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Characteristics of a Human Service Organization

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Characteristics and Environments of a Human Service Organization
Lorie Janovsky
BSHS/462
June 11, 2012
Kara Coleman

Characteristics and Environments of a Human Service Organization
When an individual is seeking help with issues that may arise in their life, finding the right human service organization is essential. The object of this paper is to evaluate one human service agency’s mission and values, stakeholders influence on the agency, marketing and public relations of the agency, and value of diversity demonstrated within the agency. The agency chosen is The United Way of Central Massachusetts.
The United Way of Central Massachusetts
The United Way of Central Massachusetts made a commitment to improve the lives of people in the community (United Way of Central Mass, 2010). Their vision is to have “a world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability, and healthy lives” (United Way Worldwide, 2012). The mission of The United Way is “to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good” (United Way Worldwide, 2012).
The United Way began back in 1887 by a Denver woman, a priest, two ministers, and a rabbi (United Way Worldwide, 2012). The organization was created “to serve as an agent to collect funds for local charities, as well as to coordinate relief services, counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance grants in cases which could not be referred” (United Way Worldwide, 2012). Still today, 125 years later, The United Way is focused on improving and making a difference in the lives of those in the community. There is a network of “nearly 1,800 community- based United Ways in 40 countries and territories” (United Way Worldwide, 2012).
This organization is “governed by active, responsible, and voluntary governing boards to ensure effective governance over the policies and financial resources of the organization” (United Way Worldwide, 2012). They work closely with volunteers to get their input on the most pressing issues that are facing those in the community. The United Way believes “that the most effective models of service and excellence are created through the leadership of volunteers” (United Way Worldwide, 2012). All employees, volunteers, and representatives of The United Way take on a responsibility of earning the trust of the community. They hope that all their efforts are helping to make a change in other’s lives.
Stakeholders and Their Influence
“Among the individuals and groups with a stake in what the organization does and how it operates are its funding sources, its regulatory bodies, the legal system, other human service organizations, and the organization’s clients and constituency groups” (Lewis, Packard, & Lewis, 2007, p.25). The United Way works with partner agencies, other government agencies, and volunteers to have a continued success rate. The influence that these stakeholders have on the organization help to put better ideas out there and will help increase the reputability of the organization. The organization must remember to keep all key stakeholders and their interests up front.
Community Collaborations, Marketing, and Public Relations
“Collaboration among providers is the most effective way to improve outcomes” (United Way of Central Mass, 2010). Through collaboration with other agencies, The United Way can continue to keep focus on the concerns and needs in the community. Working with volunteers and leaders within the agency, they can “generate solutions to the most pressing needs and the most critical issues facing the Central Massachusetts community” (United Way of Central Mass, 2010).
Marketing and public relations are important to the human service organization. To increase public awareness of the many issues being faced within communities, The United Way established a partnership with The National Football League. “In addition to public service announcements in which volunteer NFL players, coaches and owners appear, NFL players support their local United Ways through personal appearances, special programs, and serving on United Way governing boards” (United Way Worldwide, 2012). Through these public relations, the agency can gain respect and trust from the community by letting those in the community know how their programs work and the good that come out of the programs.
Value of Diversity
“The United Way strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion” (United Way Worldwide, 2012). It is part of the core values of The United Way to have individuals employed who reflect “the many faces, cultures, and walks of life” (United Way Worldwide, 2012) which will help the organization to understand all issues that are facing those within the community. The organization is truly committed to the cultural differences that are evident in the community. “Organizational entities that fail to successfully implement diversity into the very structures of their operations will fail to be relevant to their clients or consumers” (Lewis, Packard, & Lewis, 2007, p.17).
Environmental Trends
The organization must recognize important trends, such as political, economic, social and technological, to ensure effective, strategic planning. “Human service programs are now expected to measure and document outcomes, not just units of services provided” (Lewis, Packard, & Lewis, 2007, p.26). The economic and social trends that are faced by The United Way are dealt with daily. Changes in the economy, homelessness, healthcare, and education are issues that The United Way recognize and focus interventions on. Technological trends will continue to evolve and the human service organization must keep up with these technological updates to have continued success.
Conclusion
For the human service organization to be effective the managers involved in the organization must realize the challenges that are going to be faced. The key stakeholders of the organization are going to have a big influence on the success of the agency. Collaborations are another important factor to look at as they will help the human service organization to succeed. With the ever changing world, keeping up with trends in the economy, politics, social, and technology issues, is very important to any agency to ensure continued respect and trust of the community.

References
Lewis, J., Packard, T., & Lewis, M. (2007). Mangement of Human Service Programs (4th ed.). Belmont, NJ: Thomson Learning.
United Way Worldwide. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.unitedway.org/pages/about-united-way-worldwide
United Way of Central Mass. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.unitedwaycm.org/

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