Resource navigators at Mesa County Libraries Clifton Branch, Ready to support residents

Mesa County Public Libraries and Mesa County Public Health are expanding their partnership to make it easier for the community to get the resources they need. Resource navigators will now be stationed at the Clifton Branch Library located at 3270 D ½ Road.

“We are determined to reach more people in the community. The new Clifton facility is a great location to ensure our resource navigators are accessible to anyone who needs support,” said Fallon Knez, Grand Valley Connects Supervisor.

Resource navigators will remain stationed at Central Library in downtown Grand Junction at 443 N 6th Street as well.

“Our staff have been working at the Central Library for nearly a year. We have been able to connect with many Mesa County residents to determine what kind of support they need, whether it’s help applying for healthcare coverage, paying for groceries, or finding childcare,” said Knez.

Availability

Resource navigators will be available at the Clifton Library every Tuesday afternoon from 1-5 p.m.  Walk-ins are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Resource navigators remain available at the Central Library Monday through Friday for appointments and walk-ins as possible. Dedicated walk-in times are Tuesdays from 1-5 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis.

Resource Navigation

• Grand Valley Connects helps residents connect with programs and services to meet their needs. 
• The first step in the process is to have a conversation with a resource navigator, who will complete a whole person assessment of circumstances. 
• Staff will work with the community member to determine what resources to pursue and make a plan for next steps. 
• The resource navigator remains in touch with each person through the entire process to ensure they are successfully connected. They follow up at 30, 60, and 90 days. 

“We assisted one unhoused community member who was facing a terminal illness and had no income. We connected them to transportation resources for medical appointments. Our team advocated for a housing voucher, successfully securing housing for them. Additionally, our resource navigator helped with their Social Security paperwork, resulting in back pay and steady future income,” said Knez.

About Grand Valley Connects 

Resource Navigators are part of the Grand Valley Connects program at Mesa County Public Health. This program provides enhanced resource navigation for residents in need. These positions are funded by a grant from the Behavioral Health Administration with the Colorado Department of Human Services.

Connection to resources include things like:

• Behavioral Health
• Childcare
• Educational Programs
• Employment Services
• Disability Services
• Family Support
• Food Assistance
• Medical Health and Health Coverage
• Help with Utility Bills
• Veteran Services

Visit the Grand Valley Connects site to learn more about the program.

About Mesa County Libraries 

Mesa County Libraries enrich lives and build community through opportunities to learn, discover, create, and connect. The library includes eight convenient locations throughout Mesa County, in addition to the 970West Studio and the Discovery Garden. Mesa County Libraries build community through partnerships,  provide library services equitably,  support learning, and support civic engagement with diverse viewpoints.

Visit the Mesa County Libraries website to learn about other programs and services offered at the library.