ACTION LEARNING PROJECT (ALP)
Spring 2 – 2024
Organization and Setting: Catholic Charities of Fairfield County
Website: CCFairfield.org
Background, Vision, Mission and Purpose
Catholic Charities of Fairfield County (CCFC) is a pivotal non-profit organization that has served
the Fairfield County community for over a century, embodying a commitment to social service that
is both deep-rooted and expansive. Guided by the values of the Catholic faith, CCFC’s mission is to
put faith into action by providing food, housing, mental health, adoption, immigration, and family
support services to those in need, regardless of their religion, race, or ethnicity. This mission is
driven by the belief in the inherent dignity of all people and the call to serve the most vulnerable
members of the community.
Business Problem and Scope
Despite offering a comprehensive range of mental health services, Catholic Charities of Fairfield
County’s Behavioral Health Clinic faces challenges in effectively reaching and serving the broader
community. These challenges include limited awareness among potential service users about the
clinic’s offerings, underutilization of services by segments of the community, and the need to
enhance the clinic’s visibility and accessibility. Consequently, individuals who could benefit from
mental health services may not receive the support they need, leading to unaddressed mental health
issues that could escalate into more serious conditions.
Underlying Factors
1. Limited Awareness: There is insufficient awareness in the community about the mental
health services offered by the clinic, their accessibility, and their relevance to potential
clients’ needs.
2. Outreach Constraints: Current outreach efforts may not effectively engage key segments
of the community, particularly vulnerable populations who are less likely to seek mental
health services due to stigma, lack of information, or accessibility issues.
3. Engagement with Community Partners: The clinic has not fully leveraged potential
partnerships with local schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations that could facilitate
wider access to mental health services and reduce barriers to care.
1
4. Stigma and Accessibility: Mental health stigma and logistical barriers (such as
transportation, scheduling, or financial constraints) prevent some community members from
accessing available services.
Objective Rationale
By expanding the clinic’s reach and impact through strategic community partnerships and outreach
initiatives, Catholic Charities of Fairfield County aims to:
1. Increase community awareness and understanding of mental health issues and the services
available to address them.
2. Enhance access to mental health services for underserved and vulnerable populations.
3. Build collaborative relationships with community organizations that can serve as bridges to
the clinic, providing referrals and supporting integrated care approaches.
4. Contribute to reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental health care, thereby
encouraging more individuals to access services.
Overall Goal Increase awareness of, and accessibility to, Catholic Charities’ Behavioral Health
Clinic (New Outlook Counseling) in Fairfield County, focusing specifically on locations in Norwalk
and Danbury.
Target Audience
•
Children (ages 10+) and adults in Fairfield County struggling with mental health
concerns.
• Family members and friends seeking support for loved ones experiencing mental
health issues.
• Professionals (teachers, counselors, social workers) who may encounter individuals
needing mental health services.
Project Goal and Tasks
•
Goal: Establish partnerships and increase clinic visibility within Fairfield County.
•
Tasks:
o
Partnership Mapping: Identify and prioritize potential partners: schools,
faith-based organizations, community centers, healthcare providers, etc.
o
Outreach Plan: Develop outreach materials, talking points for presentations,
proposals for collaboration (e.g., workshops, cross-promotion of services).
o
Community Event Presence: Identify and recommend relevant community
events suitable for participation. Create a participation plan for Catholic Charities to
execute that includes outreach strategies and materials for effective engagement.
o
Media Relations: Develop a press release and target local media outlets for
coverage of clinic services and community initiatives.
2
Deliverables
o
o
o
o
Partnership map and prioritized outreach list.
Outreach toolkit (templates, presentations, talking points).
Event participation plan and secured placements list.
Media strategy, target list, and press release draft.
3

Purchase answer to see full
attachment