Building Connections and Fighting Hunger: Highlights from the Kings/Tulare SRN Alliance Meeting
Date of Meeting: September 29, 2025
Introduction: A Community United for Change
On September 29, 2025, the Kings/Tulare Smart Referral Network (SRN) Alliance Meeting brought together a diverse group of community leaders, nonprofit partners, and service providers. Hosted by Kings United Way and United Way of Tulare County, this virtual gathering showcased the power of collaboration and innovation in strengthening the social safety net for residents of Kings and Tulare counties.
Partnership and Progress: Updates on the Smart Referral Network
The meeting opened with a welcome from Nanette Villarreal, Executive Director of Kings United Way, who emphasized the importance of partnership in addressing community needs. The SRN Alliance meetings are designed to unite nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations, all working toward the common goal of supporting local residents.
Fedieson Landicho, SRN Coordinator for United Way of Tulare County, provided an update on the progress of the Smart Referral Network. The SRN is a digital platform that enables organizations to refer clients to one another, track outcomes, and ensure that individuals receive the support they need. According to Landicho, the Tulare County SRN is nearing readiness for testing, and organizations interested in participating are encouraged to reach out for one-on-one demonstrations.
The anticipation surrounding the platform’s launch was evident among attendees. In Kings County, eight organizations are already participating in beta testing of the SRN. These groups, which include Valley Voices United, the Kings County Commission on Aging, and several others, are helping to validate the referral workflows, assess data security, and ensure the system meets the needs of all users.
Nanette Villarreal explained that onboarding new organizations involves executing agency agreements, securing user agreements, and providing comprehensive training. While the process requires effort, the benefits of a seamless, secure referral system are substantial.
Addressing Food Insecurity: Community Action in Focus
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the growing challenge of food insecurity in the region. Juan Martinez, Director of Nutrition Education and Hunger Prevention at Kings Community Action Organization (KCAO), delivered a compelling presentation on the current state of food assistance.
Martinez described a sharp increase in calls to 211 for food support, particularly among seniors and families with young children. He highlighted the difficult choices many families face, often having to prioritize inexpensive, processed foods over healthier options due to financial constraints. KCAO’s food bank is working tirelessly to meet the rising demand, but resources are being stretched thin.
Martinez shared a recent experience in which food was provided for 350 families, yet approximately 10 families had to be turned away due to limited supplies. This situation underscored the urgent need for additional support and volunteers. Volunteers play a crucial role in the food bank’s operations, from packing bags to distributing food at various sites throughout the county. The organization has also implemented creative solutions to reach those in need, such as establishing pantries at local colleges and providing food at shelters and senior apartments.
With Thanksgiving approaching, preparations are underway for the annual turkey distribution, which will provide over 3,000 turkeys to families across Kings County. Martinez encouraged agencies and individuals to participate in upcoming volunteer opportunities and community fundraisers, including the Monte Carlo Night scheduled for November 7.
Technology in Action: Demonstrating the SRN Platform
A highlight of the meeting was a live demonstration of the SRN software, presented by Josh Madfis, Vice President of Community Investments for United Way of Monterey.
The demonstration showcased the platform’s features, including client intake, consent management, referral creation, and outcome tracking. The SRN is designed to be HIPAA-compliant, with robust data security and privacy controls. Integration with the 211 database allows agencies to make informed referrals and monitor client progress across multiple domains, such as food, housing, and health.
The software also supports case management, application processing, and real-time resource availability, making it a valuable tool for agencies seeking to coordinate care and track outcomes. Madfis emphasized the importance of active participation from agencies, noting that the network’s effectiveness depends on regular follow-up and collaboration. He also addressed questions about cross-county referrals, confirming that the system is being developed to enable seamless collaboration between Kings and Tulare counties.
Looking Ahead: Building a Stronger Community
As the meeting concluded, attendees were reminded of the next Alliance meeting, scheduled for October 27. Both Villarreal and Landicho encouraged organizations to get involved, whether by joining the SRN, volunteering at food distributions, or learning more about available resources.
The sense of momentum and shared purpose was evident, with participants eager to continue building connections and supporting their communities. Tulare organizations interested in joining the Smart Referral Network are encouraged to contact United Way of Tulare County.
By working together, the community can ensure that everyone has access to the support and resources they need. The Kings/Tulare SRN Alliance Meeting demonstrated the power of collaboration, technology, and community spirit. Through continued partnership and innovation, Kings and Tulare counties are building a stronger, more connected future for all residents.
