The Partnership for Human Services is a project of VentureCD (Ventures in Community Development) founded in 1999 with a mission of leveraging information technology to help others.

BACKGROUND If you worked in the information technology field during the 1980’s and 1990’s, you will remember that change occurred so rapidly that technology struggled to keep pace with itself. The stakes were high and enormous amounts were spent in research and development.   If you worked in the human service sector during the same time you will remember the hope, excitement, and expectation that information technology would close the digital divide and revolutionize Human Services.  That did not happen – nothing happened.  When the "dot-com bubble" burst in 2000 and the dust settled, it was clear that much of Human Services had been excluded.   Human Services was not a viable market because the return-on-investment was too small.  This does not mean there was no demand - just not enough profit.   VentureCD grew out of the frustration that information technology did not deliver for people in need.  The Partnership for Human Services was formed to take this ground breaking initiative representing 25,000 plus organizations to the next level and connect over 200,000 organizations.

VISION The world is a smaller place because of technology but no single technology changed it all.   Different technologies impacted different industries but a key catalyst in each was the ability to increase productivity through the electronic exchange of information.    Companies have always worked together but the ability to exchange information allowed agreements to be processed electronically.  Companies then developed internal applications to complement the exchange of information and again increase productivity.  Standards opened markets and made it easier for more companies to engage.  Companies looked for new opportunities to exchange more information and increase productivity.  This began a cycle of information exchanging, new applications, increased productivity, and more information exchange.    The financial sector is a good example.  The ability to electronically exchange information has allowed us to instantly send money around the world, bank from home, pay bills online, trade stocks online, and even pay our taxes online.  The Information Age changed the world because it allowed businesses to connect with each other and with each of us and to pioneer new services and achieve levels of productivity that could not be achieved otherwise.    The Human Services sector is enormous but with the exception of email there is very little information exchange and with the exception of desktop applications (word processing / spreadsheet) there are very few internal applications.  The technology that changed the world can change Human Services.   Partnership for Human Services is supporting the experience and expertise in Human Services by providing the tools they have needed for a long time.   We are deploying critical applications, providing services, building capacity, and connecting over 25,000 organizations in collaborative and productive ways.  Please consider HOW TO HELP this initiative.

APPROACH We began with information exchange as the catalyst by making Resource Directories available because they provided immediate value and enabled the exchange of information.   Then we developed new application and modified standard applications to integrate with and take advantage of the ability to exchange information and increase productivity.  We also helped to organize new networks.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS Information and communication technology is connecting organizations in a growing virtual collaborative framework.   In early 2008 over 25,000 organizations connected in one of several NETWORKS using one or more of the applications in the FRAMEWORK to be more productive - save time, reduce cost and improve outcomes.  We are witnessing and learning more about how: Providers can autonomously network like departments in a hospital Providers can address needs in coordinated, efficient, and holistic manner People find what they need and do not fall through the cracks Improving outcomes in less time and for less cost  Providers recruit, train, and support other providers Information technology facilitates best practices Information technology converts practice to process and can replicate across the nation with training, and support.

What has been accomplished represents years of cross-sector work at the federal, state, and local level focusing on grassroots needs.  It is evident that a framework of information and communication technology can indeed change Human Services. As a result: Networks are expanding and new ones are organizing More applications and services are being introduced and even more are requested More organizations are connecting and becoming more productive CHALLENGE Partnership for Human Services was founded to expand the framework from 25,000 to over 200,000 organizations with specific goals to: Identify and assist with new networks Expand the framework with new technology and new technology partners Identify and evaluate the potential of new applications Establish new business partnerships Investigate international opportunities If you would like to support us please visit HOW TO HELP

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