Strategies to Connect with

Existing Community Services

• Survey what programs are already in the community. This should have been done prior to funding, but continue with the process after the Even Start Program has been funded, as community needs and solutions change over time. New programs emerge in the community, and old ones change leadership. Don't be afraid to make a phone call just to tell someone about Even Start. Staying updated with who is "out there" is important.
• Meet with the leaders/directors/decision makers of these agencies and explore shared visions and goals for adults and children. If there is an understanding that combined services reach a greater audience, and use funds more effectively, then there can be discussion about how services can support each other rather than become duplicated. Many communities have agency sharing sessions. Join the group and be active in learning about how Even Start supplements rather than duplicates existing services.
• Visit other education and funded programs in the community. Bring literature and recruitment material with you about Even Start. Take information from their agency back to Even Start. Explore with an agency member what the goals are for adults and/or children. That way you can act as a recruitment assistant for their program. 
• Make sure you know what other agencies work with the family that you work with. Know the contact people so if you have a question, you have someone to talk to. ASK the family. Each family probably knows whom they deal with besides Even Start. 
• Send other agencies/programs "news" about Even Start. Send them notification when there are openings for new families.
• Staff may want to interact with other programs to share ideas, practices, classroom arrangements, lessons, curriculum, forms for gathering information, or other tools. Other reasons for connecting may be to shadow a staff person to learn more about a certain position, for example, a program coordinator. Even Start programs also seek particular resources from their peers that have worked well in urban or rural settings.

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