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Case Study

An older adult service provider, Caring for Elders, received a three-year grant from a local foundation.  At the awards ceremony, the service coordinator had the opportunity to meet agencies that also received a foundation grant award.   Introductions and business cards were exchanged.  After the ceremony, the coordinator contacted the director of each agency that also received funding.  Many were unaware of the changes in scope of service that Caring for Elders now offered.  After additional follow-up conversations, the other agencies began referring new clients to the service coordinator.  In one month, twelve new clients were referred and began to purchase agency services.  This is an example of an agency that understood the importance of reaching out to a new group, or “public,” and expanding its customer base.