Our Participant Voice initiative gives voice and power to the people we serve, ensuring that our programs and business practices are informed by our Participants.
We currently have 5 Participant Advisory Groups that meet for 1 hour per month in the following areas:
Health & Safety – Status: Pending
The Health & Safety Participant Advisory Group primarily consists of Participants interested in impacting the health and general wellbeing of the people we serve and their families.
Housing – Status: Active, meets one Tuesday every month
The Housing Participant Advisory Group is made up of Participants that are currently receiving our housing services. This group mainly talks about tenant rights, living conditions, and advocating for unhoused populations.
Economic Opportunity – Status: Active, meets one Friday every month
The Economic Opportunity Participant Advisory group comes from our Asset Building and Workforce Development programs. Here, we talk about finances, job readiness, building wealth, as well as how other aspects of life can affect our Participants’ economic opportunities.
Youth – Status: Active, meets one Thursday every month
Our Youth Participant Advisory Group is for Participants 12-17 years old. Children of current Participants are also encouraged to sign up. The youth discuss safety, education, future careers, and ways young people can have an impact on their community.
Justice – Status: Active, meets one Wednesday every month
The Justice Participant Advisory group is made up of Participants that have lived experience dealing with the justice system. Participants talk about how our systems can better aid people leaving the justice system and re-entering into society. We also talk about new laws and legislation, and the future of HHCS’ advocacy efforts.
Sign up link for Participants (Current HHCS Participants Only): Click Here
Nomination form (HHCS Employees, use this form to nominate participants): Click Here
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The Participant Voice Council (PVC)
Each Participant Voice Advisory Group will elect 2 group chairs to be a member of the Participant Voice Council (PVC). PVC members report on advisory group discussions, set agendas for groups, receive further professional development training, and elect 2 Participant Voice Council Chairs as full voting members of the Heartland Human Care Services Board of Directors.
FAQs
Q: When/Where do Participant Advisory Groups take place?
A: Locations are varied amongst the groups. Once you are nominated or signed up, we will confirm if there is room in the group and inform you of the meeting schedule and location.
Q: What is a “Participant?”
A: A Participant is anyone who has received our services or has been in one of our programs within the past 12 months.
Q: What should I do if I want to join?
A: Talk to your case manager if you need help signing up. Or use the sign-up link on this page. You can also send an email to JP Marquez, jmarquez@heartlandhumancareservices.org.