SLMH Resource Map

As you may know, I recently attended the MSSA conference for 3 days. I learned A LOT. One of my favorite sessions was about community asset mapping, which basically boils down to a geographical map of assets. I instantly became obsessed because it’s a visual way to see and learn about one of my favorite things: RESOURCES!

I started creating the asset map during the session. I gathered info from my CFSS post and my Physiological Needs post, as well as agencies/resources that I could think of in the moment. These places include categories of: my offices, food resources (go to hungersolutions.org to search local areas and more specific categories such as ‘pets’ or ‘senior meals’), medical clinics, dental clinics, mental health providers or places that focus on mental well-being, CFSS providers, misc resources (clothing, household goods, pets, driver diversion), CAP agencies, county social service offices, and refugee/immigration assistance, and waiver/TCM agencies.

This map is not exhaustive and should not be considered an endorsement of any agencies or resources listed. I cannot guarantee that contacting, using, or engaging with these organizations will meet your needs—whether intentionally or unintentionally. However, I hope this serves as a helpful directory-style resource to provide you with information about places that may be in your area, or that you might not have been aware of before.

As always, I will do my best to keep the map as up-to-date as possible whenever I learn of changes. While I would like to create more categories, (1) I’ve only spent a few hours on this project so far, and (2) I’ve already reached the layer (category) limit for a single map. As I continue discovering additional resources, I will likely create more specific maps with detailed subcategories. This will probably happen sooner rather than later as I review my written files and locate lists I’ve compiled in the past.

As a social worker, I constantly reflect on the question: “Who is not in the room, and why?” I recognize that many of the resources currently included on this map are concentrated in the greater metro area. Expanding beyond this geographic focus is a priority for me moving forward. Additionally, I aim to ensure that the resources address the needs of the following (non-exhaustive) groups and individuals: LGBTQIA2S+, marginalized populations, culturally specific agencies and programs, differently-abled individuals, and other commonly excluded communities/individuals. Please let me know if there is a specific group, hobby, location, etc. that should be included.