New app connects families in need with resources in Webster County

MARSHFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Helping families in need is the idea behind an app that just launched in Marshfield.

CarePortal is in 35 different states. The program has helped more than 300,000 children, according to a company spokesperson. The idea is to connect people in need with resources that can help faster.

“We see the need, but not all of it,” said Alan Balmer of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation.

He says the organization helps many families in Webster County.

“We know that in these times when things are difficult, like finances, the economy and things like that, there are individuals who are not able to meet their needs on their own,” Balmer explained.

She says that while many people in the community want to help, connecting people with the right resources can be difficult.

There are many wonderful churches and businesses and individuals and organizations that want to help people. But often what we do is struggle to find the organization that can help the person the best,” he said.

This is where the CarePortal app comes in.

“We’re trying to find ways to mobilize the community to care for these children. CarePortal was a way for us to do that,” said Adrien Lewis of CarePortal.

The platform connects child care agencies with community partners and resources. Case managers work to fulfill requested needs, such as food, clothing, and other essential items.

“When you see a need come up, you don’t have to think, ‘That’s nice,’ or ‘I’m just being ripped off because I want something,’” Lewis said. “You can know that a trusted professional, in a sense, is the one who brought that need. Honestly, it takes so much of the hesitation out of the community. That’s really why we’re so successful.”

Balmer expects the initiative will have a huge impact on Webster County.

“We really wanted to unite all the different organizations and churches in Webster County and create a solid force that could meet the needs that came up,” he said.

For more information about the CarePortal app, please click HERE.

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