Adding a Program Name and Description

The Program Name and Description are important parts of any listing. Together, they guide seekers through the platform, ensuring they can find and connect with the services they need with dignity and ease.

The Program Name

The program name is a seeker's first impression. It should serve as a high-level snapshot, immediately communicating exactly what help is available. To ensure your program is easily discoverable, follow these naming best practices:

• Be Specific and Concise: Use representative keywords that describe the core service at a glance.

• Focus on the Service: If the program lacks a formal title, lead with the primary service offered (e.g., "Emergency Clothing Closet").

• One Listing, One Service: Avoid grouping unrelated services into a single name. This ensures seekers don't get lost in a "catch-all" listing.

  • Note: The only exception is when multiple services share identical eligibility rules and "Next Steps."

 

The Program Description

The program description outlines what is being offered in more detail for those seeking or navigating services. This information helps assess if a program will meet the specific needs of those seeking services.

 

Formatting Guidelines

Write all program information in the second or third person (using "they" or "the program") rather than the first person ("we" or "us"). This makes it clear that findhelp is a navigation tool, not the direct service provider.

To keep descriptions easy to read, organize them in this specific order:

1. Summary: A brief overview of the program.

2. Service List: A hyphenated list of what is offered.

3. Additional Details: Any extra info seekers should know.

 

 

Program Description Section 1

A simple way to write your program summary is to follow a one to two sentence structure. This should be the first thing a user reads so they immediately know if the program fits their needs.

The Formula:

[Provider Name] offers [Service] to [Target Audience].

Example: "Family Counseling Service's Adult Behavioral Health program offers a complete array of counseling services to adults age 18 and older."

Using this consistent "Who, What, and For Whom" structure helps seekers find the right help without having to hunt for the basic details.

 

Program Description Section 2

After the summary, use a Program Service List to outline exactly what is offered. To keep the information clean and accessible, use a simple list format where each item is marked with a dash (avoid bullet points, emojis, or other symbols).

Primary vs. Secondary Services

You can use multiple lists to distinguish between what someone gets immediately versus what they can access later.

Primary Services: These are available to anyone who applies for the program directly.

Secondary Services: These are "add-on" supports available only to people already enrolled in the main program.

Secondary lists may also be utilized to specify what the program’s services are intended to address.

 

Program Description Section 3

The final section of your program description, additional program details, provides the specific context a seeker needs to successfully access services. This is the place to capture vital information that isn't already covered by the standard fields on the program card.

Consider including the following details to help set clear expectations:

• Cost & Payment: Note if you offer a sliding scale, reduced-cost options, or specific payment requirements.

• Complex Scheduling: If your hours are bi-weekly, seasonal, or otherwise irregular, explain that rhythm here.

• Application Windows: Clearly state when applications open and close. To keep your listing evergreen, use general ranges (e.g., "February through May annually") rather than specific dates that change every year.

• Service Delivery: Specify if the program is offered in-person, virtually, or via a hybrid model.

By including these final "need-to-know" details, you reduce barriers for seekers and ensure your team receives higher-quality, better-informed referrals.