Empowered Newsletter | April 2025 | Issue 4 | | Male Engagement Week at Gaston Community Action Inc. Head Start and the Rankin Head Start Center was a great success!
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Firm Up Your Plans and Shine Your Shoes!
Annual Conference Five Weeks Away
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Sheraton Raleigh Hotel and Raleigh Convention Center
Conference Dates: May 13 – 16, 2025
Pre-conference on Tuesday, May 13th Conference kicks off on Wednesday, May 14th
Board Summit Friday, May 16th through Saturday, May 17th
Sneaker Ball Gala on Thursday, May 15th
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Accommodations Notes
Sheraton Room Block is Full, Rooms Available at Marriott
| | Booking deadline April 15 | |
Sneaker Ball Returns!
Popular Event Now Included in Conference Registration
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At our conference last year in Cherokee we held our inaugural “Sneaker Ball” event to enjoy fellowship in our work community, to recognize allies in the community action fight, and to present themed awards to individuals and organizations notable for recent work. We also use the event to announce our annual NCCAA standing awards.
This year's Sneaker Ball is included in your conference registration.
Sneaker Ball tickets can also be purchased separately by friends, family and community members
| | Board Summit Scheduled May 16 & 17 | | North Carolina’s CAA board leaders will hear from a leading expert on multiple topics related to board governance after this year's annual conference. Come get a refresher while learning new techniques and best practices. Space is limited so register today. | | |
Pre-Conference Event
OMB Uniform Guidance Training
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Join us for a training workshop to learn about the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB’s) Uniform Guidance regulations (2 CFR Part 200: Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards). We’ll review the regulations and share examples, stories and best practices learned from years of auditing and consulting. Wipfli’s nonprofit specialists have been presenting high-quality training for more than 40 years. During this workshop, we’ll provide you with federal grant regulation training relating to financial management and administration to help you with financial grant compliance.
All agencies that receive federal funding are eligible to register
We will cover:
General provisions, administrative requirement and procurement
Monitoring and reporting, cost principles and cost allocation
Selected items of cost and audit requirements
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Pre-Conference Event
Mission Meets Market: Unlocking Revenue Through Social Enterprise
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Discover how nonprofits can leverage social enterprise to generate sustainable revenue while advancing their mission. This session covers key concepts, organizational readiness, and practical steps for developing a successful business model. Learn from real-world case studies and explore strategies for funding, marketing, and scaling social enterprises. Join us to gain fresh ideas, practical insights, and the inspiration to take your nonprofit’s impact to the next level!
Free for members (registration required) and $49 for non-members.
May 13, 9:00am - Noon
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Deepest Condolences from the Board of the North Carolina Community Action Association On the Passing of E. Marie Watson, Executive Director of Johnson Lee Harnett Community Action.
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that the Board of the North Carolina Community Action Association (NCCAA) mourns the passing of Ms. E. Marie Watson, Executive Director of Johnson Lee Harnett Community Action.
Marie was a beacon of compassion, resilience, and leadership in the fight against poverty and inequity. For decades, she stood firmly alongside families in need, advocating for the dignity, resources, and opportunities that every North Carolinian deserves. Her steadfast commitment to community action and social justice has left an indelible mark not only on the tri-county area she served but across our entire state.
Marie's legacy is one of service, integrity, and love. Her vision helped transform countless lives, and her leadership inspired a generation of community advocates to carry the work forward with courage and care. She embodied the mission of our movement: to empower people, strengthen families, and build thriving communities.
To her family, colleagues, and the many lives she touched—we offer our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with you in this time of loss. Marie's light will continue to shine through the work we do, and her memory will remain a guiding force in our shared commitment to justice, equity, and hope.
In remembrance and gratitude,
NCCAA Board of Directors
North Carolina Community Action Association
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In Memoriam
NCCAA & SCAP Mourn the Passing of Sallie P. Surface
Executive Director Emeritus
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With profound sadness, the North Carolina Community Action Association (NCCAA) joins CADA-Choanoke Area Development Association Inc. (CADA) in mourning the passing of Mrs. Sallie P. Surface, beloved former Executive Director & Executive Director Emeritus, who passed away on the morning of April 2, 2025.
For over four decades, Mrs. Surface dedicated her life to serving families in the Roanoke Chowan area. As CADA’s Executive Director for 31 years, her leadership transformed countless lives through vital programs in housing assistance, workforce development, early childhood education, homebuyer education, and community action initiatives.
Her commitment to service ensured that thousands of families received the support they needed to build a brighter future.
A memorial service will be held at Chowan University on April 12 at 2:00 PM to honor her life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dan Surface Memorial Scholarship Fund at Chowan University, continuing her dedication to education and community empowerment.
This loss is deeply felt across CADA, the Roanoke Chowan community, the broader Community Action network, and the entire state. Mrs. Sallie P. Surface’s impact will forever be remembered, and her passion for helping others will continue to inspire.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Surface family and all who knew and loved her.
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Celebrating our Colleagues
Womens History Month Recognition
| | These leaders from within our network were recognized during Women's History Month | | Patsy Davis, President, NCCAA Board of Directors | | Stephanie Ashley, Executive Director, Blue Ridge Community Action | | Catissa Head, Executive Director, Coastal Community Action, Inc. | |
You're Not Alone; Help is Here!
Protect Your Mental Health
The North Carolina Community Association (NCCAA), in partnership with Integrated Family Services (IFS), is offering free, confidential emotional health support for Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) staff.
Take advantage of one-hour sessions designed to help you manage stress, navigate personal or workplace challenges, and enhance your well-being-all in a safe, supportive space with guidance from licensed clinical social workers (LCSW). Your well-being matters. Connect, share, and find the support you deserve!
Questions? Contact: Sheryl Andrews, CSBG Liaison
Phone: 919-790-5757
Email: Sheryl.Andrews@nccaa.net
| | NCCAA Seeks Audit Firms for Referrals to Network Agencies | | |
The NCCAA is seeking CPA firms that are interested in working with nonprofits.
Please contact our office to connect with us and learn more: 919-790-5757
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Seeing Our Progress & Looking Forward!
Do you have 2024 Community Action highlights you'd like to share on NCCAA social media or via the monthly newsletter?
Are you working on something BIG for your community action agency in 2025 that you'd like us to publicize to the network?
Send us a photo of yourself and a description of your goal, milestone, or accomplishment and we will share these with the Network!
Let us know! communications@nccaa.net
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Success Story!
Sandhills Community Action and a Journey to Self-Sufficiency
| | Katina Stephens, Sandhills client and testament to the power of self-sufficiency programs. | | News From Around the Network | |
Volunteer Highlight
Ms. Katrina White’s Journey as a WAGES Senior Companion
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For Ms. Katrina White, being a Senior Companion through WAGES, Inc. is more than just volunteering—it’s a calling. At 67 years old, she dedicates her time to providing friendship and support to seniors who wish to remain independent, bringing warmth, understanding, and a renewed sense of purpose to both herself and those she serves.
One of her clients, a woman in her 80s, welcomes Ms. White with open arms—literally. Each visit begins and ends with a hug, a simple gesture that reflects the deep bond of companionship they have built. From preparing breakfast to sharing wisdom, their time together is filled with mutual support and joy.
For Ms. White, this role is more than just service—it has given her a reason to wake up each morning, knowing that someone is counting on her. She emphasizes that being a Senior Companion isn’t just about sitting with someone—it’s about friendship, connection, and making sure no senior feels forgotten.
Her advice to others? “Do it! It’s fun, and one day, we’ll all hope for someone to connect with us.”
| | Ms. Katrina White, Senior Companion at WAGES, Inc. | | |
Spectrum has shown immense generosity with a $10,000 donation in financial and in-kind contributions to WAMY Community Action for long-term relief efforts. These funds will help residents recover and rebuild, providing physical repair work and financial support to encourage self-sufficiency.
But that's not all! Spectrum is also donating supply packages, including hard hats and safety glasses for WAMY Warrior volunteers, along with more than 1,500 essential items like hygiene products and blankets to the Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina.
Doug Davis, Regional Vice President at Spectrum, shared, “Spectrum is dedicated to fostering strong community connections and supporting residents in need. Our partnership with WAMY and Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina underscores our commitment to providing both immediate relief and long-term support to those affected by Hurricane Helene.”
| | Mental Health First Aid Training at BRCA | | On March 27, 2025, staff members from Blue Ridge Community Action Inc participated in an insightful Mental Health First Aid training with national first aid trainer Pam Wiggins. The team came together to deepen their understanding of mental health and substance abuse challenges facing the clients they serve. | |
Program Spotlight
WAGES Foster Grandparent Gloria Bair
| | For 14 years, Ms. Gloria Blair, affectionately known as “GG,” has dedicated her time to mentoring and supporting students at Eastern Wayne Elementary through the WAGES, Inc. Foster Grandparent Program. Having worked with over 70 children, she has become a steady, encouraging presence, helping young minds grow with confidence. | | News From the Community Action Partnership | | New Resource: Board Discussion Guide for Uncertain Financial Times | | |
Economic shifts, policy changes, and funding fluctuations create financial uncertainty for Community Action Agencies. CAA boards play a critical role in assessing risks, setting priorities, and ensuring long-term sustainability while staying mission-focused.
Our new Community Action Board Discussion Guide for Uncertain Financial Times provides a structured approach to help boards:
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Assess Financial Health – Understand revenue sources, key financial ratios, liquidity, and funding stability
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Clarify Potential Challenges – Define financial risks, urgency, and potential impacts to guide informed decision-making
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Engage in Strategic Discussions – Use key questions and a decision-making framework to align on priorities and risk tolerance
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Explore Actionable Strategies – Weigh cost reductions, revenue growth, and cash flow management options to sustain the mission
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2025 Community Action Messaging Toolkit Now Available
| | There is no more important time than now to be on point with messaging about the Community Action mission. The linked toolkit provides a collection of network talking points for communicating the critical importance of Community Action Agencies to local communities across the country. The toolkit also includes sample graphics and social media posts, along with guidance on how to quickly and easily add your agency's logo to the templates provided. | | |
“I love the Parent Engagement Events. They always leave me with so much knowledge and tools to just get throughout everyday life. HEAL NC has been a big part of my mental health and success these short months, and I truly appreciate all three of the women
who work constantly to support us.”
– Jalissa Douglas, client
| | HEAL NC hosted a lovely Parent Engagement Event on March 11. The topic was journaling and its benefits for mental health. Parents shared their challenges with parenting and mental health. | | WAGES and HEAL NC Host Workshops to Help Team Members Avoid Burnout | | |
WAGES and HEAL NC are offering workshops in Wayne County based in the Community Resiliency Model (CRM), which teaches participants to re-set the natural balance of the nervous system with easy-to-understand concepts that bring reliable relief. CRM helps people help themselves and others. Beneficial to small teams and the general public, CRM helps navigate life’s difficult situations.
More Information
Christina Watts
WAGES Community Engagement Coordinator
Email: cwatts@wagesnc.org
Phone: 919-734-1178 ext. 212
| | 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 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
Franklin-Vance-Warren Opportunity, Inc., Henderson
Johnston Lee Harnett Community Action, Inc., Smithfield
Passage Home, Wake Co.
Southeastern Community Action Partnership, Lumberton
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 (info@newcainc.org)
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. | |
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.
| | 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. | | | | |
