Community Partner Network

Community Partner Network

Community Partner Network

How a Community Partner Network Works

The Department’s Economic Self Sufficiency (ESS) Community Partner Network supports government assistance recipients by building partnerships with local organizations that offer resources and opportunities leading to economic self-sufficiency. Through partnership, individuals and families receive wraparound services designed to address their needs and help achieve their goals from community partners.

Partnership with the Department is established through a signed agreement. The Florida Department of Children and Families remains the designated state agency to determine eligibility for program services/benefits. Partners do not determine eligibility.

Types of Partners

Self-serve Partners – Self-serve Partners allow the general public to use their computers to apply or maintain their government assistance.

Community Partners – Community Partners allow the general public to use their computers to apply or maintain their government assistance with the help of knowledgeable staff. The General public may also receive resources and other services from the partner that support their economic independence, also known as wraparound services.

ESS Representative – ESS Representatives are not open to the general public but serve individuals who are unable to act on their own behalf by applying for or renewing benefits.

Find an ESS Community Partner

An ESS Community Partner can assist with:

  • Submitting an application for government assistance.
  • Renewing an application for government assistance.
  • Navigating your MyACCESS self-service portal.
  • Checking the status of your application.

Find your nearest Partner

Become a Partner

If you are an established organization with at least one year of serving in the following areas, please consider filling out our Partner Interest Form:

  • Aging services
  • Behavioral services
  • Billing agencies
  • Case management
  • Child/youth services
  • Childcare
  • Community/Senior Center
  • Clothing assistance
  • Counseling
  • Crime victim services
  • Dental services
  • Disability services
  • Education facilities
  • Employment and/or education and training
  • Family violence
  • Financial literacy
  • Food assistance
  • Home visits
  • Homelessness services, including shelters
  • Housing
  • Legal services
  • Literacy services
  • Medical services
  • Mentoring
  • Nursing home/rehab center
  • Pregnancy services
  • Public health
  • Recidivism reduction and reintegration services
  • Refugee services
  • Rent/utilities assistance
  • Social services
  • Transportation
  • Veterans’ services
  • Other

New Partner Interest Form