2022 SEACAA conference keynote speaker announced |
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Kenneth Ward has been named keynote speaker of the 2022 SEACAA conference. A Head Start graduate and seasoned D.C. educator and administrator, Mr. Ward is executive director of College Bound, Inc., a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization that offers students in grades 8-12 academic enrichment and resources to prepare for and succeed in college.
The conference will also include weatherization sessions led by our national partners, CAF updates from David Bradley, and concurrent workshops on board training, post-pandemic HR practices, leadership, and management. Click HERE to download the at-a-glance agenda.
The conference will be held Oct. 18-21 at the Beau Rivage Hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi. For conference registration and to reserve your room, click HERE.
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Speak Up SEACAA!
Regional stories that inform, empower, and inspire
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Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee receives funding to help bridge digital divide |
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The West End Home Foundation has awarded more than $3.76 million in grants to agencies throughout the state, including Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee, to help bridge the digital divide for Tennesseans age 60 and older. The digital literacy initiative helps sustain and improve the quality of life for elderly Tennesseans. READ MORE
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Cheryl Oglesby-Townes appointed as Northwest Tennessee Economic Development Council Executive Director |
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Cheryl Oglesby-Townes has been appointed executive director of the Northwest Tennessee Economic Development Council. She is a 30-year veteran of the agency, most recently serving as a human resource administrator. This role is historical for Oglesby-Townes as she is only the second female and the first African American female to serve in the position. READ MORE
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Central Kentucky Community Action Council welcomes new Family Child Care Homes and Unaffiliated Centers director |
Cathy Sparrow has been named director of the Family Child Care Homes and Unaffiliated Centers program at Central Kentucky Community Action Council. Previously, she worked with the agency's finance department. "I have seen firsthand the need to feed children and their families," she said. READ MORE
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Audubon Area Community Services to provide school-based health center program |
Owensboro Public Schools approved a medical services agreement with Audubon Area Community Care Clinic for an incoming school-based health center program that will offer on-site health services in all schools. According to the agreement, Audubon will provide primary health care services "for the benefit and well-being of the students, teachers, and staff of the school district at its various school sites." READ MORE
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Community Action Kentucky Partnership agencies awarded public transportation grant
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Several Community Action Kentucky Partnership agencies have been awarded grants to promote a robust public transit system. The funding is through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as part of Gov. Andy Beshear's Better Kentucky Plan. The plan includes a Better Transportation Program, which allows local communities to apply for grant funds to improve infrastructure and transportation systems across the commonwealth. READ MORE
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Have a story to match these? Please share with the network by submitting your information to seacaa.org@gmail.com. |
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Harriet Tubman's legacy to be commemorated by series of bicentennial coins |
President Biden has signed into law the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act. The Department of the Treasury will mint and issue 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the legacy of Harriet Tubman as an abolitionist. The coins will be issued between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Portions of the proceeds from the coin's surcharges will be paid to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and The Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. in Auburn, New York, for the purpose of accomplishing and advancing their missions. READ MORE
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Office of Head Start outlines competitive bonus strategy for Head Start workforce |
The Office of Head Start (OHS) has set forth a short-term strategy to address the issue. “OHS recognizes that the dedication of Head Start staff is especially commendable given persistently low wages and lack of comprehensive benefits, particularly for education and family services staff,” the memo states. In its memo, OHS writes that it “strongly encourages all Head Start programs to use American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, base grant operations funds, and other COVID-19 relief funds to offer competitive financial incentives to staff, such as retention and hiring bonuses, to help stabilize and support their workforce in the near term.” READ MORE
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Early childhood education employees may be eligible for student loan |
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program provides relief for those working in public service settings, which includes nonprofit organizations as well as federal, state, local or tribal government agencies, including schools. The Office of Early Childhood Development, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) hosted a webinar highlighting the ways in which the early care and education (ECE) workforce can take advantage of this time-limited opportunity. Watch the webinar
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New Inflation Reduction Act supports workers and families
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The Inflation Reduction Act became law on August 16, 2022, and aims to address healthcare costs, the climate crisis, and deficit reduction, primarily through increased taxes on corporations. Many provisions from the original Build Back Better Act that would have helped individuals and families experiencing low incomes were omitted, including measures related to early childhood education, closing the Medicaid coverage gap, the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, maternal health, affordable housing, home- and community-based services, childcare, and nutrition assistance. READ MORE
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Newly Created Economic Opportunity Coalition investing tens of billions in underserved communities |
Vice President Kamila Harris has announced the Economic Opportunity Coalition, a solid step to help underserved communities. The federal government and a coalition of 24 companies and foundations are aligning historic investments in underserved communities. The EOC members have made significant commitments across each of its four focus areas, including a number of investments since the group formed earlier this year. The commitments made by EOC members signal a promising new era of historic investments in underserved communities. READ MORE
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Five questions with Executive Director Cheryl Oglesby-Townes |
Cheryl Oglesby-Townes was recently appointed as executive director of the Northwest Tennessee Economic Development Council. Her 30-year anniversary with the agency coincides with the birthday of Head Start. She began as an administrative assistant for the agency’s Head Start director and has held various positions, including human resources coordinator, Title VI administrator, and interim Head Start/Early Head Start director, among others. Learn more about Cheryl in this feature. READ MORE
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The cost of drug testing is making it harder for poor people to afford treatment |
When Laura Keck was pulled over for turning without a signal, her blood alcohol content was .08, just over the legal limit. She was a new grad student, still adjusting to the demanding schedule of academia. For the next two years, that would also include urinalysis tests up to six times per week as a result of her DUI charge—with out-of-pocket costs every time. Across the United States, people are mandated to take drug tests for a variety of reasons, ranging from employment to drug treatment, to probation. While employers and insurance companies typically cover these fees, court-ordered tests are often at the expense of the individual. The costs vary widely and can result in hundreds of dollars of fees depending on type and location. READ MORE
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Members are the lifeblood of associations. They help fulfill your organization’s mission and propel your organization forward.
SEACAA is still your #1 go-to resource for Community Action practitioners and professionals in the southeast, especially during times of crisis and in this era of uncertainty. Support the Association with your regional agency dues, if you have not already done so. RENEW HERE
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October 18-21, 2022
Beau Rivage Hotel, Biloxi, MS
October 22-25, 2022
Marriott Marquis Houston, Houston, TX
October 24-28, 2022
Hilton Minneapolis Hotel, Minneapolis, MN
November 14-16, 2022
Hyatt Regency, Chicago, IL
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We'd Love to Hear from You |
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