There are many community resources, programs, and services available to help people get through difficult times — but often, the people who need those resources don’t always know how to find them or how best to access the benefits they offer.
That’s where nonprofits that provide information and referral services come in: These nonprofits act like resource centers — like 211 call centers — acting as a database of resources for people who need help with something, but don’t know where to turn.
But, before information and referral services nonprofits can start helping the people who need their expertise, they need to have reliable insurance first.
For nonprofits, different missions mean different insurance needs, so we talked with several NIA-insured nonprofits with missions that include information and referral services, and they shared what matters most to them when it comes to their insurance coverage.
In their own words…
Havensafe (San Jose, CA)
“Havensafe is our county’s first ‘Eviction Emergency Room.’ Empathetic volunteers follow our software-driven triage process, preventing 125 people from homelessness each month.
By the end of the call, each household has a customized plan of action, instead of having to wade through the eligibility requirements of 10+ different programs.
Havensafe operates a responsive call center to help educate households in crisis on tenants’ rights to avoid self-eviction into homelessness, connects households swiftly with rent/deposit/mortgage payment assistance, coordinates with landlords to de-escalate tensions, coaches households to access legal services, screens households to determine which fund(s) they qualify for, directly applies for funds on behalf of eligible households, and refers households for ongoing support — including financial coaching. life coaching, and other services.”
— Shannon Clark, Founder, Havensafe
Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion (Walnut Creek, CA)
“The Lalich Center is a resource for information on and recovery from cults, coercive control, and narcissistic abuse.
We provide support and education for survivors, family and friends of survivors, and mental health professionals working in the field of cult recovery.
Our goal is to empower survivors of cults and coercive relationships to live meaningful lives by providing lifesaving resources.
Simply put, our mission is to empower survivors of cults and coercive relationships to live meaningful lives by providing lifesaving resources and to educate the public about cults and coercion.
We publish books on the subject, as well as provide online informational resources on our website. We host virtual recovery workshops for survivors and online continuing-education courses for mental health professionals.”
— Janja Lalich, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion
Two Hearts Community Development (Reno, NV)
“Two Hearts Community Development, and its partners at the Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB), have created and maintain a comprehensive supportive services resource database for those transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing.
It’s a living document, maintained by people who understand which services actually work and how to access them.
We also provide hands-on learning kits about these existing resources and partner with supportive service delivery and training organizations to enhance the delivery of these services to permanent housing.”
— Susan Clark, Board Chair, Two Hearts Community Development
What did these information and referral services nonprofits need most from their insurer?
Coverage for board members and volunteers.
“We needed to ensure that our volunteers and board of directors were legally protected.”
— Shannon Clark, Havensafe
Affordable liability coverage.
“The Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion needed liability coverage and a reasonable cost.”
— Janja Lalich, Ph.D., Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion
Appropriate coverage to support growth.
“Most important for us was making sure that our partners know that we have the appropriate levels of insurance so that we can collaboratively grow our programs and funding.”
— Susan Clark, Two Hearts Community Development
How did these information and referral services nonprofits hear about NIA?
A referral from a consultant.
“Our organization first heard about NIA when a consultant recommended them.”
— Shannon Clark, Havensafe
A broker’s recommendation.
“We first heard about NIA from an insurance broker that was referred to me by a colleague who also has a nonprofit organization.”
— Janja Lalich, Ph.D., Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion
Board colleagues from other nonprofits.
“NIA was originally recommended to us through board colleagues at other nonprofits.”
— Susan Clark, Two Hearts Community Development
Since becoming NIA members, how has that relationship helped these information and referral services organizations?
Competitive insurance designed for nonprofits.
“NIA offers competitive insurance solutions catered for nonprofits. I love that NIA is a nonprofit serving nonprofits.
I especially appreciate the easy software portal, and the responsive and transparent staff.”
— Shannon Clark, Havensafe
Relief from anxiety related to liabilities.
“Being insured by NIA has been a smooth process that gives us much relief from any anxiety related to potential liabilities.”
— Janja Lalich, Ph.D., Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion
A partner, not just an insurer.
“NIA feels like they are partners with us — not just an insurance company. With everything so streamlined these days, it is nice to have them reaching out with the range of resources that they provide.
In today’s world, new nonprofits have a harder time getting insurance. Also, the NIA rep we worked with was excellent in helping ensure that we had everything in place to make sure that our insurance was as low cost as possible.
I will not look anywhere else for nonprofit insurance.”
— Susan Clark, Two Hearts Community Development
Nonprofits that provide information and referral services need an insurer that supports them as well as they support the community.
Why do information and referral services nonprofits choose NIA as their insurer?
It’s easy: With NIA, you get quality insurance coverage that’s designed to meet your specific mission, at prices that are fair and equitable, and resources to help you do it more effectively — all from a team that’s committed to seeing your mission grow and celebrates the positive impact you have on your community.
Nonprofits that provide information and referral services help people access the tools, guidance, funding, and resources they need to get on their feet and thrive — you deserve an insurance provider who does the same for you.
