Empowered Newsletter | May 2024 | Issue 5 | |
NCCAA Executive Director Sharon Goodson at our conference in Winston-Salem last year | |
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Gov. Cooper Proclaims Community Action Month
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Thanks to Governor Roy Cooper for recognizing the importance of Community Action in North Carolina and for proclaiming May 2024 as "Community Action Month!"
NCCAA is celebrating 60 years of creating pathways for millions of people to take part in the economic opportunity!
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Our 2024 Conference in Cherokee will celebrate the
60th Anniversary of the NCCAA and the
Community Action Movement
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Celebrating 60 Years of Community Action
2024 NCCAA Annual Conference. Sign Up Now!
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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.
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Please Note: Travel US 23/74 to Cherokee | |
GPS navigation recommends US 19 through Maggie Valley to Cherokee for westbound traffic. We recommend the alternate route, US 23/74. It is slightly longer mileage-wise, but the travel time is the same and it is a four-lane expressway all the way to Cherokee, while US 19 is a two-lane mountain road. | |
Dennis Gaddy Wednesday, May 8, 9 am
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David Bradley Thursday, May 9, 9 am
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Sen. Kevin Corbin Friday, May 10, 9 am
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The Program Book is Here!
Our annual guide to the conference is chock full of information about speakers, activities, workshops and sponsors.
Click here to view
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Weatherization and Head Start Tracks
HEAD START
Attracting, Recruiting, And Retaining Head Start Staff
Wednesday, May 8, 10:30am
Starting And Growing a Head Start Apprenticeship Program
Wednesday, May 8, 1:25pm
We have a Plan: How to Create a Family Partnership Agreement that Works
Wednesday, May 8, 3:15pm
Head Start is Heart Work an Introduction into the Wonderful World of Head Start
Thursday, May 9, 10:45am
How to collaborate with your McKinney-Vento Liaison
Thursday, May 9, 2:45pm
WEATHERIZATION
Blower Door Pro Tips
Wednesday, May 8, 10:45am
Leveraging WAP Funding
Wednesday, May 8, 10:45am
Manufactured Housing Weatherization
Wednesday, May 8, 1:30pm
Fraud, Waste and Abuse – Can it Happen to You?
Wednesday, May 8, 1:30pm
Efficiency Ratings Declassified
Wednesday, May 8, 3:15pm
What DOE Sees Through the Mind of a Monitor
Wednesday, May 8, 3:15pm
The Magic of Heat Pumps
Thursday, May 9, 10:45am
Smoke and Mirrors – The Finer Points of Combustion Testing
Thursday, May 9, 2:45pm
WAP Roles and Responsibilities – A DOE WAP Update
Thursday, May 9, 2:45pm
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Socks and Stuff: A Conference Donation Drive
Join us for a donation drive for the homeless population in the far western counties of Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Swain. This year's theme is Socks and Stuff. Please remember to bring your donations to the registration desk when you sign in:
Socks, Soap, Deodorant, Feminine products,
Travel-size bath and body items
These may be small items to us. To someone living on the street, they are uplifting and pragmatic reminders of our shared humanity. How much better does it feel to go into the world with clean socks and fresh breath? Donations will be distributed by Four Square Community Action.
If you have any questions please reach out to Peg Morrison at peg.morrison@nccaa.net.
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Opening Day
Wear red on Wednesday! Let's show unity and celebrate this 60th Anniversary milestone of community action!
The Sneaker Ball
Formal attire and fashionable kicks are on tap for our inaugural Sneaker Ball and awards ceremony. Don't miss the photo booth!
President's Reception
Pay homage to our legacy by wearing your own take on 1964 attire!
When President Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964 American attire still leaned toward classic and elegant. We look forward to seeing your fits!
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Board Summit
FEE WAIVED FOR MEMBERS
Dr. Angela I Gustus, is the CEO / Co-Owner of multiple businesses that fall under the umbrella of The CMAG Group. Additionally, she has published four books focused on personal and professional growth.
Board Summit Topics
- The Role of the Board of Directors
- Building Capacity
- Understanding Financial Statements for the Non-Accountant
- Leadership Development: How to Build an Effective
- Leadership Development Program
- Succession Planning
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Pre-Conference Workshop
FEE WAIVED FOR MEMBERS
Dr. LaDrea Ingram is a distinguished scholar and transformational leader whose work is centered on fostering community resilience, collective healing, and the pursuit of justice.
Workshop Topic
I AM A WELL for Wellness: Self-Care as the Innate Prescription for Resilience and Transformative Power of Pause, Parts I & 2
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Lace 'em Up! It's Time for the Sneaker Ball and Awards Program
Registration is open for the Sneaker Ball and Awards Program, to be held in conjunction with the NCCAA's 2024 Annual Conference at Harrah's Cherokee Casino in May.
Join us for a night of celebration as we mark the 60th Anniversary of the Community Action movement! Prepare to lace up your sneakers for a cause and commemorate six decades of positive change!
Special Guest
Help us welcome honored guest NBA star Montrezl Harrell, who will join us for the Sneaker Ball and Awards Celebration. Harrell's numerous awards include NBA Sixth Man of the Year, NBA Hustle Award and the Karl Malone Award.
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Our Silent Auction helps fund programs that alleviate poverty and promote economic mobility. Thank you to NBA player, Montrezl Harrell for contributing an enormous array of athletic footwear! Here are a few items to look forward to: | |
Kids' Puma Galaxy Lamelo sneakers, size 3C | |
Enzo Nahuel Copetti Charlotte FC jersey. Autographed. Large | |
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Nike Jordan 1 High Zoom Air CMFT Anthracite.
Men's 14
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Need Sneaker Ball Inspiration?
Fairytale themed Pre-K Prom in Lenoir!
| Blue Ridge Community Action's Northside Children’s Learning Center held it's Pre-K Prom recently, and all the 2024 graduates were dressed to the nines! | |
Donor Spotlight: North Carolina Housing Finance Agency | |
NCCAA Program Spotlight: Weatherization
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Community Action News From Around the State | |
Scoggins Named to Inaugural NCAF Hall of Fame Class
One of the highlights of the National Community Action Foundation's recent Washington Conference was the introduction of it's inaugural Hall of Fame class. North Carolina's own Dorothy Counts Scoggins was inducted. Dorothy was unable to make the trip, and Nicholas V. Wharton, President and CEO of the Charlotte Area Fund, accepted the honor for her.
Learn More About the Hall of Fame here
Learn more about Dorothy Counts Scoggins here
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Simmons Named Mountain Projects Deputy Director
Si Simmons, until recently Manager of Haywood Public Transit, has been named Deputy Director of Mountain Projects, Inc. Si has led Haywood Public Transit for the past five years and served previously as a WIOA Youth Case Manager. A retired Coach, Si has skills in building teams, is well-known in the community and has great compassion for the Mountain Project’s mission!
Executive Director Patsy Davis: “Si’s compassion combined with years of experience makes a great fit for the position. He is well respected among our staff and will help lead Mountain Projects into our next sixty years.”
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Father Engagement Event in Asheville
Agency Spotlight: Community Action Opportunities
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The Community Action Opportunities - Lonnie D Burton Child Development Center in Asheville hosted a Father Engagement event and had an amazing turnout. Fathers and parents came together to share their favorite activities on the playground and in the classroom. One dad shared "My son teaches me something new every week!" | |
NCCAA Welcomes New Chief Finance Officer Jerome Harper
The NCCAA is happy to welcome Jerome Harper to our team as Chief Financial Officer!
A 2013 graduate of Morgan State University, Jerome brings broad accounting experience in the real estate field, with the National Bar Association, the National American Indian Housing Council and Turning Points for Children, among many others.
“It's a deeply personal journey for me and being able to leverage my skills and experiences to make a tangible difference in these communities is incredibly fulfilling,” said Harper, of Cary. “What excites me about my new role as CFO is the chance to play a pivotal role in empowering low-income communities, much like the ones I grew up in, to become self-sufficient.”
We're proud to have him as part of our team!
Read more here
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Belmer, Joins NC HEAL as Success Coach
Congratulations to our Arerel Belmer for her role as a new NC HEAL Success Coach.
In her new position, Belmer, previously an administrative assistant with WAGES in the Weatherization Department, will be providing case management and other resources to families who are part of the HEAL NC initiative. HEAL NC provides resources to help empower Head Start families to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
“I am most excited about helping families overcome the obstacles that they are facing – and just being the motivator for someone and helping them realize their potential,” Belmer said. “Sometimes you don't know what you are capable of until you have someone that truly believes in you, and I want to be that person for these families.”
Read More Here
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News From the National Community Action Partnership | |
Event: Deep Dives: Essential Public Policies in a Community Action Context | |
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In today’s rapidly evolving socio-political landscape, Community Action Agencies and State Associations play a pivotal role in advocating for and effecting meaningful change within their communities. To equip CAAs and Associations with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate complex public policy challenges, the National Community Action Partnership proudly presents “Deep Dives”: a four-part virtual policy workshop series specifically tailored for Community Action leaders and advocates.
Each session of this intensive workshop series is meticulously designed to delve into a key policy area while providing participants with opportunities for peer learning and actionable insights to amplify their impact. Led by seasoned policy experts and centering emerging analysis, these workshops foster dynamic discussions and collaboration among participants by combining theoretical frameworks with practical application.
Members: $299
Nonmembers: $349
Workshop 1 – Measuring Poverty: Federal Thresholds & Emerging Alternatives
Thursday, May 23, 2024 @ 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT
Workshop 2 – From Filibusters to Earmarks: Demystifying the Federal Budget & Policymaking Process
Thursday, July 18, 2024 @ 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT
Workshop 3 – An Umbrella in a Rainstorm: Voting Rights Challenges & Opportunities
Thursday, September 12, 2024 @ 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT
Workshop 4 – Inclusive Recovery: Shaping Equitable Disaster Response Policy
Thursday, November 21, 2024 @ 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT
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Graduating Grandma
Agency Spotlight: Mountain Projects
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Julie Keffer, a longtime teacher at Mountain Projects' Kneedler Child Development Outreach Center on the campus of Western Carolina University, began pursuit of her undergraduate degree in Birth-Kindergarten Education in 1997. Her progress was long delayed by family tragedies, hardships and illnesses, but she taught full time all along, and will walk next week with the class of 2024! | |
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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
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The DIAPER Project in Action
Economic Improvement Council is a proud participant of the Diaper Project. We currently serve 76 children and their families. The recipients of the Diaper Project have expressed their gratitude for the assistance they have received. Many families have shared heartwarming thoughts and stories of how the Diaper Project has helped alleviate some of the financial burdens they were facing.
By receiving diapers through this initiative, parents can focus on providing a safe and nurturing environment for their children without worrying about the cost of essential supplies. The impact of this initiative goes beyond just providing diapers - it is about supporting families in need and ensuring that every child has access to basic necessities. The recipients of the project are grateful for the assistance they have received and are hopeful for a brighter future thanks to the generosity of the grantees.
Dr. Landon B. Mason, Sr. NCRT, CCAP
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“Thank you for everything you do for me and my kids. I'm a single Mom and do not work.
I am grateful for the help with diapers for my little one.” Mi’asia Sawyer
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Learn More About the DIAPER Project | |
NCCAA Certificate Program Classes Scheduled for June | |
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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
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Links to Career Pages in the NCCAA Network | |
(Link goes to home page when career page isn't offered) | |
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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
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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. | |
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.
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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. | | | | |
