We had the pleasure of learning about the Human Services Federation (HSF) from Executive Director Jason Varga. The Human Services Federation supports its member agencies through Education, Networking and the power of Collective Action.
When those in need succeed, we all succeed.
Jason made a strong point of reminding us all of the value of collaboration - working together - for the good of our community. An important function of the Human Services Federation is to facilitate collaborations and partnerships throughout the nonprofit community in Lincoln. When the nonprofit community works together, the services are provided more effectively and efficiently.
The Human Services Federation has been in existence for over 30 years, currently with over 100 members - all sizes and focuses. They have members are like The Food Bank, the Lincoln Arts Council and CEDARS.
Jason commented about his passion to help the organizations reach their full potential - spend their energies and funds on services, not on the operations of the programs.
An example of facilitating partnerships and collaborations:
- Process improvement project – help streamline processes – reduce wait times for serve clients
Educational Support – examples and specifics:
- Provide knowledge on topics to increase effectiveness and efficiency
- Leverage numbers – provide services more reasonable than if agency contracted on their own
- Information technology training
- Leadership Training
Networking and Information Sharing specifics and examples:
- “the better we know each other, the better we work together”
- Host monthly meetings and bi-monthly newsletter (over 900 emails)
- Helps reduce duplication of services and increase efficiency through referrals; helps get clients to the right place sooner
- Streamlined nonprofit community creates better use of donated dollars
Funding for the organization is about 50% dues. They also have a grant from the County and Donations. Dues are based on budget size.
Last year they added nearly 260 members to their email distribution lists, had over 700 individuals registered for training events, and added 5 new affiliate partners.
Jason shared a personal story about his love for his job. as a musician, he rarely enjoyed his "day job" - just did it as a means to make money and continue to do what he loved - music. He found with this position that he enjoys his day job as much as his music.
To learn more and share the story of the Human Services Federation, visit their website: http://hsfed.org/.