Agenda - 1-4-16 Reg. Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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074 JLHCA, Inc. Planning Process Narrative (continued) b. Agency's Board Members: The Board will meet bi-monthly to: ➢ Receive administration's assessment of project operation and process. ➢ Review the bi-monthly computer generated printouts that's mailed to them prior to the board meeting showing progress made toward the timely fulfillment of Performance Measures. ➢ Receive the report, advice and recommendations of the Planning and Evaluation Committee with respect to suggestions made by the STARS Policy Advisory Councils in respect to the program's functionality ➢ Participate in and/or conduct public relation activities designed to highlight the accomplishments of program participants and the agency: ➢ In accordance with the CSBG Organizational Standards, the board members are fully engaged in the development, planning, implementation and evaluation of CSBG activities. ➢ Board members through board action and oversight review and approve each stage of the grant process. 2. Describe your agency's method and criteria for identifying poverty causes and list the identified causes. Also describe the methods and criteria used to determine priority and selection of strategies to be implemented that will address the poverty causes. This is the second year of a three-year plan and services were prioritized based on the results of the Community Needs Assessment Questionnaire conducted in Johnston, Lee and Harnett County during the planning process in October 2014. Of the 500 questionnaires distributed during the planning process, 344 were returned which represent a 68% return rate. The following areas of needs were identified: Affordable Housing -Transportation and Employment received the highest priority with 97 93 and 89 respectively. A number of factors played a significant role in the ranking of the needs and concerns expressed by participants completing the survey. The rental cost of affordable standard housing is now approximately $650.00-$1037.00 and has contributed to many of our participants joining the ranks of the homeless. One systemic problem that accounted for this dilemma was the participant's incomes did not increase to meet the need; Clients coming into the agency complete a "Tell me About Yourself" questionnaire which the STARS Counselors use to evaluate the participants' needs. It provides guidance in helping participants learn how to develop strategies designed to build a new life. The current political climate in North Carolina has resulted in the reduction of support programs such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, Unemployment benefits, etc., and has made life even more challenging for low-income people. Temporary employment agencies are the new normal and are experiencing difficulties placing unemployed persons. This problem exists whether the candidates are highly qualified professionals or unskilled laborers which created another barrier for many participants who have a GED/ high school diploma or less. 3. Describe activities that your agency has undertaken to advocate for and empower low-income individuals and families to achieve economic independence and security. The agency prioritizes implementing programs that increase self-sufficiency in low-income people in Johnston, Lee and Harnett Counties. Securing funding to develop the capacity and effectiveness of our agency in areas such as affordable housing, employment opportunities, educational advancement, affordable daycare, financial literacy, foreclosure prevention, emergency assistance, homeownership, early childhood education does help empower low-income individuals and families. We will continue to seek other funding opportunities and/or partnerships to help meet needs that have the ability to empower the participants or help them avoid adverse situations that could disrupt their path to achievement. The problem of high rent coupled with high utility bills has created a dilemma that's smothering low-income people in the agency's service areas. Financial Literacy workshops are conducted to help participants develop skills designed to educate participants about the basic foundations of saving money and the importance of making their scheduled payments in a timely manner. Fiscal Year 2016-17 Community Services Block Grant Application Page 8 of 33