Tuesday April 7, 2009

Program named one of Top 50 Innovations in American Government

Louisville’s Neighborhood Places – 11 one-stop locations for accessible health, education, employment and human services – have been named one of the “Top 50” programs in the 2009 Innovations in American Government Awards.

“The Neighborhood Place concept was an immediate hit when we introduced it in 1993,” said Mayor Jerry Abramson. “Offering a single location, usually near a school, to get health care, job information, and other social services made applying for those services much easier for our citizens.”

The awards, sponsored by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation, recognize outstanding programs that improve quality of life for citizens. Six winners will be announced in September.

“In this climate of economic uncertainty, these Top 50 innovative government programs demonstrate that creativity and innovation can still survive and flourish,” said Stephen Goldsmith, director of the Innovations in American Government Program at Harvard. “Despite strained budgets and diminishing resources, these programs prove that government continues to find solutions to pressing societal challenges.”

More than 500 staff from Louisville Metro Government, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Jefferson County Public Schools, and Seven Counties Services work together at eight Neighborhood Places and three satellite sites.

Every day, approximately 1,000 families seek services at Neighborhood Places. Last year, Neighborhood Places saw more citizens than ever before – coordinating services for more than 255,000 families.

“Neighborhood Places provide more than just access to needed services,” said Marty Bell, JCPS deputy superintendent. “They provide community connections that strengthen and enhance neighborhoods. I’m pleased that Neighborhood Places have been recognized for their impact on our community.”