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JLHCA, Inc. 081 Planning Process Narrative (continued) dangerous living conditions and into standard housing. Clients enrolled in the program receive utility and rent assistance for up to 3 -months. They will also receive utility and rental deposit assistance. If applicable, they may be assisted with rental application fees. A counselor will work with them to help them find employment and/or link them with services they may be eligible to receive. The counselor helps them assess their situation; help determine what circumstances got them to this place and what they could do to avoid becoming homeless again. The CSBG Director is a National Certified Grant Specialist and continually looks for funding to support programs that are beneficial to low-income people in Johnston, Lee and Harnett Counties such as Foundation Grants, Emergency Food and Shelter Program, United Way Support, Presbyteria of New Hope and other funding as opportunities arise. We will continue to apply for funding to develop programs that will help our participants rise above the poverty level. The Head Start (BMI) Body Mass Index Program was initiated due to the high number of head start children who were overweight. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Head Start, primary care physicians, local Health Departments, Women, Infant and Children's (W. I. C) offices. During the bi-annual height and weight checks, if a child's body mass index percentage indicates that a child's is high, at risk, or underweight a computer generated graph is sent a copy of the information and then have to take the child to a medical provider for follow-up. The nutrition coordinator then tracks the progress or lack of progress and follows up with the parent/guardian. If the BMI percentage is high, the curriculum in the classroom will be amended to help rectify the situation. Healthy snacks are encouraged and parents receive educational information, such as monthly newsletters, etc. to help introduce a healthier lifestyle for the entire family. The Housing Urban Development Housing Counseling Program provides multiple services which specifically target both homeowners and potential homeowners. Reverse Mortgage for senior citizens who own their homes are afforded the opportunity to stay in the homes and receive funds to help meet their needs. There are only a few counselors who are nationally certified to coordinate reverse mortgages. The Counselor also offers Homeowners Training, Default and Pre -Purchase Counseling. The Financial Literacy Training is incorporated into the other elements of this program and is conducted by the Senior STARS Counselors who are Certified Money Smart Trainers. The Executive Director, CSBG Director and the Human Resources Director are also FDIC Certified Money Smart Trainers. 7. Describe activities that your agency has undertaken or plans to undertake, on an emergency basis, for the provision of such supplies and services, nutritious foods and related services, as may be necessary to counteract conditions of starvation and malnutrition among low-income individuals. CSBG STARS Program staff work very closely with the Area Ministries and encourages churches to provide emergency assistance when resources are available. Food Vouchers are issued to eligible applicants in Johnston County. We will pursue additional funds from other sources to help meet the needs of low-income people needing emergency assistance. Funding from the Presbyteria of New Hope Outreach grant also assists in this venture. Funding from the United Way and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is used to assist the agency in Johnston, Lee and Harnett Counties providing for emergency needs. As other food assistance programs become available, people, referrals are made to ensure that any person in need of food assistance will receive services. Food closets are organized within each area ministry and are supported by volunteers and private donations from churches, schools and food drives conducted by the community. In Johnston County, the food vouchers are distributed by the STARS Counselors. Many low-income people seeking emergency assistance benefited when private donors contributed funds for the sole purpose of providing emergency assistance. Private donors can help the needy in this way without having to screen them to see whether or not there is real crisis. Local churches in all three counties also provide funds to assist participants who are experiencing a crisis. The program partners with churches, food banks and other organizations whose primary mission is to distribute food to those in need. Some people receive food vouchers, bags of groceries Fiscal Year 2016-17 Community Services Block Grant Application Page 15 of 33