Community Resource Binder

Here is a great way to keep track of all of your community resource/agency information (phone numbers, addresses, insurance information, hours, etc.). A resource binder! The contents of this binder are easy to update, easy to access, and perfect for a school counselor on the run!

A colorful, "easy-to-find on your desk" binder

Pocket folders to hold items such as copies of district parental waivers, compiled resource lists to give to parents/guardians, and other important resource sheets that may be needed during meetings, etc.

Numerous clear plastic business card pages/holders.

I purchased blank, printable business cards so that I could hand write or create "business cards" on my computer and print community resource information on each card (the information from one resource per card). Most of my cards are handwritten, however, those that I printed out on my computer contain information that rarely changes - such as county agency phone numbers and addresses. An example is seen below.

 A few years back, I found decorative blank business card sheets that I purchased (instead of the plain white ones you see above). I just thought they were way more fun to look at!

While the resources in my binder are not all inclusive I create a card for those places/professionals I have had to contact or have worked with. When I need the information, it is at my fingertips. When parents/guardians ask for community resource ideas, I am able to quickly access the information to give to them.

Information on the front of most cards include:

• Name of agency, doctor, therapist, community agency, etc.
• Phone number
• Fax number
• Address
• Website information

Information on the back of the mental health cards include:

• Insurances accepted by resource if known -- (this information has been the most useful to me)

Categories of cards:

• local mental health agencies
• local governmental agencies (welfare office, department of health, children and youth, etc.)
• local doctors (developmental specialists, psychiatrists, psychologists)
• local mental health providers (therapists, counselors)
• other community resources (Salvation Army, food banks, Headstart, Red Cross, etc.)
• community activities (boy/girl scouts, big brothers/big sisters, recreational department, YMCA, etc.)
• any business cards I received from folks in the field

Using the information I have compiled on my cards, I created a sheet of resources to hand to parents/guardians when asked. On this handout, I state that the list is not all inclusive, but includes some resources in our area. If nothing else, this list provides a starting point for parents/guardians looking for outside services for their child(ren) or family.