From our 100% New Mexico County Survey, we know the many barriers family members endure as they seek services, including cost, lack of transportation to service, unfriendly hours for working parents, long waiting times, and more. Some barriers are removed through research, communication, and coordination. The more difficult barriers require something extra.

Our vision of a 100% Family Center is a state-of-the-art agency leveraging technology to increase user-friendliness and effectiveness, backed up by a world of research on how to increase access to vital services. With dedicated, knowledgeable, and talented staff using the best resources and tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), we will not only successfully guide families to services but supercharge community resource development to achieve 100% accessibility.

The primary role in the 100% Family Center is that of navigator. In traditional family resource centers or parent support agencies, ‘navigator’ is a common role. They provide support, guidance, and access to services for individuals and families facing challenges. They are intermediaries, helping individuals navigate complex systems, access services, and overcome barriers to equitable service provision so that families can thrive and everyone can lead healthy lives.

In spite of the best efforts of navigators, they can’t refer families to services that don’t exist or operate in a form that makes them effectively inaccessible such as limited operating hours, long wait lists, and difficult to reach locations. This is where we introduce the new role of sector service developer. When we speak of “sector” we are talking about ten service areas detailed in the book 100% Community: Ensuring 10 vital services for surviving and thriving

These talented individuals look for gaps in services and identify barriers to accessibility then implement creative plans to add or expand services and remove those barriers. They work closely with existing service providers, non-profits, and government agencies to solve problems in creative ways. To be an effective sector service developer requires a unique set of qualifications and a determined, creative attitude.

Sector service developers focus on strategic planning, funding acquisition, quality improvement, and promoting social justice goals within specific vital service sectors of Family Centers. Necessary qualifications include a deep understanding of service development, financial management, social justice advocacy, and a willingness to explore innovative solutions to enhance service delivery and promote community well-being. Responsibilities are wide-ranging but strategic and cover leading the development of service sectors, identifying funding sources, implementing quality improvement initiatives, and integrating the most appropriate technological solutions to enhance service delivery. The sector service developer’s role is distinct in its emphasis on long-term strategic planning, financial sustainability, and leveraging technology to strengthen service provision within the community.

Working in tandem with navigators ensures that as the needs of families grow, service availability grows. In some cases, this may simply mean adjusting the hours when services are available or extending an existing bus route to make sure everyone can get to the service. In other cases, existing organizations may need to open entirely new locations or expand the services they offer. All ideas are on the table.