Betty Smith, Executive Director Vanessa Smith, Director of Operations

Donna Weathersby Davis, Project Director

Elizabeth Tarpley, Service Coordinator

Sylvia Wyatt, Project Secretary Kenneth Stewart, Graphic Designer

UJIMA COALITION“Ujima is Here for You”

Mission Background Environment and Targets Who we are, How we do it…

LNS Diagram LNS Composition/Partners

Toll Free # Billboard Ad FACTORS™ Lessons Learned

Ujima Coalition“Ujima is Here for You”

Helping to reduce the incidence and spread of HIV, STDs, TB and substance abuse in

African American communities.

• Through the efforts of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Ujima Coalition of South Side Help Center has been funded by the Centers for Disease Control to reduce the incidence and spread of HIV, STDs, TB and substance abuse in the African American communities of Roseland, Pullman, West Pullman and Riverdale on Chicago’s south side.

Ujima Coalition

Environment and Targets The Target communities are Roseland, Pullman, West Pullman,

and Riverdale all located on the South Side of Chicago. These urban communities were selected based upon the number of African Americans at risk for poor health outcomes, the incidence of HIV infection and substance abuse, and the limited number of prevention and treatment services available in these areas.

The Chicago Dept of Public Health Community Area Health Inventory indicates that in the 10 year span between 1987 and 1997 (current data not yet released): the rate of HIV infection in these communities more than

quadrupled, the rate of Tuberculosis infection increased 400% in the Pullman

area.

Who we are, How we do it…

•The coalition is comprised of health and social service providers and offers a comprehensive range of prevention and health services.

•The coalition utilizes a computer-based linked network system (Factors/SA) which allows the partners to refer, track and service clients while maintaining client confidentiality.

CLIENTThe client may enter the service and referral network through Ujima Central or through the partner agency.

UJIMA CENTRAL

1-866-UJIMA-4U Toll-Free Hotline

CBO LNS PARTNER

Once entered into the system, the client may be referred to any of the partner agencies. This may be accomplished from either agency to agency or from Ujima Central to agency.

CBO LNS PARTNER

UJIMA COALITION LNS DIAGRAMUJIMA COALITION LNS DIAGRAMSocial Marketing

Evaluation

There are currently five partners connected to the computer-based linked network system (LNS). The remaining six partners utilize a pen and paper method of tracking and referral. All of the agencies in the LNS are as follows:

1. South Side Help CenterSouth Side Help Center2. Luck Care CenterLuck Care Center3. H.R.D.I.H.R.D.I.4. Unity Parenting and CounselingUnity Parenting and Counseling5. Christian Community Health CenterChristian Community Health Center6. AIDS Task Force7. ACE Drop-in Center8. Universal Family Connection9. Roseland Mental Health Center 10. Community Supportive Living Systems11. Chicago Family Health Center

Computer-BasedComputer-Based

In addition to the primary partners of the coalition, the coalition has established direct relationships with several local community groups and maintains regular contact with these organizations. They include:

• Roseland District Health Council• Chicago HIV Prevention Planning Group• Ryan White Service Providers Council• Illinois Health Fraud Task Force• Southside HIV/AIDS Resource Providers (SHARP)• Roseland Facility Health Board• Metropolitan Chicago Tuberculosis Coalition

(American Lung Association)• Renaissance Care Network

What is FACTORS™? Case-management software database

developed for non-profit agencies; Storage and retrieval of client information; Security features ensure integrity of data

and confidentiality; Comprehensive; User-friendly interface.

Case Management Features Intake Screening Client Data/Demographics Needs Assessments Service Planning In/External Referrals Progress Tracking Group Services Clinical Modules Program Evaluation Custom Reports

Lessons Learned

• Establish realistic timelines that include all of the technical details for use in implementation, and allow for unexpected delays.

• Meetings should be focused and agenda-driven.

***It’s helpful to have an experienced facilitator to help guide the meeting and bring out salient points

• Encourage input from all members of the group and let them know their participation is valued and appreciated.

 

In cultivating a successful coalition of service providers and increasing access to prevention, treatment and care via utilization of a linked network system, the following must be incorporated:

Thank you for your time!

Ujima Coalition

Chicago, IL