5-9-22 BOC Budget Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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Brick Capital Community Development Corporation Kerry Bishaw, Director of Brick Capital Community Development, along with President Margaret Murchison, Vice-President Bill Wilson were also present. Brick Capital focuses on affordable housing-related issues. They are planning on building nine affordable houses this year. In the next few years, there are plans to build 70 more. They are the only HUD counseling agency in Lee County. Last year, Brick Capital helped over 200 families in Lee County with housing counseling. They also focus on supportive housing, which is a combination of housing, case management and resources to help people become more stable and self sufficient through case management and partnerships. Clients are able to transition from being homeless to being tenants and eventually becoming a homeowner. Brick Capital has a staff of four people with plans on adding another housing counselor and a construction project manager to help with the home building projects. There are nine houses in the process of being constructed in the Jackson Heights area. Five houses have been started so far. Four houses will be on Boykin Avenue between Fields Drive and Washington Avenue. Lee County Industries Audrey Murchison provided information on behalf of Lee County Industries. LCI provides a community rehabilitation program for individuals with special needs. Day program services and vocational rehabilitation opportunities are provided. LCI partners with the State of North Carolina and Sandhills Center to provide services. LCI's primary focus is on job placement and job retention. Opportunities are provided for individuals to work on site if there are contracted jobs from employers. Services provide inclusion and integration, which leads to acceptance, independence and allows individuals to be involved as a member of the community and as tax payers. Chairman Smith called for a recess at 5:03 p.m. Commissioner Sharpe arrived at 5:10 p.m. The Board reconvened at 5:24 p.m. Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Carolina Darla Shoults and Bob Bridwell appeared on behalf of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Carolina. Jasmine Walker, Director of the O.T. Sloan Site was also present. Their mission is to enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Commissioner Knecht arrived at 5:46 p.m. A big emphasis is placed on children's health. The Boys and Girls club is a dedicated youth facility and is affordable to all. 941 youth were served in Lee County— 76% of youth were from low-income families, 58% of youth were from single-parent households and 18% of the membership are teens. The teen program is being revamped to be a workforce readiness program that will teach them how to interview and look for a job. The Boys and Girls Club is looking to partner with local employers. Teens will be able to get certificates in Information Technology and can partner with an employer to get a good job. The Boys and Girls Club offers programs focusing on good character and citizenship, including Youth of the Year that showcases young leaders and the Torch Club/Keystone, which is a leadership club that participates in volunteer opportunities in the community. 3