents.”
The team of Case Specialists offer a wide range of services to individuals and families in need of both short-term and long-term support. Their primary role is to connect clients to essential resources and services, often acting as advocates to help navigate complex systems.
“We are committed to offering each individual who reaches out to us during their time of need a foundation of empathy, kindness, and hope,” DeJesus said. “Our approach is rooted in active listening and ensuring that every voice is heard without judgment. We strive to provide a supportive environment where individuals can express themselves freely and receive the compassionate assistance they deserve.”
“Our goal is simple: to make sure every individual and family has the support they need,” Coll added.
Case Specialists can also assist with programs involving transportation, the county’s Community Development Block Grants, and more. The team also plays a vital role in the Continuum of Care program, which provides a coordinated platform for individuals with specific needs, offering seamless referrals to various levels of care, helping residents achieve long-term stability.
“The role of Case Specialist is essential because our responsibilities focus on connecting individuals in our community with the appropriate resources and services that they may find difficult to locate or navigate independently,” Coll said. “Often, individuals may not know where to begin, or they may feel overwhelmed by the process. We are here to advocate for our clients, ensuring they do not encounter unnecessary barriers to accessing the services they need.”
Furthermore, the team stays well-connected with local non-profits, faith-based organizations, and other government agencies to ensure they have up-to-date knowledge of the services available in the community. These partnerships allow Case Specialists to provide referrals for things like housing and mental health services and food and hygiene resources.
“The community appears to be very appreciative of having a resource in Clay County that can assist with navigating the application process, as well as (offer)support with applications, DCF interviews, and documentation,” Coll added.
Looking ahead, the team is hoping to reach more residents. They will begin introducing an off-site setup in Keystone Heights at the Keystone Beach Pavilion on December 18th. The off-site setup will offer additional support to residents who may face challenges in traveling to the Community Services office on College Drive.
“Our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service remains unwavering as we strive to make a meaningful impact in our community,” DeJesus said.
For more information on available services or to schedule an appointment, Clay residents can visit the Community Services office at 420 College Drive, Suite 107, Middleburg, FL, or call 904-529-4256.
