Podcast - 'The Service Station'

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the way in which individuals interacted with not only one another, but public social service agencies nationwide. The Riverside County Department of Public Services (DPSS) launched a podcast titled ‘The Service Station,’ a bilingual podcast, in May of 2021 to connect with the public during the pandemic. The podcast focuses not only on the vital services and programs offered by the DPSS, but also communicates heartfelt stories, humanizes DPSSS employees, unpacks social issues, and empowers users with calls to action. Episodes range from 10-45 minutes long and include guest speakers on an approved topic with recordings happening in studio or through interviews from the field. ‘The Service Station’ podcast has achieved success with over 3,000 downloads as of December 2022. It has allowed residents countywide to reconnect with DPSS and become informed in an innovative way during a challenging time. In a county of 2.5 million residents, DPSS serves over one million people, including children, families, and seniors. The department offers access to protective services, foster care, adoption assistance and other benefits to improve the health, wellbeing, safety, and independence of customers.