Photo of Katie Surma, Jasper Newton Community Support Network’s Support Specialist
The Jasper Newton Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the Jasper Newton Community Support Network, a new initiative designed to serve as the community’s front door to local resources by helping individuals and families throughout Jasper and Newton Counties find the support they need to build healthier, more stable lives.
Rather than expecting residents to navigate a complicated network of agencies on their own, the Community Support Network provides a single, trusted starting point where people can receive guidance, ask questions, and be connected to the organizations best equipped to meet their needs. Whether someone is looking for healthcare, housing assistance, employment services, food resources, behavioral health support, or other essential services, the Community Support Network helps open the right door.
The Community Support Network serves as a centralized resource hub, connecting residents with healthcare providers, social service agencies, educational opportunities, employment assistance, and other community support. The initiative will also provide dedicated assistance to justice-involved individuals as they transition back into the community, helping reduce barriers and increase access to opportunities for long-term success.
Led by Support Specialist Katie Surma, the Community Support Network is built on a simple mission: helping individuals and families find their way to community resources by offering guidance, coordination, and support that lead to greater stability and opportunity.
“Many people simply don’t know where to start when they need help,” said Katie Surma. “Our role is to make those first connections easier. Whether someone is looking for healthcare, food assistance, employment resources, recovery support, or other community services, we want them to know there’s one place they can begin. From there, we’ll help connect them with the organizations and professionals best suited to meet their needs.”
As the program continues to grow, the Foundation plans to expand its reach by adding a bilingual support specialist to better serve Spanish-speaking residents throughout the region. This expansion reflects the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring resources are accessible to every member of the community.
In addition, the Community Support Network will begin laying the groundwork for a regional Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), bringing together local law enforcement, healthcare professionals, behavioral health providers, first responders, and community organizations to improve crisis response and connect individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises with appropriate services and treatment.
“The Community Support Network is about making it easier for people to get connected,” said Brienne Hooker, Executive Director of the Jasper Newton Foundation. “We envision it as the front door to our community’s network of services—a place where anyone can start, regardless of what challenge they’re facing. No single organization can meet every need, but together we can ensure every person is connected to the right resources at the right time. By strengthening those connections, we’re strengthening our entire community.”
Rather than duplicating existing services, the Community Support Network works alongside local providers, healthcare organizations, schools, nonprofits, faith communities, law enforcement, and government agencies to strengthen collaboration and ensure residents can more easily access the assistance already available. The Foundation envisions a community where everyone’s basic needs are met, and all people have the opportunity to thrive.
Residents looking for help connecting with resources to meet their needs should complete the Jasper Newton Community Support Network referral & intake form on the network’s website.
Community organizations interested in partnering with the Community Support Network or learning more about available resources are encouraged to contact the Jasper Newton Foundation by calling (219) 866-5899 or using the JNF contact form.
