The Department of Human Services operates many programs and services using supplemental funding through a decentralized process.  In an effort to centralize and coordinate this process, the  Research Planning and Evaluation (RPE) Unit was created.  One function of this unit is to identify gaps in service and seek supplemental funding to address these community needs. A second function is to monitor contracts and programs supported through supplemental funding, and a third function is to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs and services.  This unit utilizes strategic planning and combinations of various funding streams to sustain a wide variety of programs and services in the community.