In 2019, the Virginia Office of Economic Opportunity launched the Transforming Virginia initiative to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of the Virginia Community Action Network. Over the past five years, we've made significant strides in training, resource development, and self-assessment for agency staff and boards. Let’s take a moment to revisit the 9 strategic goals that guide our efforts.

1. Community Action Agencies are the recognized, go-to poverty-elimination leaders in the community.
2. Community Action Agencies are recognized as experts and resources on poverty, poverty resources in the community and solutions to poverty.
3. Community Action Agencies are focused externally on collaborative partners to reach mutual community goals.
4. Community Action Agencies have an active role in community and economic development as a solution to poverty.
5. Community Action Agencies are recognized and acting as the community’s voice (advocate) for people in poverty.
6. Community Action Agencies includes staff with strong expertise in community problem solving, collective impact models, convening and leadership.
7. The major focus of Community Action Agencies is on eliminating the causes of poverty.
8. A major focus of Community Action Agencies is on community- level problem solving and systemic change.
9. People with limited income are also engaged in meaningful ways supporting the agency mission and community change efforts.

As we continue our journey with the Transforming Virginia goals, we’re excited to announce that our training sessions over the next year will be aligned with the 9 strategic goals. Each training will be in alignment with one of these goals, providing you with targeted resources and support.

Keep an eye out for announcements about upcoming training dates and topics. We’re excited to support you in this journey and to see the positive impact these goals will have on our communities!

Thank you for your dedication to the Transforming Virginia initiative!

Are you ready for something new and exciting? Tired of constantly reading documents on performance management? Look no further—your Virginia CSBG office is launching the first ever Community Action ROMA Podcast!

The Everything ROMA Podcast- Elevate Your Agency’s Performance will feature short 10 to 20-minute episodes discussing performance management through the lens of ROMA (Results-Oriented Management and Accountability). We’ll explore ways to improve processes, implement ROMA principles in your organization, and foster a culture of understanding why managing your agency’s performance is essential for fulfilling your mission in serving the communities you support.

Join us as community conveners! New episodes will drop on the first of every month on LearnWorlds. If you don’t already have an account, sign up—it’s free!

Want to be part of this groundbreaking initiative with Angel Ampey and Will Weeks? Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Email us at csbg@dss.virginia.gov with the subject line "Podcast."

Episodes are now available on LearnWorlds. 

Thank you to everyone who has completed their recertification this month and attended the in-service in Winchester, VA! Your efforts are greatly appreciated. If you are still working on your recertification or need additional time, please email csbg@dss.virginia.gov.

Session II: Reentry and ROMA – Working Smarter, Not Harder

You’re invited to attend Session II of the ROMA Through the Eyes of CAAs Training Series. The session, titled "Re-entry and ROMA: Working Smarter, Not Harder," will be held on October 15th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.

Dr. Landis Faulcon from HRCAP will facilitate this hour-long workshop will focus on why and how performance management practices, through the ROMA framework, are crucial for building and running an organization's Re-entry program. Discover strategies to help your team, community partners, and stakeholders reimagine the significance of these services, creating new opportunities for improved program delivery.

Expected Participant Take Aways

• Sample logic model to guide your efforts
• Key points for reentry within each ROMA cycle component
• Effective strategies for rethinking traditional reentry services

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your reentry strategies and make a positive impact!

Register here. Once registration is closed, you will receive the Teams link prior to the session. The deadline to register is October 11^th. 





Session III: Excellence in Action: A ROMA-Driven Approach to Achieving Head Start Performance Standards

Join us for an interactive virtual training experience, led by Will Weeks of ESAAA/CAA. "Excellence in Action: A ROMA-Driven Approach to Achieving Head Start Performance Standards," will be held on November 12, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This isn’t just another session; immerse yourself in a program designed for professionals like you—those who are passionate about amplifying the impact of their work.

Discover how the powerful Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) framework can synergize with Head Start Performance Standards to create a blueprint for success in the communities we serve.



Together, we will learn, work, and discover new ways to create meaningful change. Let’s embark on this journey toward excellence and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve!

Register here. Once registration is closed, you will receive the Zoom link prior to the session. The deadline to register is November 4^th. 

In 2022, the only Domestic Violence Shelter in the Farmville region closed its doors. STEPS Inc. saw the need for a shelter in their region and began the work to re-open Madeline's house. A grand re-opening for Madeline's house was held on September 13, 2024. Steps Inc. was able to secure funding from both private donors, state sources and federal sources to renovate and re-open the shelter in under two years. Senator Mark Warner attended the re-opening celebration and presented STEPS with the $950,000 federally directed funds to support the re-opening of the shelter.

Congratulations to STEPS Inc. on this accomplishment!

The Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot (DDDRP) is the first-ever federal diaper distribution program. The DDDRP provides funding to expand diaper distribution services for families with low incomes through a robust network of community partners. In addition to providing diapers and diapering supplies, grant recipients and their partners connect families to wraparound support services. 

Recently VACAP and AppCAA were recognized by the Federal Office of Community Services through a video spotlight project. Congratulations to all the pilot agencies and to VACAP for the great work on this new project!