October 2023 | Issue 10

Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity, Marianna Poke Stewart presents now Retired WAMY Community Action Executive Director, Melissa Soto with a 2023 Hall of Fame award at the 2023 Annual Conference in Winston Salem. 

October is Energy Awareness Month

Community Action weatherization and energy services are valued at $123 million in anticipated utility savings each year. October is Energy Awareness month.


Need Energy Awareness social media


Weatherization Success Story

"Weatherization Works!"

Pamela Peak, Iyana and Lilyanna


Pamela Peak could hardly believe her luck! At 21 years of age, she owned her home thanks to a sweat-equity loan through the Self Help Homeownership Opportunity Program. As single mom of 4-year old Iyana, Pamela then set her sights on a college degree. She persevered, graduated and with a diploma in her hand, landed a job.


Pamela lived in a clean, safe new house that was unlikely to need more than routine minor maintenance. Even so, she saved what she could for repairs. After she married Anthony and had her daughter Lilyanna, the family began to make headway.


Then COVID hit.


Anthony was disabled due to a vehicle wreck and was unable to work or do much to help homeschool the kids. When Pamela's employer would not allow her to work remotely, she lost her

job. The family relied on unemployment and the limited savings they had to make ends meet.


In early 2021, the HVAC system in their home failed. To keep the family warm, Pamela used

emergency heat, which cost a lot. "My electric bills were over $200 a month!" she lamented. "We

just couldn't pay that much." Pamela contacted Self Help Housing Assistance. With a long wait

list and high unit replacement costs, Housing Assistance could not offer support. Pamela realized,

"The need was too great.”


Fortunately, the Self Help Counselor referred her to Community Action Opportunities (CAO)

Weatherization Services. CAO's Weatherization Team was eager to help. Within a few months,

Pamela had a new heat pump, no more air leaks in the home, more insulation in the attic, new

water pipes and water heater, new installed LED bulbs, a bathroom exhaust fan, and Carbon

Dioxide and smoke detectors.


After improvements by the CAO Weatherization team, Pamela reported about a 50% drop in her

total electric bill each month! During the summer months, she saw a drop of over $40 per month

- more than $650 in savings the first year!



When asked about her experience with COA's Weatherization Services, Pamela was effusive

saying, "I have nothing but compliments about the way they treated me and the work they did.”

Pamela added, "I appreciate them and recommend the (CAO Weatherization) service to anyone

who needs it."

Weatherization Testimonial

Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission Thanked

"Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission was great. They addressed my concerns quickly and I appreciate that so much. The plumbers came out within two days of being called and they didn't take long to replace my water heater. They were very kind, courteous, and professional. By having only social security to live on, I would not have been able to pay for this repair on my own. This one repair could have destroyed my home and everything I've worked so hard for. Thank you, Fredda"


Weatherization Spotlight

Focus on a Successful Weatherization Team

Central Piedmont Community Action's Weatherization Program has had great success. Meet Douglas Dixon and Cesar Carmona, two members of the team. Carmona was recently named the organization's Employee of the Quarter. Weatherization Director Doug Dixon says “Cesar spent time with the NC Dept. of Environmental Quality to complete a commercial for them, including going to several houses with them to make sure they got everything they needed. He regularly goes with the crew to make sure they know what to do and have everything they need. I couldn’t ask for a better employee or friend.”

Douglas A. Dixon, PEM

Weatherization Director


I’m the Weatherization Director for Central Piedmont Community Action, Inc. (CPCA). I have 15 years of truck driving experience and 13 years of carpentry experience building houses. I was in a car accident in 1998 which took me out of work as a truck driver and carpenter. My wife helped me start working for the community college as a teacher. Classes were held at the agency’s building (formerly called JOCCA - Joint Orange Chatham Community Action, Inc.). That allowed me to start working part-time at CPCA in 2000 with students during the summer. In 2002 I was hired full-time to work in the Weatherization Assistance Program. I can’t ask for a better job. Being able to help the elderly and those less fortunate with HVAC systems and making their houses energy efficient so they can save money on the energy bills gives me a warm feeling when we’re finished working on their houses. 


Cesar R. Carmona

Quality Control Inspector


I'm the Weatherization Quality Control Inspector for Central Piedmont Community Action, Inc. (CPCA). I moved from Texas to North Carolina in 1994 and started working in construction by framing residential homes. I started working for the agency (formerly called JOCCA - Joint Orange Chatham Community Action, Inc.) in 2009 as an Energy Auditor. I'm currently BPI Certified as a QCI Auditor with 14 years of experience in the energy efficiency industry. Helping people to have their homes weatherized, safe and energy-efficient all year round is the best work I could ever ask for.

Interested in becoming a CCAP?

There are just a few weeks left to sign up to take part in the 2024 CCAP Cohort. NCCAA has a limited number of scholarships available for members on a first come, first served basis. Sign up today to secure your spot and enroll today! Join the ranks of other North Carolina professionals who have received this certification. 


The intensive two-part certification process is presented by the National Community Action Partnership. Please click here to learn more about the revamped certification process. Click here to access the 2024 CCAP Candidacy Guide.  

 

Enrollment for the new 2024 cohort of CCAP candidates officially closes on October 31st. But if you would like to secure one of the NCCAA member scholarships* you must secure your spot no later than Friday, October 27th. To claim your spot, email, nafia.speach@nccaa.net today. This year it is easier than ever to get started. Unlike past years that required in-person study sessions and exam, for the 2024 cohort, all study sessions, assignment submissions and the proctored exam are conducted online. Don't wait to reserve your spot and begin your virtual journey to become a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP).

 

Want to secure your spot or explore whether CCAP is right for you? Email nafia.speach@nccaa.net to secure your scholarship* for the 2024 cohort by

Friday, October 27, 2023.

 

*A limited number of scholarships are available to NCCAA members in good standing on a first come, first served basis. Once all available scholarships are claimed no additional will be available for the 2024 cohort.


NCCAA Welcomes Two New Employees

Head Start Awareness Month

We're reminded to be aware of more than just Weatherization this month - it's also Head Start Awareness month. Here's a feature photo from our friends way out west at the Macon County Program for Progress. Looks like this Head Start helper is seeing double!

Click here to access social media tools for Head Start Awareness Month

Feature Photo: Nicholas V. Wharton and Sarah Stevenson

The Charlotte Area Fund recently recognized the life and accomplishments of Mrs. Sarah Stevenson, whose rich legacy of service, dedication, and commitment to social justice and education for the betterment of all Carolinians is renowned. She was a pioneer for civil rights and played an instrumental role in the desegregation of the city's schools in the 1970s. Her dedication to education and equality led her to become the first Black woman elected to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board in 1980. She remained an influential and respected figure in North Carolina until her passing recently at age 97.


Nicholas V. Wharton, CAF President & CEO, said “humbly surrendering to her grace and dignity was always an act of honor and duty.”

Community Action News From Around State

Greene Lamp Hosts Annual "Bold & the Brave" Gala

On September 13, 2023, Greene Lamp hosted their annual “Bold & the Brave” Gala recognizing and honoring our local heroes for continuing to make the choice to pour into their communities.


The Keynote Speaker was Keith Goyette, Chief of Police for the City of Kinston. 100 individuals attended, including Greene Lamp’s Executive Leadership, Board of Directors, Elected Officials, and members of the USAF and Air National Guard, First Responders, veterans and program volunteers. A catered dinner was provided and several “Bold & the Brave Awards were presented.

Passage Home Receives Spectrum Gift, Welcomes Rep. Nickel


Passage Home welcomed Congressman Wiley Nickel recently to help celebrate Spectrum's $50,000 gift in support Passage Home's Job Skills Training program.

Macon Program for Progress Welcomes New Staff Member

Lisa DeForest Holland has joined Macon Program for Progress to provide mental health services for staff, teachers, and parents through trainings, counseling, and education. She will support MPP families by collaborating with parents and teachers to create attainable goals for children needing extra support. In addition to these services, Lisa is available to meet with parents to discuss concerns they may have regarding their child's mental health needs.

SCAP Opens Buxton

Head Start Center

Southeastern Community Action Partnership (SCAP) is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our mission to uplift and empower our community: the opening of our brand-new Head Start Center in Maxton in October!



Our mission is to enhance the lives of the people we serve, and this new addition represents continued progress in achieving our goals.



WAGES Head Start Welcomes Male Engagement Coordinator

Javier Murillo has been named as WAGES Head Start Male Engagement Coordinator. He has started the 2023-2024 school year "Walking into Greatness" hosting "Doughnuts with Dads" events at centers.


His initial vision is to make a connection with the male guardians and to be the bridge to connect them with other dads to build community.


Javier said, "community and connections are where men are able to lean on one another and to build together. As our centers focus on the theme of "Walking into Greatness", as men, we want to be examples of walking in greatness."

Blue Ridge Community Action Congratulates Employee Chris Canella

BRCA recently congratulated Chris Canella on his PHRANC (Professional Housing Rehabilitation Association

of North Carolina) certification presentation at the 30th Annual PHRANC Conference! This qualification showcases the current knowledge of all ten residential construction and rehabilitation areas, which is no small feat!

Blue Ridge Community Action continues to be among the most qualified Weatherization program in North Carolina with 3 PHRANC certified staff members in the Energy Division of the agency.


Media Watch

Mountain Projects Certified Application Counselor helps displaced mill workers in Haywood Co.

EDNC

Partnerships avert health insurance crisis in Canton


On March 6, 2023, Jan Plummer along with other Haywood community members found out that Pactiv Evergreen, the county’s largest employer, was closing the local paper mill.


Plummer has played a key role in leading a team of health insurance navigators to support workers and their families as they transition their health insurance.


“This is the most important thing, in my opinion, that I’ve ever been involved with in my career,” she says.


Read More

Member Highlight: BRCA Celebrates Rhodda Medley

Here's an image we love from one of our agencies. Ms. Rhodda Medley, a recent inductee into the NCCAA Hall of Fame, just celebrated her 60th birthday with the children and staff at Northside Children’s Learning Center in Lenoir, where she is Director. Medley has over three decades of service with Blue Ridge Community Action Inc.


This looks like a fun ruckus! Happy 60th Rhodda!

News From the NCCAA

NCCAA was honored to attend the TOW Foundation's 35th Anniversary celebration last Thursday! Assistant Director, Krystina Dillard is photographed here with TOW Foundation Board Member, Amy Lefkof in Charlotte. NCCAA is proud to be the first grantee from North Carolina and we are thankful for TOW’s support in addressing multigenerational resiliency to overcome adverse childhood experiences. #Resilience #CommunityAction #ACEs #TOW

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

Images of a recent DIAPER resource fair in Hertford Co. (Darius Carr photos)

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

The NCCAA, in partnership with Southern University, continues to offer popular certification 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

Action Item

Congress: Leave Head Start Alone! Sign the Petition

The House Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee has proposed cutting Head Start by $750 million for the next fiscal year! Help tell them not to.

Click to Learn More

Health Note

Free Covid Tests Available this Fall

Click to Learn More

Featured Career Opportunities

Job Search Highlight

Links to Career Pages in Our Network

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

Far West

https://www.brcainc.org/careers

http://brocinc.com/html/employment_opportunities.html

https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/social-services/jobs-and-internships/

https://communityactionopportunities.org/jobs/

http://www.foursquarecommunityactioninc.com/employment.htm

https://mppnhc.org/employment/

https://mountainprojects.org/careers/

https://wamycommunityaction.org/employment-opportunities


West

https://www.charlotteareafund.org/

https://www.davidsoncommunityaction.com/

https://eisr.org/opportunities/join-our-team/

https://www.gastonca.org/employment

https://www.icare-inc.org/human-resources

https://www.srcaa.com/current-openings.html

https://www.sandhillscap.org/

https://www.uccainc.org/careers

https://yveddi.com/employment-opportunities/


Central

http://www.alamanceservices.org/careers.html

https://www.cpcanc.org/careers

https://www.fvwopp.com/copy-of-job-openings-1

https://www.jlhcommunityaction.org/employment-opportunities

https://passagehome.org/about/careers/

https://scap.wpengine.com/careers/

https://www.telamon.org/join-us/careers/

https://www.wrlp.net/


East

https://actionpathways.ngo/about-us/careers-2/

https://www.nc-cada.org/cada-employment.html

https://coastalca.org/careers

https://eicca.org/job-opportunities-1

https://www.echsainc.com/

https://greenelamp.org/careers/

https://newcainc.org/employment/

https://www.wagesnc.org/employment/

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.

In Case You Missed It ...

NCCAA Annual Conference in Review

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.

“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

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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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