About the Community Resource Network

The Community Resource Network (CRN) is a group of people from local community nonprofits, governmental entities, schools/academic institutions, faith-based organizations, healthcare providers, community volunteers, etc. who convene periodically throughout the year via Zoom to learn about current and upcoming community initiatives, discuss community needs, share resources, and develop connections/collaborations. 

The CRN was founded in March 2020 by the United Way of Southwest Alabama, the University of South Alabama Office of Community Engagement, and the Spring Hill College Albert S. Foley Community Service Center in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in an effort to facilitate communication and resource sharing during a community health crisis. 

Since then the Network has continued with the following goals: 

  • To share current resources and information to assist mission effectiveness and advance our community
  • To be a catalyst for networking and collaboration across sectors as an ongoing practice
  • To share best practices and tools to support organizational sustainability and community impact 
  • To leverage our network to identify and address challenges and amplify community impact

For more information about the CRN and how to join these meetings, email communityengagement@southalabama.edu

Meeting Organizers & Strategic Partners

Name Title/Organization
JoéI Billingsley Vice President of Community Engagement,  University of South Alabama
Laurie M. Childers Assistant Director of Campus & Community Engagement,  University of South Alabama
Antonette Francis-Shearer Health Education Manager, USA Center for Healthy Communities
Mary Howard 211 Program Director, Lifelines Counseling Services
Melissa McKnight Director of Community Integration, Veterans Recovery Resources
Danny Patterson Coordinator, Collaborations and Partnerships, Gulf States Health Policy Center
Pat Scanland President, Scanland Consulting, Inc. 
Trista Stout-Walker Executive Director, Rebuilding Together of South Alabama
Ashley Williams Hogue Director, USA Center for Healthy Communities