Empowered Newsletter | February 2024 | Issue 2

We had a great time! Attendees at the 2023 NCCAA Annual Conference in Winston-Salem.

Celebrating 60 Years of Community Action

2024 NCCAA Annual Conference. Sign Up Now!

Join your colleagues and other non-profit professionals from across North Carolina for a week of plenary sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. We foster collaboration and focused attention on the diverse faces of poverty in North Carolina while promoting positive change in our communities.

Early Registration Rates End Friday, 2/2/24

Our 2024 Conference in Cherokee will celebrate the

60th Anniversary of the NCCAA and the

Community Action Movement

Registration Fees:

Early Rates end tomorrow, Friday, February 2

Early Bird Member Rate - $500

Early Bird Non-Member Rate - $575

Regular Member Rate - $550

Regular Non-Member Rate - $625

Late Rates (after Friday March 22, 2024)

Late Registration Member Rate - $675

Late Registration Non-Member Rate - $775

A Look Back: 2023 Annual Convention in Winston Salem

Annual Award Nominations

Standing awards are an important part of our annual conference each year.

Please take time to submit a nomination from your agency!

All nominations must be received by 11:59PM on Friday March 8, 2024

Roselle Copeland Stewardship Award

This award focuses on exemplary individual contributions to the Association, the local community or agency and/or the low-income community at large.

Lonnie D. Burton Achievement Award

The Lonnie D. Burton Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual who, through the assistance of a Community Action Program, has achieved a significant level of self-sufficiency and independence, while recognition is given to the local Community Action Agency’s role in helping nominees to help themselves. 

Gloria M. Williams Award

The Gloria M. Williams Award is presented annually to a corporation, foundation, or other valuable partner that has advanced the cause of the North Carolina Community Action Association or one of its members. 

The Essential Piece

Show your gratitude and let team members from the boardroom to the mailroom know you value what they do. Nominate one person who exemplifies "the heart" of community action at your organization! 

Donor Spotlight: AETouch Technologies Helps Make it Happen

A Look Back: 2023 Annual Convention in Winston Salem

Shared Content

Black History Month Graphics for Our Members

Keep your eye out for a separate email from us to share two sets of BHM graphics for you to use in your communications this month!

Community Action Family Feud!

NCCAA Program Spotlight: Trainings

Among the many services offered through the NCCAA are governance trainings. One of the best things about learning and growing our team is when we can make the process fun. Pictured here, Dr. Landon Mason Sr., serves as the gameshow host and his Economic Improvement Council board members, the competitors.

We love Community Action!

Director of Finance and Administration

A direct report to the NC Community Action Association Executive Director, the Director of

Finance and Administration will be responsible for planning, directing, leading and developing an internal team to support the following areas: finance, business planning and budgeting, grant administration, human resources, and administration. The incumbent is also responsible for administering operations, procedures and resources to facilitate organizational effectiveness and efficiency. This role is a permanent, full-time exempt position. The salary range is 60-75K with benefits including health insurance, vacation, retirement, holidays, and sick leave.

HEAL NC Program Manager

A direct report to the NC Community Action Association Deputy Director, the HEAL NC Program Manager will oversee all aspects of the HEAL NC initiative, ensuring all project outcomes are met or exceeded. The NCCAA is headquartered in Raleigh, NC, however this position will be based in Goldsboro, NC.

The HEAL NC Program Manager plays a pivotal leadership role and is responsible for managing the program budget and timeline, identifying opportunities for leverage, leading coordination efforts, and ensuring the fidelity of program evaluation. The Program Manager will supervise two Success Coaches and work closely with NCCAA executive leadership, the evaluation team and community partners to execute impactful projects that address the root causes of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), build resiliency skills, and empower individuals and communities to achieve sustainable livelihoods.

If winter doesn’t come to your doorstep you make up your own winter inside! These kids are doing their best at Circle of Friends Childcare, administered by Blue Ridge Community Action at Rutherford College.

Success Story: Early Childhood Education Apprenticeships in Macon Co.

Heather McClure, Family and Consumer Science Teacher at Franklin High School in Macon County, has high praise for a Pre-Apprenticeship program in Early Childhood Education that is benefiting her students. Macon County Schools are partnering with Southwestern Child Development Commission and ApprenticeshipNC to offer the program.

“Students first enroll in Child Development and then are eligible to take Early Childhood Education 1 & 2,” McClure says. “In the Early Childhood Education 1 & 2 classes, 50% of the class is internship. Students are on school campuses twice a week in various classrooms. They are excited to learn from teachers and to interact with students of various ages. The knowledge and experience my students are bringing back to the classroom is very encouraging for the future of early childhood education.”

Hailey Roca is a recent graduate of the program and works at Macon Program for Progress. When asked about the benefits that the Apprenticeship Program offered, she said, “I really enjoy working with children, and this program allowed me the opportunity to do so. The Apprenticeship Program is helping me get through college by waiving the cost of tuition. It also provides me with a bunch of resources, such as grants and a laptop.”

Community Action News From Around State

W.A.M.Y.’s ‘Santa for Seniors’ Gift Drive Serves More than 1,400

December 2023 marked the fifth year of W.A.M.Y. Community Action’s “Santa for Seniors” gift drive. With generous support from local businesses, organizations, and individuals, WAMY successfully distributed a record number of more than1,400 holiday gift bags to senior citizens in assisted living facilities, under hospice care, or homebound. These gifts were personally delivered by dedicated local volunteers and contained items such as blankets, puzzle books, lotion, lip balm, socks, candies, and other treats. 

YVEDDI Receives $20,000 Grant for Meals on Wheels

Through a national partnership with Meals on Wheels America, Food Lion Feeds donated $20,000 to Yadkin Valley Economy Development District, Inc., (YVEDDI) to feed senior neighbors in their time of need as well as to serve the increased demand for Meals on Wheels in the community.

SCAP Housing Counseling Program Awarded $5,000 Grant

Mountain Projects Food Drive Honors Memory of Employee

As a multi-talented member of the Mountain Projects team, Vicky Gribble developed resource drives that included more the 20 community partners and provided support for the under-served populations of Haywood and Jackson Counties. One of her main projects was the development of holiday food drives for Head Start families. Three times a year she coordinated community partners to ensure children went home with food for their families, as many didn’t have enough to eat while they weren’t in school. Gribble passed away unexpectedly during the holiday season, and Mountain Projects is honoring her memory with a food drive.

Salisbury-Rowan Plans Poverty Simulation

The SRCAA, in conjunction with the Rowan County Department of Health, plans a poverty simulation on February 21. The Poverty Simulation increases awareness about the complexities of poverty in North Carolina. This interactive tool provides a window into four weeks in the lives of a North Carolina low-income family and the struggles faced to overcome barriers of joblessness, homelessness, crime, illiteracy, and the lack of quality childcare. Additionally, the training provides participants with tangible strategies for resourcing/supporting the community.

Agency Spotlight: Blue Ridge Community Action

She’s gonna blow! Ms. Connie and Ms. Melanie’s class at Quaker Meadows Generations Child Care in Morganton stands by as a volcano experiment reaches the big moment.

News From the National Community Action Partnership

February Webinar

Exploring the Connection: Community Action Agencies and Family Resource Centers

Wednesday, February 21, at 2:30 PM ET | 1:30 PM CT | 12:30 PM MT | 11:30 AM PT

This webinar will highlight the impactful work of Community Action Agencies and Family Resource Centers supporting American families. Presenters will discuss similarities and differences of the programs, and examples of when they work in complementary or collaborative ways, or are sometimes one and the same.

Presenters

Denise Harlow, Chief Executive Officer, National Community Action Partnership

Maria Miranda, Early Learning Home Visitation Dept. Director, El Centro De La Raza, Washington

Daniela Lizarraga, Navigations Manager, El Centro De La Raza, Washington

Jason Wilde, Executive Director, Open Doors Utah, Utah

Community Action Responds to Proposed Head Start Changes

NCAP, CAPLAW, and NCAF submitted joint comments on behalf of the Community Action Network, responding to newly proposed Head Start regulations that would affect hundreds of Community Action Agencies across the country. Over 250 Community Action organizations representing 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico added their support to the comments. The proposed changes would affect multiple areas of Head Start operations, including staff compensation and benefits, mental health services, incident reporting, safety standards, lead testing, income eligibility determinations, and many others.

NCCAA and Piedmont Triad Regional Council

NCCAA Program Spotlight: Weatherization

Edi and Frankie traveled to Kernersville to meet with Nikia Beal, Kevin Scott and Drew Corbett of Piedmont Triad Regional Council and to work on conference training for the weatherization professionals track. This agency is constructing a tiny home model on a trailer for easy transport as part of their training projects.

And some additional great news, the organization has purchased a church building located across from their regular offices to provide additional office space for their staff and to host weatherization training facilities.

NCCAA Director, Housing & Energy Programs, Edi Palau will be presenting at the NCAP Management and Leadership Training Conference 2024

In 2023, the NCCAA launched the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot (DDDRP) through grant funding from the Office of Community Services (OCS). This initiative has been branded for NC as The D.I.A.P.E.R. Project (Demonstrating Innovative Approaches to Promote Economic Resiliency). In partnership with the Diaper Bank of NC, five of our local community action agencies work to provide needed diapers and diapering supplies to qualified families. Participating families are waitlisted from Head Start/Early Head Start and receive 100 diapers/month, as well as wipes and ointment. Wraparound supportive services are offered to families, as well as referrals to promote economic self-sufficiency. NCCAA is excited to continue to offer this incredible program to not only ensure children have access to clean diapers, but also families are provided support as they work to improve their economic mobility.

Choanoke Area Development Association (CADA)

Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, Northampton

Economic Improvement Council (EIC)

Martin, Chowan, Pasquotank, Tyrell, Hyde

Franklin-Vance-Warren-Opportunities, Inc.

Vance, Warren

Greene Lamp

Lenoir, Greene

WAGES, Inc

Wayne

Learn More About the DIAPER Project

Certificate Program Classes Scheduled for the 1st Quarter of '24

The NCCAA, in partnership with Southern University, continues to offer popular certificate courses in Case Management and Head Start Family Engagement.

Class start dates have been set for the first quarter of 2024. Please reach out if we can provide fliers for your distribution.

Read More About the Certificates at These Links:

Head Start

Case Management

Health Note

Free Covid Tests Available this Winter

Featured Job Listings

Passage Home

(Email communications@nccaa.net to feature your agency's listing)

Passage Home is a well-respected social service organization and is proud to serve as Wake County's Community Action Agency. 

Director of Development and Community Engagement

We are seeking a Director of Development and Community Engagement to serve as an integral member of the agency's leadership team. This role is responsible for leading the agency's fundraising efforts, external communications, and relationships with a variety of community stakeholders.

LEARN MORE

Director of Finance

We are seeking a Director of Finance to serve as an integral member of the agency's leadership team. This role is responsible for developing and implementing financial strategies and systems that support the organization's mission and goals. They will oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis. Additionally they will coordinate key human resource functions for the organization. 

LEARN MORE

Links to Career Pages in the NCCAA Network

(Link goes to home page when career page isn't offered)

Far West

Blue Ridge Community Action, Morganton

Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission Inc., N. Wilkesboro

Catawba County, Hickory

Community Action Opportunities, Asheville

Four Square Community Action, Inc., Murphy

Macon County Program for Progress, Franklin

Mountain Projects, Waynesville

WAMY, Watauga, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey Counties

West

Charlotte Area Fund, Inc., Charlotte

Davidson County Community Action, Lexington

Experiments in Self-Reliance, Inc., Winston-Salem

Gaston Community Action, Inc., Gastonia

I-Care, Inc., Statesville

Salisbury-Rowan Community Action, Salisbury

Sandhills Community Action Program, Southern Pines

Union County Community Action, Monroe

Yadkin Co. Economic Development District, Boonville

Central

Alamance Co. Community Services Agency, Burlington

Central Piedmont Community Action, Durham area

Franklin-Vance-Warren Opportunity, Inc., Henderson

Johnston Lee Harnett Community Action, Inc., Smithfield

Passage Home, Wake Co.

Southeastern Community Action Partnership, Lumberton

Telamon, Raleigh

Welfare Reform Liaison Project, Greensboro

East

Action Pathways, Fayetteville

Choanoke Area Development Assoc., Rich Square

Coastal Community Action, Newport

Economic Improvement Council, Edenton

Eastern Carolina Human Services Agency, Jacksonville

Greene Lamp, Inc., Kinston

NEW Community Action, Rocky Mount

Wayne Action Group for Economic Solvency (WAGES), Inc., Goldsboro

Share your community action career opportunities on our web page and have them distributed to 7000+ emails through the NCCAA newsletter! Send your job listings to communications@nccaa.net.

We Want Your Stories!

Working together to share the impact of Community Action

Does your Community Action Agency have impactful content to share? Let's collaborate. The NCCAA develops creative content year-round to celebrate, educate and inform. Let's amplify the voices of organizations in our network! Let's share the impactful work of community action and tell the stories of our clients! Reach out for collaboration: communications@nccaa.net.

Worth Watching: LBJ's Unconditional War on Poverty Speech January 8, 1964

As we begin to celebrate our 60th year, we look back to the birth of Community Action:

The following six minutes represent one of the most important speeches in the history of the United States. Here, President Lyndon Johnson declared the War on Poverty and within 45 days, a blueprint for the War would be drafted and the Community Action roles would be determined.

LBJ's speech on January 8, 1964, was the culmination of 2 years of steadily growing awareness and societal demands since the publication of Michael Harrington's book The Other America. For the first time in American history, the question was not “could we afford it” but rather “should we do it." The answer was a resounding yes. (credit: NCAF)

“I Am” Community Action Video

Please share this video in your social media!

The purpose of Community Action agencies is to provide a broad range of activities and services that help individuals move the needle towards self sufficiency. Our programs help and encourage children and youth, support the working poor, support individuals and households in crisis, sustain and honor the elderly, strengthen families and work to strengthen the entire community. #CommunityAction #NCCAA

Share Community Action News with a Friend

As a member of the NCCAA community, we work to empower low-income families, change people's lives for the better and improve the communities we serve. We are all dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. Please take a moment and forward this news to a co-worker and grow the community of professionals dedicated to this important work.

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