Agenda - 1-5-15 Reg. Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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0 2 b"" Johnston - Lee -Hamett Community Action, Inc. Planning Process Narrative Continued sectors in our service areas are involved in almost every phase of this process. Individuals from both populations sit on our Tri-parte Board of Directors, assisting in the planning process, serving on the Successfully Transitioning to Achieve Real Self- Sufficiency (STARS) Policy Advisory Council in each county to help ensure that we are apprised of any changes that could have a negative or a positive impact on our target population. We serve on each other's boards and stay in contact to help guarantee a seamless delivery of services. They donate both time and money to help us meet the needs of the participants that we serve. Representatives from these two groups help distribute and collect CSBG client surveys each year to help gauge the needs of low income people in our target area. Other methods the agency use to involve the private and public sector in our efforts to eliminate the causal factors of poverty are: • The agency participates in Drug Action Meetings in Johnston and Lee Counties. • The CSBG staff work very closely with local business and industry in an effort to gain employment for the clients. The Counselors in all three counties provide their time and expertise to people four (4) hours weekly at the JobLink centers • Staff members serve on boards and committees of various organizations that work with low- income residents and other entities that can have a positive effect on the lives of the disadvantaged population in the target area. • The agency works very closely with the Area Ministries, Faith-based organizations, local churches and Food Closets in all three counties which help us share the struggles of low- income members of the community. with laypersons • The Executive Director serves on the Low - Income Initiative for the Bank of Four Oaks and on the Board of Directors of the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project. • The Board of Directors of Johnston - Lee -Hamett Community Action, Inc. has tri-parte representation. Board composition is comprised of representatives from the public, private and disadvantaged sector of the community. • Partnerships have been created with local banks in providing funding for housing counseling. Housing counseling assist individuals/families who want to purchase a home and help others having trouble paying their mortgage. Bank staff also conducts Financial Literacy Classes. • The Executive Director and the CSBG Director serve on the Public Policy Committee of the Smithfield -Selma Chamber of Commerce. Serving on committees in the chambers gives us an opportunity to gain first -hand knowledge about potential changes in the county in the areas of industry, community initiatives and other projects that can impact the lives of all sectors of the community. The chance to share opinions and ask pertinent questions is invaluable. It also allows us the opportunity to network and get the Community Action story and mission out to both the public and private sector. We are Chamber of Commerce members in the three - county service areas. • The Executive Director, CSBG Director, Human Resources Director and the STARS Senior Counselors in Johnston, Lee and Harnett County are (FDIC) Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Certified Money Smart Trainers. The STARS Senior Counselors in Johnston and Lee are SOARS Specialists which help persons who are chronically homeless and have a diagnosed disability complete an application for disability. * The STARS staff in Johnston County serves on the New Choices Advisory Board with the local Domestic Violence Shelter, South Campus Council Advisory. The Lee County STARS staff serves on the Lee County Community Child Protection Team and Child Fatality Task Force, Enrichment Center/ Senior Program, Sanford Housing Authority, Hearing Board, Project Task Force, Project Safe Neighborhoods/ City Of Sanford, Library Board —Lee County, NC Works (ESC). The Senior Counselors attend the Lee -Hamett Housing Collaborative in their respective counties. The Harnett County STARS Senior Counselor is a Job Link Partners member, the Harnett County Community Food Fiscal Year 2015 -16 Community services Block Grant Application Page 9 of 49