DPSS Annual Report 24_25 FLIP v16_compressed

Self-Sufficiency Division Self-Sufficiency Teams Help Drive Services Integration Countywide

Blythe FY 2024/2025

The Self-Sufficiency Division helped drive Integrated Services Delivery gains this fiscal year, expanding assistance in Blythe and Hemet and strengthening Riverside County’s push to raise itself from the bottom half of Healthy Places Index score into the top third of Califor nia counties. Teams in Self-Sufficiency advanced the county’s long-term aim by bringing the Integrated Services Delivery initiative, known as RivCoONE, directly into com munities and improving how residents connect to food assistance, health cov erage, housing support and other essen tial services. Program teams showed up consistent ly at community events, engaged res idents face-to-face and strengthened the practical skills that make service delivery more responsive, said Deputy Director Eric Ellis. Ellis said the countywide Integrated Ser vices Delivery initiative reflects “what happens when staff meet people where they are, listen closely and remove bar riers so residents can get the help they need without navigating a maze of offic es or systems.” While Blythe operated as an integrated services pilot site throughout the fiscal year, the timeline allowed staff to refine the model and build strong relationships with local partners and countywide inte grated service agencies. Trained staff and an Eligibility Supervisor in Blythe became central to the efforts, strengthening their skills in public speak ing, customer engagement and collab oration. Their work improved how staff interview customers, track requests and reduce delays, enabling residents to get support with fewer obstacles. Eligibility Technicians in the Blythe of fice reinforced progress by walking cus

tomers through RivCoONE, identifying needs early and connecting them to the right partners. Their ability to explain how integrated services work and why integration matters helped residents navigate support systems with greater confidence and clarity. Hemet launched its integrated ser vices pilot in January 2025, extending RivCoONE to another high-need com munity, applying lessons learned from Blythe’s yearlong implementation to cre ate a trusted entry point for mid-county residents seeking support. This progress was strengthened by close collaboration with the DPSS Of fice of Systems Design and Support, which introduced tools, technology and real-time feedback to help staff deliver assessments smoothly and support res idents more effectively. “This year’s achievements show how far county partners can reach when they work together with a shared purpose,” Ellis added. “I’m deeply appreciative of our Self-Sufficiency teams and their commitment to bringing seamless ser vices to customers and communities.” Community Outreach Branch • Designed an inclusive outreach strategy for Blythe using multiple languages, digital and non digital tools based on a three-day Rapid Improvement Event • Held consistent twice-monthly

5,272 Residents engaged

1,261 WPHS Completed

491 Referrals to RivCoONE Partners

65 65Individuals Directly Connected to Services

Hemet Jan. 1 to June 30, 2025

1,491 Residents Engaged

708 WPHS Completed

events with 85+ attendees • Coordinated, collaborative monthly meetings with RUHS Public Health and RivCoONE partners to align outreach and share information across departments

765 Referrals to RivCoONE Partners

Riverside County Department of Public Social Services | Annual Report 2024 - 2025

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