HandsNet, a Silicon Valley non-profit, has been helping human services professionals use online tools to exchange information and improve their programs on behalf of children, families, and people in need since 1987. "What distinguishes us from most of the dot-coms that provide similar services," according Executive Officer Michael Saunders, "is not the hardware or the software, but the human-ware behind HandsNet."

"We're some of the most non-techie techies you could ever hope to meet," adds Director of Online Community Development Ken Goldstein. "We've been able to successfully build an online community of human services folks, because so many of us come from the human services." Among his work history, Goldstein worked with public housing tenants in Sacramento, and as a statewide children's nutrition advocate, before coming to HandsNet.

HandsNet's Editor, Sue Dormanen, formerly worked in job training and development for people with disabilities. Today she compiles the daily Headlines and Weekly Digest that are part of HandsNet's news service, available online at www.handsnet.org. "The move from direct service provider to news editor is not as far as it seems," says Dormanen. "My daily work is still focused on providing timely information to help people work effectively. The difference is that instead of assisting a few dozen individuals, I now reach thousands of people in the human services professions."

Co-Moderating HandsNet's Working Families Online Roundtables are Alicia Newton and Kim Allen, both experienced social workers. Newton began her career as a counselor and child care worker in a group home for teen girls. She also worked as a medical social worker and an employment training counselor before being bitten by the online bug. "I began in online moderation as a part-time side job, hosting an entertainment forum. With HandsNet I've been able to combine my love of this new communications medium with my calling to provide community service."

Prior to HandsNet, Kim Allen was a childcare subsidy counselor and an adult education teacher focusing on parenting skills and preschool development. "Having a background in social work comes in handy when trying to build an online community," according to Allen. "The people skills are primary. Understanding their needs, and knowing what incentives will get a member to participate in a discussion are what it's all about. The members also appreciate knowing that each of us has been in their shoes, and knows what the advocate or service provider in a small non-profit agency is going through."

The latest additions to HandsNet's staff include Community Coordinators Brinton Everett and Laura Marcus. Everett's latest position of her 21 years in the social service field was as a Deputy Public Guardian, assisting seniors in the last stages of their lives. Marcus adds an international element to the staff, having spent the last several years doing development work in South Africa, where she recruited and trained community volunteers in HIV/AIDS/STD education and prevention.

Whether online or in person, the HandsNet staffers agree that their purpose remains the same. "Our goal in the Roundtables," according to Newton, "is to build a constituency around ways to assist those families left behind by the 1996 welfare reform laws. These are the same families that we used to see in our offices as direct service providers." Adds Goldstein, "From the feedback I get from members, I know that we're providing a useful service that is making a real difference in people's lives."

For more information, please contact HandsNet at hninfo@handsnet.org. HandsNet's web site can be found at http://www.handsnet.org.