Better Together
Better Together
‘I never thought I’d be the kind of person who needed this help.’
Executive Director Dom Korbel and his team at Community Pathways of Steele County hear this more and more from first-time visitors – a number that has grown exponentially in recent months. “Many people have been able to hold their own, but something in their circumstances has tipped and they come to us for food or clothing needs that they aren’t able to meet themselves.”
Small things can be a tipping factor. An unexpected car repair is one of the most common reasons people come to Community Pathways for short-term help. As a parent or employee, people need to have a working car, so they cut into resources for food or clothing to cover the costs of repairs. The second most common reason people tell Dom they’re seeking help is because of unexpected medical costs. “The number of people in our community who are right on the financial edge is significant.”
While Community Pathways can do a great job of helping people overcome food and clothing insecurity, there are some needs they can’t meet. Mental health care, unemployment, and housing insecurity are just a few of the extenuating circumstances they refer to partnering organizations. “Providers want to work together and help each other. We are in this work to help people. We can be great at the services we provide, but sometimes there’s a missing piece—a need we don’t provide—that is necessary to get people over the hump.”
When Community Pathways was approached about co-locating with other social service agencies at Oak Hill Community Connections, Dom and the board didn’t hesitate. “I believe so strongly in partnership. No one can do this alone. If we want to create change, we can’t do it ourselves. There are so many people who are close to turning the corner to a positive direction. They are motivated to do it, but they need a little help. We have to make it easier for that change to happen. Oak Hill Community Connections is part of the solution. Together, we will serve people better at a lower cost overall – and more effectively – than doing so alone. It’s the ‘Better Together’ mentality.”