Polk Fit, Fresh and Friendly (PF3) held their first Hear2Help (H2H) pilot organization training on Friday, Jan. 20, 2016 at Thermal Belt Outreach. Hear2Help is a collaboration between PF3 and Foothills Health Network that provides and disseminates information on community health and wellness resources, as well as how to access health and wellness resources in Polk County. 

The program is volunteer-based and utilizes agency personnel who have ongoing contact and relationships with the community in an effort to more efficiently educate on resource availability, but more importantly, to listen to the needs, gaps and barriers to access. 

Thermal Belt Outreach is a ministry that serves Polk County families and individuals that need assistance with day-to-day necessities. Their mission and vision intertwine perfectly with the objectives of the Hear2Help program, making them an ideal organization for the pilot program. 

In addition to volunteer and staff training for the collaborating organization, Hear2Help is distributing a community resource guide that will be periodically updated.

PF3 is currently piloting the H2H program and is looking for interested organizations to participate. If you are interested in this program or would like to learn more, please contact the H2H project manager, Buffy Ashmore, at hear2helppolkcounty@gmail.com. 

– article submitted by Buffy Ashmore