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

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076 JLHCA, Inc. Planning Process Narrative (continued) Program staff in the agency works in conjunction with other organizations/entities to ensure that low-income families obtain needed services. The coordination of services through information and referrals and follow- up play an important role in this project. We coordinate with local community partners in order to increase the availability of resources to low-income people in the agency's service areas. We partner with public and private resources using a variety of approaches such as cross training. As members and the founder of the Johnston County Human Services Council, we meet quarterly to discuss any concerns or opportunities that may have become available since the last meeting. We also provide training for each other's clients and staff to make sure that areas of needs and concerns are identified and addressed. The agency is conscientious in regard to keeping private citizens informed about programs and other initiatives with goals that help stamp out the causes of poverty: This is accomplished by issuing information through year -in -reviews, website, news releases, announcements to churches and other community groups/organizations. Staff attends faith -based activities, civic organizations and other community groups' functions to keep them informed on services that the agency offers. The agency focuses on operating programs that help eliminate the core issues that threaten to destroy the ability of low-income people to become stable; therefore it is vital that we work together as a team. The private and public sectors in our service areas are involved in almost every phase of this process. Individuals from both populations hold a seat 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 guarantee that we are aware 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 partnered with the Department of Commerce Food and Nutrition Program to help food EBT recipients find employment, enroll in school and participate in programs to help them overcome their current situation. ➢ 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 participants. The Counselors in all three counties provide their time and expertise to people four (4) hours weekly at the NC Works Career Center. ➢ Staff members serve on boards and committees of various organizations that work with low-income residents and other entities that can make a positive difference 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 -Harnett 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. Fiscal Year 2016-17 Community Services Block Grant Application Page 10 of 33