The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County has hired Shari Buchmann as its new Community Support Specialist, a part-time position that will enable the Library to better serve patrons with needs in social service and mental health areas. The new position is part of a $27,600 grant the Library received from the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation of San Ramon, Calif., for a pilot program in this field.
The Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation, based in Emeryville, Calif., has provided over $10 million to philanthropic causes since its inception. It is particularly interested in public library initiatives that provide innovative services to the communities they serve.
“We are grateful to the Gerald M. Kline Foundation for providing a grant which enables the library to offer to our patrons a very different kind of assistance. This project aims to provide a way to connect people needing social services with resources that can help,” said
Aimee Fifarek, Public Library executive director. She noted that some patrons who frequent the Library may be struggling with issues beyond library service expertise, such as homelessness, addictions, depression and more.
“With this new position, we will not only have the expertise needed to help our patrons, but we will also be able to train our staff to better serve patrons with social and emotional needs,” said Fifarek.
Buchmann, a licensed social worker, has been in the field of social work for 21 years. She received a bachelor of arts degree from Youngstown State University in 1998. She most recently has been employed by the Area Agency on Aging for the last 13 years, and has past work experience in the foster care system and nursing homes. She started her job at the Public Library on May 13.
She is also self-employed with Power of Potential Training and Advocacy Center. The Center provides continuing education units to social workers, counselors and marriage/family therapists. The Center also provides advocacy services for the special needs population, particularly parents and special needs children.
Staff will provide Buchmann with referrals from patrons who seek assistance. “My rule is if you give me a problem, I want to give you a solution,” said Buchmann.
She is licensed with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Buchmann was born and raised in Youngstown. She and her husband, Anthony, have four children.
The Library has a partnership in this grant with Hope Haney, Executive Director of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Mahoning Valley. For more information on NAMI, visitnami.org….
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