In our society, inequity exists in terms of opportunity. Some people do not grow up with the same access to education or other resources that others have. Social services are designed to resolve that inequity by helping people to meet their basic needs and provide opportunities that empower them to build a better future.
Social Services Defined
Social services are broadly defined as services that advance social welfare, social transformation, and social justice. These services may be provided by government agencies or non-profit organizations. Their goal is to improve the well-being of people who, in their current circumstances, can’t access everything they need to live a healthy and productive life.
Who Benefits from Social Services?
Social services are typically designed to benefit a certain group of people, which may be low-income individuals, children, veterans, those with mental health issues, those with disabilities, seniors, or groups with employment barriers, such as ex-felons. They also may benefit those who often face discrimination based on gender, race, or sexual orientation. Essentially, social services serve those who face barriers to opportunity.
Government Social Services
The government provides a number of social services. Some examples include:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Provides food benefits to low-income families so that they can purchase nutritious foods essential for health.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Provides cash assistance to low-income families as they seek employment.
- Medicaid: Health insurance for low-income individuals and families.
- Head Start: Provides children under five with learning and development opportunities to prepare them to be successful when they start school.
- Foster Care: Places children who can’t remain in their homes in foster care families.
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Provides assistance for families to pay their heating and cooling costs.
- Programs for People with Disabilities: The Department of Health and Human Services has multiple agencies that serve those with disabilities.
- Programs to prevent and end homelessness.
- Multiple services for veterans and military families.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides payments to those with disabilities who have no or limited work capabilities.
- Social Security: Provides income for seniors.
- Child Care Financial Assistance: Helps low-income families with child care costs.
This list is not all encompassing. Various government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels provide services for different groups of people.
Community Based Social Services
Thanks to the generosity and compassion of many Americans, thousands of non-profit organizations have been created to help those in need.
Habit for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity brings those in need of a home together with volunteers to build a home and get an affordable mortgage loan. They also have programs to revitalize neighborhoods, help seniors to age in place, and to advocate for policies that promote housing affordability.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude provides care for children with life-threatening illnesses at no cost to their families. They also do extensive research to find treatment and cures for life-threatening childhood illnesses.
United Way
The United Way brings people and organizations together to find and support solutions to community problems, from educational challenges to healthcare challenges.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has a host of programs and services, including homeless shelters, food pantries, rehabilitation for substance abuse, domestic abuse programs, and services for veterans.
Feeding America
Feeding America is involved in a nationwide network of food banks and pantries. They also advocate for laws and polices supporting food access, and partner with other organizations to solve the root causes of hunger in America.
Goodwill Industries
Goodwill provides programs to help people learn the skills they need to start a career, particularly those with barriers to job opportunities.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides safe spaces for children to learn, explore opportunities, and work with mentors.
Local Social Service Organizations
Thousands of organizations also work to help their local communities. Health Service Alliance, for example, provides medical and mental health care services regardless of a person’s ability to pay.
In nearly every community, you’ll find organizations that serve various needs, including health care, childcare, food assistance, and resources for the homeless. Organizations also exist to end discrimination and advocate for social justice.
These organizations are often supported by businesses, individual donations, and countless volunteers who work tirelessly and selflessly to help others. This support is invaluable in the efforts of organizations to ensure that all people have their basic needs met and have access to opportunities that can lead to a better quality of life.
In Closing
Social services are vital at all levels to ensure the well-being of every citizen, regardless of age, background, race, or sexual orientation. The suffering that would occur without these services is unimaginable. It’s important for everyone to contribute to social causes in whatever way they can and to advocate for government social services. It takes a village to give everyone the same opportunities to live a healthy and fulfilling life. We all need to be involved.
Health Service Alliance is here to help, connecting you with the services that you and your family may be eligible to receive. We will work closely with you to build a network of support, ensuring that you have access to assistance, guidance, and opportunities.
