Empowered Newsletter | January 2025 | Issue 1 | |
Key Community Action staff and volunteers are building plans for the 2025 Community Action Conference in Raleigh, NC. Learn more below. | |
Building Resilience: Preparing Our Network for 2025 and Beyond
Letter from the Executive Director
| |
|
January 2025
Dear NC Community Action Network,
I am deeply grateful for your dedication to fighting poverty and creating economic opportunity for those who need them most. Your efforts empower individuals and families to overcome challenges and transform their lives. Community Action is truly transformational.
As you know, the landscape of poverty and economic hardship in North Carolina is evolving, and it’s our job to adapt. In 2025, I’m thinking how we can refocus our collective efforts on innovation, collaboration, and bold action.
I am calling on our Network to elevate Community Action programs. Our work creates lasting change and upward mobility for those we serve - and now is the time for Community Action to rise to the challenge. Here is my call for 2025:
1. Think Bigger, Act Bolder
Let’s aim to help people thrive, not just stabilize. We must offer integrated solutions - financial literacy, job training, mentorship, and housing - that address both immediate and long-term needs.
2. Champion Partnerships and Advocacy
We need to deepen our collaborations with local government, business, and education sectors. Together, we can advocate for policies that remove barriers to economic mobility, like affordable housing and healthcare.
3. Leverage Data and Innovation
By using data-driven insights and exploring innovative solutions, we can refine our programs to be more responsive and impactful.
4. Strengthen Cultural Competency and Inclusivity
We must meet the unique needs of the communities we serve by offering culturally relevant services and addressing specific barriers based on race, identity, and re-entry from incarceration.
5. Invest in People and Communities
Let’s invest in training, mentorship, and leadership development to empower staff, volunteers, and community leaders, ensuring sustainable change from within.
6. Amplify Our Voices
Let’s share our successes, challenges, and lessons learned both within and beyond our network. By amplifying our voices, we can inspire others to join the fight for economic mobility and social equity.
7. Keep the Momentum Going
We have the passion, experience, and devoted network to make a deeper impact than ever before. Together, we can elevate the lives of the most vulnerable in North Carolina.
Each of you plays a vital role in this movement. We are creating a brighter, more equitable future for North Carolina. Let’s get going!
With gratitude and in solidarity,
| | |
|
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
|
| |
Make Your Plans!
Annual Conference Set for May in Raleigh
| |
|
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
| |
Want to be a Presenter?
Request for Proposals 2025 NCCAA Annual Training Conference
| |
|
The last day to submit your proposal is Friday, January 17, 2025.
You will be notified the following week if your submission has been approved for the 2025 conference.
| |
Recognizing Those Who Go Above and Beyond
2025 Award Nominations
| |
Champions of the Community Action movement in North Carolina | |
Community Action Employee of the Year. Boardroom to mailroom! | |
Exemplary individual contribution to association, agency or community | |
Client who has achieved a significant level of self-sufficiency and independence | |
Corporation, foundation, or other partner that has advanced our cause | |
Andrea Harris Scholarship | Student interested in a career serving underserved people and communities | |
|
We’re thrilled to welcome Aimal Noori as the Director of Finance & Administration at the North Carolina Community Action Association!
Aimal brings a wealth of expertise in nonprofit financial management, internal controls, and systems improvement. His impressive track record includes building and leading high-performing finance teams, cash flow management, managing contracts and audits!
Aimal shares, "I’m passionate about the mission here at NCCAA. Our only profit is the well-being of our communities. I look forward to planning for a brighter future and continuing the fight to end poverty."
Outside the office, Aimal enjoys hiking, playing soccer, cricket, and tennis, and Raleigh restaurants including local favorites like Neomonde and Cowfish. Fun fact: Aimal is fluent in five languages: English, Pashto, Persian, Urdu and Hindi.
| |
Training & Technical Assistance Needs Survey | |
Please help us clarify the ways we can help you! | |
News From Around the Network | |
WAGES, Inc. November 2024 DIAPER Project Distribution Day: Heartfelt Gratitude from Our Recipients | |
|
The DIAPER Project’s recent November 2024 distribution day was met with overwhelming appreciation from families in need. Here are just a few of the heartfelt words shared by those who received support:
“The staff is awesome. The DIAPER Project has allowed us to afford our rent and bills. Without it, we are not sure what we would do.”
“As a single mother with a child with disabilities, I am overly appreciative of getting help with my child's necessities to keep our family functional.”
“It shows me that they care about my family, and by them helping me with pull-ups, I can save a little bit of money for other things that me and my family may need.”
Constance Oates, the WAGES Lead DIAPER Project Coordinator, also expressed her gratitude for the dedicated WAGES team. “I am so appreciative of the staff who make these distributions possible, ensuring families receive the support they need.”
| |
WAGES, Inc. Head Start Administrator of the Year Named | |
|
Congratulations to Stephanie Miller, WAGES Administrator of the Year! Stephanie will compete with other dynamic leaders across the state of North Carolina, and the winner will be announced at the NC Head Start Association Awards Banquet in March 2025. If selected, Stephanie will have the opportunity to compete at the Regional level.
Stephanie has been with the agency for 24 years! She has served as a teacher in Head Start and Early Head Start, Asst. Center Director, and for the past 5 years, she has served in her current role as Center Director for Bryan Sutton CDC.
| |
|
Several longterm Mountain Projects employees were recently honored by the organization as part of its celebration of 60 years of service.
Two employees have served for more than 40 years!
More From the Mountaineer
| |
Golf Tournament Successful for BROC | |
|
The Annual Benny Parsons Race Against Hunger Golf Tournament was celebrated at the IGA Marketplace store on N.C. 18 North in North Wilkesboro on the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 17. The golf tournament raised $67,172 for Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission (BROC) and other local charities and some funds were sent to Hurricane Helene relief. Students from four elementary schools were on hand to do the shopping for the charities.
More From the Wilkes Record
| |
Charlotte Area Fund Sponsors Mobile Unit for Unhoused | |
|
The MT25:40 (Matthew 25:40) Mobile Unit from The Park Church Charlotte deployed to the Target Shopping Center in east Charlotte for a community health fair over the weekend.
The Mobile Unit, co-sponsored by Charlotte Area Fund, Inc. is equipped with washers, dryers, sinks, showers, and toilets. It is frequently deployed to provide services to Charlotte region’s unhoused citizens.
The MT25:40 will soon be deployed to the mountain region in support and in collaboration with Blue Ridge Community Action Inc., in Morganton.
| |
Franciscan School Donations Benefit Passage Home | |
Big week for holiday giving at Passage Home! The Franciscan School brought us dozens and dozens of boxes of food for our client families so they can be better nourished over the winter holiday while school is closed. Without free breakfast and lunch at school, our families have extra food needs over the holidays. | |
BRCA Names Employee of the Year | |
Congratulations to Stephen Price, 2024 BRCA Employee of the Year. "Steve, we so appreciate the many hats you wear at Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc. and the community. You are a great mentor to the children. You are highly respected by staff. We thank you for being part of the BRCA family!" | |
In-Service Training for GCA Head Start Staff | |
Gaston Community Action Head Start staff kicked off the new year with an engaging two-day in-service training, including a workshop on "Fostering a Culture of Safety and Responsiveness." GCA staffers were excited to start 2025 with meaningful professional development and a renewed commitment to excellence. | |
Greene Lamp Seeks Volunteers | |
|
Greene Lamp's 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Program is seeking volunteers of all ages to serve hot meals to the residents of Greene County on January 20th. This is a wonderful opportunity to support those in need and commemorate this important holiday.
Click the link to register: https://forms.gle/2Sw5fo6xVdJrgd56A
| |
WAMY Looking Forward to Polar Bear Plunge | |
|
Everyone at WAMY Community Action is thrilled for the upcoming Polar Bear Plunge during Blowing Rock's WinterFest!
"Join us and "take the plunge" into the icy waters for a day full of fun and community spirit! Proceeds from this frosty fundraiser will support WAMY Community Action and our friends at Casting Bread.”
| |
News From the Community Action Partnership | |
National Day of Racial Healing is January 21 | |
|
Community Action Partnership National Office invites you to host and participate in events and racial healing circles as we come together for the 2025 National Day of Racial Healing. This is a unique opportunity for the network to reflect on our shared humanity, address the divisions that separate us, and build bridges of understanding and trust.
Through open dialogue and collective action, we can deepen our commitment to equity and justice, fostering a society where every individual feels valued and empowered. Let us embrace this moment to heal wounds of the past, celebrate our diversity, and work collaboratively for a brighter, more united future. Together, we can honor our common humanity and take meaningful steps toward the collective betterment of all.
Share your details with through this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NTLRH2025
| |
2025 Pathways to Excellence Enrollment Deadline Feb. 21! | |
|
Kick off the new year by joining the 2025 Spring Cohort of Pathways to Excellence! This program is your opportunity to explore the Standards of Excellence, adopt best practices, and collaborate with peers across the Community Action Network. Pathways offers a tiered approach to organizational improvement, and for Spring 2025, we’re enrolling agencies in the Silver and Gold tiers.
Spring Cohort Virtual Meeting Dates:
Tuesday, March 25
Tuesday, April 22
Tuesday, May 20
Tuesday, June 24 (Gold Tier Agencies Only)
All meetings begin at 1 PM ET / 12 PM CT / 11 AM MT / 10 AM PT and last about 2 hours.
Full Excellence Team participation is strongly recommended.
| |
2025 Management & Leadership Training Conference
| |
|
January 29 – 31 (Pre-Con: Jan. 28) | New Orleans, LA
NCAP invites you to join us for our 2025 Management and Leadership Training Conference (MLTC), taking place January 29th – 31st, 2025, (Pre-Conference: Jan. 28th) in New Orleans, LA! NCAP’s MLTC is targeted to board and staff leaders at Community Action Agencies. The 2025 MLTC will feature intensive training, structured roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities. Whether you’ve been leading and managing for years, or you’re looking forward to that promotion into management, you’ll become your best at MLTC!
The conference hotel is full. Please reach out to registration@communityactionpartnership.com for questions.
| |
NCAP has developed a tool in direct response to the Community Action Network’s request for language and tools to build their capacity related to equity and mobility as they are core to the current and future work of Community Action Agencies (CAAs). This toolkit also aims to provide a national perspective that CAAs in every community can learn from, draw inspiration from, and embody. | |
Honoring Dr. King's Legacy | |
|
Be sure to join the Community Action Partnership National Office for a webinar to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his birthday, January 15, 2025.
Titled "A Call for Dignity and a Positive Future for the Beloved Community," this webinar will delve into the critical issues of our time.
This year, NCAP is honored to have Catrena Bowman, Executive Director of the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission as its keynote speaker.
Catrena, pictured, is a passionate advocate for social justice and will share insights on how we can apply Dr. King’s principles to address today’s challenges and inspire dignity and a more positive future for ALL individuals, families, and communities.
As we honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., let’s come together to reflect on his dream and draw inspiration during this rapid social change facing our communities.
The webinar will be held Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 2 PM ET | 1 PM CT | 12 PM MT | 11 AM PT.
| |
HEAL NC Family Engagement Event for December
Well-Attended | |
|
“HEAL NC means power, life, release. I love the honesty and transparency of this program. HEAL NC has taught me so much, I have opened my eyes to see things in a different way. I love the honest discussions, there is no pressure, it’s equal, it’s a program that every parent (mom or dad) should attend. This program should be in every city and state – it helps in more ways than one and I’m grateful. Thank you ladies for
everything!”
- Krystal B., attendee
| |
WAGES and HEAL NC Plan 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. | | | | |
