As part of a county-wide initiative, the Erie County Department of Social Services is hosting several meetings to hear the thoughts and concerns of the communities they serve.

"If we go to the community and we talk to people that are impacted and get their feedback and give us some guidance as we work together, I really think that would make a difference in our community," said Social Services Commissioner Marie Cannon.

Cannon says there have been some changes to training within the department of 1,600 staffers. 

It's called Solution Focused Trauma Informed Care Training. 

"We expect that the [social services customers] might go through drama so, how we interact with them should be more collaborative," added Cannon. 

The department has also added more Child Protective Services workers in 28 of the Erie County school districts. 

To accommodate working customers, Thursday hours have been extended till 6 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. 

Thursday's meeting is one of many to come throughout the county. 

"This is how I believe we empower people," said University District Councilmember Rasheed Wyatt. 

"It's how we make sure we hold ourselves accountable as leaders to make sure that we're meeting the needs and not just assuming the people are receiving the needs and services as appropriate, but listening and make sure we're doing that."