Starting in September of 2024, Volunteer Services at Bellin Health has created a new role called the “Community Resource Connector” or “CRC.” CRCs work with Bellin Health staff and alongside community organizations to connect patients with resources to address these needs, such as access to food, transportation, housing, financial and social support. After sharing resources with patients, CRCs have heard, “This is more helpful than you’ll ever know,” along with an outpouring of thanks and gratitude for supporting and assisting them during a time of need.
CRC volunteers commit to a service term of four months, or one semester, and a minimum of one 3-hour shift per week, as well as 8+ hours of initial and ongoing training to learn the necessary skills, tools and workflows. This volunteer opportunity is open to anyone age 18 or over and has been staffed by students at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) thus far for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
Volunteers are overseen by Danielle Wnek, Community Health Improvement Manager at Emplify Health. Danielle said about the program, “the (CRC program) is making a significant, positive impact on the lives of patients by connecting them to vital resources within their local communities. CRCs play a crucial role in bridging the gap between healthcare and social support services.”
With exceptional help from Volunteer Manager at Bellin Health, Dawn McCole, we were able to start a Community Resource Connector (CRC) program in the Bellin region in September of 2024 with the first cohort of six UWGB nursing students. Most recently, for the Spring 2025 semester, we have two UWGB Community Health Education students joining the CRC team. These students are utilizing the CRC role to complete educational and degree program requirements at UWGB.
Learn more about the CRC volunteer role by viewing this video.
Interested in becoming a volunteer with us? We have a place for you! Apply online today.