What's the Connector Program?

The CONNECTOR Program was developed in partnership with Mesa Community College and the Mesa Fire Department. The goal of this partnership is to design and implement a program as a resource for the Mesa Fire Department and a service learning site for Mesa Community College students. The first training class was held in July 1998 and the program was implemented in September 1998.

The Mesa Fire Department responds to many 911 calls that do not jusify medical or emergency response. However, they observe that there are many social needs that are beyond the scope of the Mesa Fire Department's expertise and time. To better serve the citizens in the community, volunteers will be trained to recognize these special needs and access agency resources to assist the citizens.

The CONNECTOR Program will be staffed by Mesa Community College service learning students and the Mesa Fire Department volunteers and light duty officers. There will be two components responding to referrals, a stationary unit and a mobile unit. The CONNECTOR Program Team will respond to requests from paramedics and firefighters to link people to appropriate resources in the community.

CONNECTOR Program volunteer training and participation will be an option for credit through the Service Learning program at Mesa Community College. The three credit course will include 24 hours of classroom and on-site instruction and training with a faculty advisor in a specific discipline. These credits are documented on the students' transcripts, and the credits transfer to Arizona State University.

Mission Statement

Mesa Community College and the Mesa Fire Department will collaborate in partnership to provide more effective and efficient service to the citizens and visitors of our community. The CONNECTOR Program will be a structured process which trains students and other volunteers to assist fire/EMS crews by linking customers to the appropriate community services.

Goals of the Connector Program:

Partnering Mesa Community College students with Mesa Fire Department personnel to connect people with community resources to meet their non-emergency needs.

The Connector Program is a partnership between Mesa Community College and the City of Mesa Fire Department.

Please contact Larry Thacker for comments or corrections   email   phone: 480-472-0843      

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