Highlights


Approval of Annual Report Version 3.0

Collaborative on Economic Mobility Report Now Available

Episode 5 of the Everything ROMA Podcast Now Available

January 2025 CSBG Newsletter


Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support, trust, and engagement. The past year has been filled with growth, challenges, and accomplishments, and we're excited to continue this journey with you in the year ahead.


We have big plans for 2025, and we're committed to bringing you even more valuable content, exciting updates, and meaningful experiences. Together, let's make this year one of positivity, achievement, and new possibilities. We can't wait to see what this year holds for all of us. Here's to new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and endless growth.

Continuing Resolution Passed


On December 20, 2024, H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act, 2025 was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.

 

The CR provides funding to the government at current levels to federal agencies through March 14, 2025, for continuing projects and activities of the federal government. This includes the use of 200% of the federal poverty level for eligibility for CSBG

OCS Issues DCL: Approval of Annual Report 3.0


On Monday, December 23, 2024, the Office of Community Services (OCS) released a Dear Colleague Letter announcing the approval of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Annual Report 3.0 (OMB No. #0970-0492) by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on December 17, 2024, with an effective expiration date of December 31, 2027. 

 

OCS remains committed to ensuring there is sufficient time to implement Annual Report 3.0 via a phased approach with the option for grant recipients and subgrant recipients to opt-in for the first implementation year or continue using the current instrument (CSBG Annual Report 2.1). In the second year of implementation, the 3.0 version would become required for all grant recipients and subgrant recipients. OCS will issue specific guidance on the phased implementation to address detailed questions and concerns for grant recipients and subgrant recipients. 

 

OCS intends to provide comprehensive TTA through reference materials, trainings, and one-on-one assistance where necessary to support grant recipients and subgrant recipients with implementation. To read the full DCL, please click here

Everything ROMA Podcast: Elevate Your Agency's Performance! New Episode Available Now!


This month’s episode: The Year of Intentionality


In episode five "The Year of Intentionality," host Angel Ampey breaks down how Assessment, Planning, and Implementation can transform your agency’s approach to meeting community needs. Discover practical strategies to identify service gaps, create intentional plans, and take action that drives measurable results. With tips on stakeholder engagement and addressing social determinants of health, this episode will inspire you to lead with purpose and make 2025 your agency’s most impactful year yet! Click on LearnWorlds to take a listen. 

Agency Resources

VIRTUAL TRAININGS

& WEBINARS

January 2025


January 16, 2025 - 9:00 AM

Virginia Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) How-to-Apply Workshop, SWVA Higher Education Center, 9am-12pm. Register


January 28 - 12:00 PM

Winchester Designation Public Hearing


Available Now! Everything ROMA Podcast - Listen Today to this month’s episode: The Year of Intentionality

Join the Annual Report 3.0 workgroup


Sign up today!


We are forming a workgroup to review the upcoming federal changes and develop a plan for their implementation here in Virginia. The workgroup will kick off in January 2025 and will meet every 3-4 weeks until the plan is finalized.


This is a great opportunity to collaborate on important changes that will affect our state and ensure that Virginia is ready to adapt to new federal guidelines. If you would like more information, please reach out to Abby Hanks, Abigail.hanks@dss.virginia.gov.


We look forward to your involvement in this important initiative!

Its a new year and the perfect time to tackle building your agencies data capacity. Make sure you take a look at our new data capacity tool!

On Tuesday, December 31, 2024, the Office of Community Services (OCS) shared a DCL to announce the release of the Collaborative on Economic Mobility (CEM) Research Report. This report highlights emerging and promising practices that can enhance economic mobility for individuals, families, and communities experiencing poverty. It was produced in phase one of OCS’s CEM cooperative agreement with the National Community Action Partnership (NCAP). 

Hosting a community event, have a story to tell? We would love to help spread the word! Please reach out to Gail.Doyle@dss.virginia.gov to share!

LearnWorlds Virginia CSBG Learning Management System
 Virginia Department of Social Services - CSBG Office
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