CAN Help Desk Office Hours

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Community Assistance Network (CAN): Local Crisis Support in Staunton-Augusta County-Waynesboro

Navigating a financial or healthcare crisis can be draining, especially if you try to do it alone. That’s why the Community Assistance Network is here: to help, because together we CAN! The team at this community help desk connects people in crisis or need to essential support in the SAW area and then works with them to find stability and build resiliency. As a program of Embrace Centers for Community, CAN helps address urgent needs like housing instability, food insecurity, financial strain, educational barriers, healthcare needs, and transportation barriers.

At CAN, clients meet directly with Resource Navigators and certified Community Health Workers (CHWs). The team begins with a friendly intake process to understand each person’s situation. From there, they connect clients with available resources and provide ongoing case management—sometimes for up to three years. Our process may look like this for many of our participants:

1. Intake and assessment
2. Immediate connection to resources
3. Assessment of underlying factors driving crisis
4. Development of next steps, goals and follow-up plans
5. Long-term case management

Unlike many service agencies, CAN offers walks with each client, step by step. We understand that resolving the crisis may only be the first step, so we are happy to work with you toward stability. Weekly check-ins help track progress, adjust plans, and remove barriers. Clients don’t have to navigate forms or phone trees alone. The team helps with things like applying for public benefits, getting medical care, or replacing identification.

CAN works closely with local nonprofits, government agencies, churches, and service providers to create a reliable support network. This approach avoids duplicated efforts and helps more people reach stability.

The mission is simple but powerful: build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community. CAN empowers individuals to move from crisis to confidence. It also strengthens the community as a whole by making services more accessible and reducing long-term strain.

If you or someone you know needs help—or if you want to get involved—CAN is here, and ready to assist.