What do we do? ThumbResources.org is a unique resource directory just for Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties. The mission of the site is to "Connect Families to Community Resources." Workgroup members are committed to making entry of information FREE so that even the smallest organization can post information in the directory. We value the support provided by grassroots organizations such as churches and small non-profits. We also recognized that for profit organizations play a vital role in helping families in our community. The only guideline to entering information is that it must be related to "helping or serving families/individuals in the Thumb area of Michigan."

How can you use Thumbresources.org? You can find a great amount of information on Thumbresources.org. The core of our the site is our searchable database. The database includes information about agencies/organizations and the programs and events that they offer. The database is just the beginning. On the calendar page, you will find a list of community awareness campaigns with links to more information. We also post any program or community calendars which are sent to us on the calendar page. You will also find a variety of resource lists on our documents page. Physicians, hospitals, libraries, schools, and directories produced by other agencies. To help you, we have added the ability to search our entire site. If you perform a basic search, you will be looking at information in our database. If you search more, you will search all of our site including the documents and calendar pages.

How do we Operate? Thumbresources.org is currently self supporting through site sponsors who are discreetly recognized on our about us page, in newsletters, on public displays, and other marketing efforts. We are focused on being user friendly and have chosen NOT to use banner or pop up advertisements. The site is managed by a volunteer workgroup of human service providers. Kay Balcer, Balcer Consulting and Prevention Services, is contracted to provide site support and coordination. Allied Media currently provides programming and technical support to the site. Since 2002, Thumb Area Michigan Works has been the fiduciary for the site. Their in-kind support is greatly appreciated.

• 24 Hour online access from personal computers, schools, and libraries.
• Ability to maintain updated information through automatic reminders to submitting agencies every 90 days.
• Postings and changes are immediate.
• The directory is centralized - with no ONE agency compiling and holding information, everyone has equal access to the database.
• It is expandable to address other health care issues and the database has the capacity to maintain virtually an unlimited number of agencies and programs.
  

The Beginning: The concept of an Internet based resource directory for the Thumb was born in 1993. Struggling with the best way to keep resource directories up to date and complete, the Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola County CHAI (Community Health Assessment and Improvement) workgroups began reviewing current directories and investigating the use of a computerized database. The concept was further developed in 1994 by the Thumb Partnership for Health. From 1995-1996, the Access to Care Committee set plans in motion to create the thumbresources.org web site.