About the Community Resource Network
Connecting Campus & Community for a Stronger South Alabama.
The South Alabama Community Resource Network brings together university programs, local non-profits, healthcare providers, and community partners under one roof. Whether you need support, want to volunteer, or are looking to collaborate, we bridge the gap between resources and results.
About the Network
Stronger Together. Rooted in South.
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 to facilitate communication and resource sharing during a community health crisis.
| Pillar | How We Help | Key Services & Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Needs & Food Security | Ensuring no member of our campus or local community goes without essential support. | JagPantry, emergency assistance funds, local food bank connections, and SNAP outreach. |
| Health & Wellness Support | Connecting individuals with accessible mental, physical, and preventative health services. | Community health clinics, counseling navigation, wellness workshops, and public health initiatives. |
| Academic & Career Pathways | Empowering youth and adults through educational access and workforce readiness. | Tutoring programs, literacy drives, career development workshops, and college prep resources. |
| Community Service & Advocacy | Mobilizing Jaguar volunteer power to address pressing local challenges. | South Serves portal, student service projects, non-profit partnerships, and community drives. |
For Local Community Residents
Need assistance finding local pantries, healthcare navigation, or family support services across Mobile and the Gulf Coast region?
Join the Network
Become a Community Partner
Are you a non-profit, agency, or civic group looking to collaborate with the Community Resource Network?
Need Volunteers
Register your non-profit with Volunteer Connect and/or SouthServes
Post your volunteer needs through the United Way of Southwest Alabama’s Volunteer
Connect portal and/or South Alabama's official volunteer management portal, SouthServes.
| Team Member | Title |
|---|---|
| Joél Billingsley, Ph.D. | Vice President of Community Engagement, University of South Alabama |
| Brandi T. Purvis, M.Ed. | 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 |
| 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 |