Success Story - The Burlington County Community Action Program

Helping People - Changing Lives
Burlington County Community Action Program
49th Annual Report
2014
“Helping People – Changing Lives”
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2013-2014 Membership
The Honorable John McElwee
Mrs. Debra Moore
Ms. Dorothy Murphy (Alternate)
Ms. Barbara Nixon
Mr. Fernand Ouellette
Councilwoman Rovenna Overton
Ms. Altona Payne
Mr. William Probsting
The Honorable Dennis Roohr
Ms. Kathryn Townes
Mrs. Erma Tucker
Ms. Katrina Wright, Esquire
Mr. Henry Adams
Ms. Beatrice Admore
Mr. Randy Belin
The Honorable Carolyn Chang, Esquire
Committeeman C. Andre Daniels (Alternate)
Mr. Henry Gilyard
Ms. Beatrice Holley (Alternate)
Ms. Valerie Holman
Ms. Odessa J. Johnson
Mr. W. Frederick C. Knighten, III
Ms. Mary A. Lawrence
Ms. Jennifer Martin
2013-2014 Officers
Mr. William Probsting…………………………….President
Ms. Mary A. Lawrence…………………………….First Vice-President
Mr. Henry Gilyard………………………………….Second Vice-President
Mr. Henry Adams…………………………………Treasurer
Ms. Odessa J. Johnson…………………………..Secretary
2014-2015 Membership
The Honorable John McElwee
Mrs. Debra Moore
Ms. Dorothy Murphy (Alternate)
Ms. Barbara Nixon
Mr. Fernand Ouellette
Councilwoman Rovenna Overton
Ms. Altona Payne
Mr. William Probsting
The Honorable Dennis Roohr
Ms. Kathryn Townes
Ms. Katrina Wright, Esquire
Mr. Henry Adams
Ms. Beatrice Admore
Mr. Randy Belin
The Honorable Carolyn Chang, Esquire
Committeeman C. Andre Daniels (Alternate)
Mr. Henry Gilyard
Ms. Beatrice Holley (Alternate)
Ms. Valerie Holman
Ms. Odessa J. Johnson
Mr. W. Frederick C. Knighten, III
Mr. Abdon Laassiri
Ms. Mary A. Lawrence
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“Helping People – Changing Lives”
Message from the President and the Executive Director
“Helping People – Changing Lives”
The Burlington County Community Action Program (BCCAP) is helping people and changing
lives. BCCAP impacts our community by focusing on what matters most ... changing lives.
Burlington County Community Action Program is focused on the results programs have on the
lives of people across Burlington County. This report includes many success stories that clearly
document that people’s lives are changed for the better through BCCAP’s programs. BCCAP
operates 37 programs and served 41,136 persons last year. Over 7,454 households received
heating assistance; 1,463 received housing counseling services, and 236 received homelessness
prevention services. Over 9,544 children receive child care services through BCCAP. However
it is not about statistics, it is not about how many programs we operate; what matters is: the
bottom line results, the lives that are changed. It is about impacting lives for the better. To this
end, BCCAP operates evidence-based programs and evidence-informed practices that lead to
changed lives.
BCCAP Healthy Families/TIP and PAT Program is an evidence-based home visitation program
that fosters parent-child bond, promotes positive parenting skills and educates first time parents
on child care and development.
BCCAP operates the Head Start and Early Head Start Child Development Programs that clearly
document positive child outcomes for all children enrolled in the programs.
BCCAP strengthens families by providing families with decent and affordable housing. BCCAP
operates a 72-unit Senior Apartment complex in Burlington Township and 14 senior apartments
in the historic Roebling Village Inn. A Case Manager works with the residents at both
developments, assisting with their day-to-day living. BCCAP also provides transitional housing
for homeless veterans and low-income families with children.
This year we received a new grant in the amount of $500,000 for the Homelessness Prevention
and Rapid Re-Housing Program. The goal of the program is to provide financial assistance and
services to individuals and families who are at risk of becoming homeless, and to help those who
are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. All program participants
receive case management services as well as credit repair counseling.
Also new to BCCAP this year is the Central Intake Program that provides referrals, support and
connection services. The connection services include connections to insurance and medical
providers, local and federal assistance programs, education and employment resources, parenting
and support programs, early childhood, school-age programs and childcare services.
William C. Probsting
President
Dr. Silas M. Townsend
Executive Director
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BRIEF HISTORY:
Burlington County Community Action Program (BCCAP) began operation in 1965. The organization
was established to address the needs of low-income persons in Burlington County.
Nationally, at the time of the Agency’s inception, Congress had declared its War on Poverty and signed
the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. It stated that everyone in America should have an opportunity to
obtain an education, work, and live in decency and with dignity. As one of the most significant
legislative documents of our time, it impacted positively upon the lives of America’s poor and
disadvantaged of all ages, races, colors, creeds and ethnic backgrounds. It provided for the creation of
Community Action Agencies throughout the nation to work toward the elimination of poverty.
Locally, in response to the critical human needs of the poor, a small group of individuals began meeting
in each other’s homes and in area churches to develop strategies for eliminating poverty and removing
the barriers to self-sufficiency. With dedication to the mission and a common vision, those unsung
heroes carved out the framework for a community-based organization of people helping people to help
themselves.
Now one of the oldest of twenty-three community action agencies operating in New Jersey, Burlington
County Community Action Program is led by a 21 member Board of Trustees consisting of one-third
representation from business, one-third from government, and one-third from the poor.
The number and scope of activities administered by BCCAP has grown steadily over the years. The
Agency has moved from a small grassroots direct services program to one that operates projects having
long-term effect on the community and totaling more than $11.5 million annually. Program funds are
used to support Housing and Energy, Community Services, Education and Health; and are reflective of
the Agency’s commitment to serving low-income persons in Burlington County.
OUR VISION: Helping our customers to become fully self-sufficient.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Burlington County Community Action Program
exists to combat the causes and reduce the effects of
poverty in Burlington County. It fulfills this purpose
by:
l. Facilitating a community-based capacity for the
human needs planning process, which focuses
program strategies on promoting self-sufficiency
among low-income people.
2. Removing barriers to self-sufficiency among lowincome people in the organization and operation
of institutions and programs.
3. Maximizing participation of low-income people
in the development and implementation of
programs and projects and in the decisionmaking process of institutions affecting their
lives.
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4. Testing new approaches to solving basic
causes of poverty provided that they do not
involve BCCAP as a long-term, direct
service provider.
5. Supporting self-help groups and other
cooperative efforts among low-income
people.
6. Working to better organize services related
to the needs of the poor.
7. Broadening resource base of programs
directed to the elimination of poverty.
8. Providing safe, decent, affordable housing
to low- and moderate-income families.
9. Providing housing counseling services.
“Helping People – Changing Lives”
HOUSING PROGRAMS
HOUSING ACQUISITION/REHAB/
RESALE PROJECTS
BCCAP provides safe, affordable housing to low- and
moderate-income residents of Burlington County through
the rehabilitation of existing homes and the development of
new construction. BCCAP’s affordable housing units
include: two single-family transitional housing homes for
homeless, working poor families with children and veteran
families with children; five permanent rental housing units
for low-income families; a 72-unit senior housing complex;
and a 14-unit senior housing development at the Historic
Roebling Village Inn.
HOUSING COUNSELING PROGRAM
As a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency, BCCAP provides comprehensive housing counseling
to low- and moderate-income households. The services include: information and referral; housing search
and relocation assistance to help homeless, low-income individuals and families move into affordable
housing; assistance with back rent to help renters at risk of homelessness stay in their homes; mortgage
payment assistance; mortgage delinquency and default counseling; mortgage modification assistance;
budget counseling; fair housing counseling; pre- and post-purchase counseling; and homebuyer
education and certification for first-time homebuyers. The Housing Counseling Program serves at least
100 households per month.
Results: In 2013, the BCCAP Housing Counseling Program provided housing assistance to 1,463
households (3,657 persons in families).
Homelessness Prevention Programs
In partnership with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), BCCAP provides
homelessness prevention services to low- and moderate-income renters who are at risk of homelessness
through the New Jersey State Homeless Prevention Program (HPP). BCCAP also received
homelessness prevention funds through the Social Services for the Homeless (SSH) and Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Since the HPP funds only serve renters who received an
eviction notice with a docket number, the SSH and FEMA funds enable the agency to provide one-month
back rent or mortgage assistance to eligible renters and homeowners who have a late notice from their
landlord or mortgage company to help bring their rent or mortgage payments current.
Results: In 2013, BCCAP’s Homelessness Prevention Programs helped prevent homelessness for 236
persons.
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Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program
BCCAP also received a Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing grant from the New
Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The goal of the program is to help individuals and
families who are at risk of becoming homeless to remain in their homes, and to help those who are
experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. The program provides assistance
with rental arrears and short-term rental assistance to individuals and families who are at risk of
becoming homeless, as well as housing search, moving cost assistance, security deposits, short-term
and medium-term assistance to homeless individuals and families. All program participants receive
case management services as well as credit counseling. Participants are required to develop an Individual
Service Plan with their Case Manager with goals and objectives to help them meet their housing
stabilization goals. This project is coordinated with other community resources to maximize the
assistance and provide integrated services to the participants. The target population includes very lowincome households with income at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as determined
by HUD’s Low-Income Guidelines.
Results: Since the implementation of the HPRP project in March 2014, BCCAP has provided HPRP
assistance to 18 households (29 persons in families), including two (2) families who are in their second
month of short-term assistance and two (2) homeless families who are receiving rapid re-housing
assistance. Eligible participants will receive prevention services for a maximum of six (6) months or
rapid re-housing assistance for up to 12 months, while a Case Manager provides case management
and support services to help them achieve self-sufficiency and remain in permanent housing.
Success Story:
Ms. S. is a single mother with two daughters. After her husband left the family, Ms. S. could not pay all
of the outstanding bills, which included rental arrearages plus late fees and court cost. When Ms. S.
came to BCCAP, she was already given a Warrant of Removal and was homeless. Since Ms. S. met the
income requirements for the HPRP program, the Housing Counselor contacted other area agencies on
behalf of Ms. S. to determine if she could receive emergency shelter assistance. One agency was able to
put Ms. S. and her daughters in a hotel while BCCAP was completing her case. The Housing Counselor
helped Ms. S. find a decent and affordable apartment for herself and her two daughters. The program
also provided security deposit, utility deposit and the first month’s rent on her behalf. Ms. S. is looking
for another job to increase her income. The program will continue to assist her with a housing subsidy
for up to 12 months while she is looking for a better paying job.
Foreclosure Prevention and Foreclosure Intervention Programs
BCCAP provides foreclosure prevention services through the National Foreclosure Mitigation
Counseling Program in partnership with the New Jersey Housing Mortgage and Finance Agency
(NJHMFA). In 2013, BCCAP also provided foreclosure intervention services through the New Jersey
HomeKeeper Program and the New Jersey Judiciary Foreclosure Mediation (NJJFM) Program in
partnership with the NJHMFA. BCCAP continues to assist homeowners who are in foreclosure by
counseling and referring them to the State Mediation Program for assistance.
Results: In 2013, BCCAP assisted 238 homeowners in applying for financial assistance through the
New Jersey HomeKeeper Program.
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First-Time Homebuyer Program
BCCAP provides first-time homebuyer education to low- and moderate-income families through the
First-Time Homebuyer Program. BCCAP holds four First-Time Homebuyer seminars every year in
collaboration with various community organizations, including banks and the Burlington County
Community Development Program. The First-Time Homebuyer classes help potential homeowners
understand the home buying process as well as the responsibility of homeownership, budgeting, the
importance of good credit, and home maintenance. Participants who complete the classes receive a
certificate, and those who decide to purchase a home may obtain closing cost assistance through the
County First-Time Homebuyer Program if they qualify for the assistance.
Results: In 2013, fifty-two (52) families participated in BCCAP’s First-Time Homebuyer Program.
Transitional Housing with Supportive Services
BCCAP owns and leases out two single family homes to low-income, homeless families with children,
including the working poor and veterans for up to two years while a Case Manager works with them to
help the families achieve economic self-sufficiency and move into permanent housing. Case
management services are also provided to each family for six months after the family leaves the program
to ensure the family’s ability to remain in permanent housing.
Results: In 2013, two low-income families consisting of eight (8) persons received temporary shelter
and supportive services from the BCCAP Transitional Housing Case Manager.
State Rental Assistance Program (S-RAP)
The S-RAP is designed to assist families in need of paying their monthly rent. In 2007, BCCAP
received a State Rental Assistance Program (S-RAP) award for two of BCCAP’s housing programs for a
period of five to 10 years.
Results: In 2013, BCCAP provided rental assistance to 13 low-income families through the BCCAP
Housing Program.
Beverly Permanent Rental Housing Project
BCCAP provides permanent rental housing to former recipients of Temporary Assistance to Needy
Families (TANF) benefits in five housing units that the agency owns in Beverly, New Jersey. All of the
residents are working and have moved from public assistance. A Case Manager works with the residents
to help them reach their long-term housing needs and self-sufficiency goals.
Results: In 2013, this project served five female single-parent families with children.
Senior Apartments
BCCAP operates a 72-unit Senior Apartments complex in Burlington Township as well as the awardwinning, 14-unit, Historic Roebling Village Inn Housing Development in Roebling, New Jersey. All of
the residents receive case management services to help them maintain self-sufficiency and live
independently.
Results: In 2013, the BCCAP Senior Housing Program served 85 residents.
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EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
BCCAP has operated the Head Start Program in Burlington County since
1966. The BCCAP Head Start Program provides education, parent
involvement and access to community resources to low-income families
with children. The BCCAP Head Start Program is currently funded to
serve 416 children ages 3 to 5 years from low-income families and
special needs children.
Early Head Start
The Early Head Start Program experienced countless changes and experiences in the last year. The
program has made tremendous strides and has instilled an exceptionally positive impact on the
Burlington County area since its inception in 2010. The comprehensive services of the program have
spread throughout Burlington County, creating a reputation as a high quality and educational program
now in high demand. The last year, 84 children and pregnant women received Early Head Start services.
Waiting lists continue to grow, particularly for children age two years as well as pregnant women.
A major structural change was implemented effective the summer of 2013. After much thought and
consideration, it was concluded that the most efficient use of program space and funds impacted due to
the sequestration was the change of locations for the home-based program and one center-based
classroom. As the Sunbury Head Start location was closed, the Browns Mills site was renovated to
accommodate both the Early Head Start classroom and one Head Start classroom. The site now provides
comprehensive services for infants through children five years old. Moreover, the home-based office
was moved to the Pemberton site where bi-monthly Socializations are provided. These changes have
substantially affected the program, enhancing further unified transitions and productive, positive services
to the enrollees.
In an effort to ensure developmentally appropriate educational services are provided, School Readiness
goals specific to meet the needs of infants and toddlers were implemented. School Readiness goals meet
the expectations of children’s status and progress across the five essential domains that will ultimately
improve their readiness for Kindergarten.
Results: The Early Head Start Program provided services for 60 children, included 24 center-based
children and 36 home-based children, and pregnant women.
Success Story:
Last summer, “A” enrolled in the Head Start program and his mother was an eager volunteer willing to
assist in the center. She helped within the classroom, minor office duties or serving healthy meals to the
students. As the center was closed for the summer, she reflected on the experiences gained within the
classroom. The invaluable rewards of assisting in the early childhood center were gratifying and unique.
As her child transitioned to the new Early Head Start/Head Start center in the fall, she continued to be an
enthusiastic volunteer. Upon the announcement of an upcoming employment opportunity, she seized the
opportunity to apply. She was formally interviewed, and the hiring board unanimously selected her as the
best candidate for the position. She is now an asset within the program and continues to grow as an early
childhood professional.
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Education
Objective: BCCAP Head Start and Early Head Start programs have established School Readiness
Goals/Plans. These plans are comprehensive and focus on the whole child and their families.
Results: The Head Start program has moved forward with its School Readiness plan. School Readiness
goals are broad statements that articulate knowledge and skills for pre-school children and their families.
The goals for Education include Approaches to Learning, Cognitive, Language, Literacy Development,
and Social and Emotional Development. The program has identified 22 school readiness goals focused
on education and three (3) other goals focused on Health, Disabilities, and Family and Community
Engagement. The program’s curriculum-targeted skills and objectives address and align with established
goals such as the New Jersey Pre-School standards and the Head Start Early Learning Framework, as
well as the ongoing child assessment tool: Teaching Strategies GOLD. This procedure helps the teaching
staff individualize instruction for each child. The program uses the Creative Curriculum and Teaching
Strategies GOLD, which is an evidence-based curriculum and assessment system. This information is
shared with families, staff, administrators and governing groups within the program through in-service
presentations, parent and staff orientations, program family-friendly newsletters, scheduled meetings
with governing bodies, and conferencing with families.
Success Story:
Ms. B., an employee, has a son who attended Head Start; he is now eleven years old. According to Ms.
B., her son made a perfect score on his 5th grade Math NJASK. He also is the youngest first rank Boy
Scout in Burlington County. Out of three hundred boy scouts, he was picked to go to West Point to
participate in a rigorous training.
Family/Community Partnerships
Historically, Head Start has often led the early childhood field with a strong, clear, and comprehensive
focus on all aspects of healthy development, including physical, cognitive, social and emotional
development, all of which are essential for school readiness. Head Start recognizes that parents are their
children’s primary teachers and advocates. The Head Start Approach to School Readiness means that
children are ready for school, families are ready to support their children’s learning, and schools are
ready for children. For parents and families, school readiness means they are engaged in the long-term,
lifelong success of their child.
Objective: Support parents and families to advance their own learning interests through education,
training, and other experiences that support their parenting, career and life goals.
Results: BCCAP Head Start and Early Head Start provided all parents with support and opportunities to
advance their own learning interests through education, training, and other experiences that support their
parenting, career and life goals. Support and opportunities included:
• Parent Activity Letters (PALs) are sent home weekly to parents with a developmentallyappropriate activity that extends the classroom learning.
• Monthly Parent Committee Meetings that include various speakers on financial literacy, resume
writing, health, safety and nutrition, child development and kindergarten transition.
• I Can Problem Solve Workshop series, which is a universal school-based program designed to
enhance the interpersonal cognitive processes and problem-solving skills of children in preschool
through grade 6.
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•
•
•
•
•
Mental health services for children and families.
Informational flyers, brochures and newsletter sent directly home, including resources in the
community.
Family Partnership Agreements and referrals for services
Annual Health and Wellness Fair in collaboration with the community.
Parent opportunities to volunteer in the classroom.
Parent opportunities to obtain Child Development Associate (CDA) and ServSafe.
All Head Start and Early Head Start families are encouraged to participate in the Family Partnership
Agreement (FPA) process with the support of their Family Partner. The FPA process provides parents
with the opportunity to set their own goals.
Success Story:
A Head Start parent who was incarcerated was having a hard time controlling her anger after she enrolled
her children in Head Start. Once the parent was no longer incarcerated, she was able to see how her
children were doing well, even thriving, at Head Start. The parent decided it was time for her to make
some changes. Her goal was to obtain her GED. With the support of her Family Partner, the parent
enrolled and attended GED classes. The parent was also able to obtain a job.
Health and Nutrition Services
Head Start and Early Head Start performance standards mandate that
BCCAP provide annual wellness training for staff, parents and children.
Evidence-based research has proven that daily fitness and healthy food
choices save lives. In addition, research also indicates that fitness or
moving promotes learning in children and fights memory loss and
Alzheimer’s disease in adults.
Success Story:
The BCCAP Head Start and Early Head Start Program received
$10,000.00 from the Shaping NJ – Nutrition, Fitness, Health and
Environment Change Grants to implement the “P.L.A.A.Y.” (Promoting
Lifelong Activity Among Adults and Youth) project. This project focuses
on health, nutrition, fitness and wellness utilizing “Choosy,” “ I am Moving, I am Learning,” “Choose
My Plate” and “Supertracker.” Each of these resources provides a holistic approach to wellness such as
reducing television time, increasing fitness, fighting obesity, fighting disease, and improving food
choices. The following events are included in the PLAAY grant activities: Annual Wellness, Nutrition,
Health and Fitness Day!; “Go Green” events; “Let’s Get Physical Walk;” “Choose My Plate” and
“‘Supertracker’ Healthy Challenge.” BCCAP staff, children and parents participated in a variety of
wellness workshops, including a “Go Green” financial wellness workshop and a “Go Green” gardening
workshop. Event partners include Pi Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.;
AmeriHealth; Arthur J. Gallagher Agency; Women, Infants and Children (WIC); Dental Associates;
Healthy Families; South Jersey Medical Center; MediExpress; Virtua Nursing; American Heart/Stroke
Association; Fantastic Photography; Dr. Trina Gipson-Jones; Burlington County Health Department;
Burlington County Parks Department; a local Freeholder and the Sheriff Department. All activities are
posted on the Shaping NJ Blog.
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Mental Health and Disabilities Services
Objective: To make available, at a minimum, ten percent of Head Start enrollment opportunities to
children with disabilities.
Results: BCCAP Head Start/Early Head Start has serviced 62 children diagnosed with disabilities
during the 2013-2014 year. Additionally, there are two children presently in the evaluation process with
their Child Study Teams. Out of a total of 461 children, this exceeds the 10% requirement that were
serviced through the year. Fifteen public school districts have provided services for BCCAP Head Start
children, including Evaluations, Transportation, Speech/Language Services, Occupational Therapy,
Physical Therapy, and Special Education Programming. Early Intervention has provided services for 13
Early Head Start children. Head Start/Early Head Start has 21 Memorandums of Understanding signed
for children with disabilities including 19 public schools, Virtua Early Intervention, and Visiting Nurse
Association Early Intervention Coordination Unit.
Success Story:
BCCAP Head Start has once again provided psychologist “drop-in” time for families involved in Head
Start/Early Head Start through grant monies/donations from SPAN and individuals. This “drop-in”
opportunity offers parents a time to meet with our consultant psychologist to discuss their family’s
mental health concerns. Additionally, BCCAP offered a limited number of play therapy slots for
children experiencing a family crisis. This year 18 children and their families were serviced through play
therapy. An additional seven (7) parents took part in the “I Can Problem Solve Workshop,” a problemsolving workshop for parents and their children.
CHILD CARE RESOURCE & REFERRAL (CCR&R) PROGRAM
The BCCAP Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) program is nationally accredited and has the
most up-to-date listing to provide to our customers. Every year new providers contact our Agency to be
included in our database and the referral listings that are given to our customers. BCCAP provides
between three to five provider referrals to customers per referral call. The CCR&R specialist collects the
customers’ paperwork and information to be placed into BCCAP’s active database, visits the site, and
discusses the program that is being offered and how BCCAP can assist them. In addition to the initial
visit for providers that are located within Burlington County, BCCAP provides ongoing technical
assistance and consultation to out-of-county providers. BCCAP CCR&R conducted a survey of its
customers to determine their satisfaction with the services.
Results: During 2013, the CCR&R staff provided 632 child care referrals and 1,827 placements, and
answered 10,693 technical assistance calls from customers.
Success Story:
Out of 243 customers surveyed about their overall experience with BCCAP, 221 rated the CCR&R
Department with 4, excellent, in delivering customer service and meeting their needs.
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CCR&R Electronic Child Care (ECC) Program
In January 2012, the CCR&R department was given the arduous task of implementing the Division of
Family Development’s Electronic Child Care (ECC) System. This system provides a means of recording
time and attendance at the place childcare is provided. This is done either by using a Point of Service
device, similar to a credit card reader, or an Interactive Voice Response system via a landline telephone.
This requires the ECC staff to interact with providers of care and child care subsidy customers more
often and in more depth.
Results: Because the ECC staff was knowledgeable of the ECC system, BCCAP was able to assist our
providers and parents with childcare payments without added delay. The CCR&R staff recorded 9,488
technical assistance situations related to the ECC system during the calendar year 2013. They also
recorded 1,014 incidents related to ECC technical assistance from customers of the subsidy program.
Strengthening Families
The Strengthening Families through Early Care and Education Initiative provides an opportunity
to enhance the educational, physical, social and emotional development of children within early
care and education settings. Strengthening Families is a strategy to prevent child abuse and
neglect. In New Jersey, the initiative is utilized to facilitate systems change by standardizing
practices, integrating services and including parents as partners in planning and programming.
Strengthening Families is designed to build on and strengthen the existing relationship between
preschool programs and families in selected communities. It serves as a model for building an
integrated network of supports and services in the community where children and families live,
work and play.
Results: In 2013, Strengthening Families collaborated with four child care centers and two (2)
Family Child Care Providers to serve 176 families in Burlington County.
Success Story:
One of the Strengthening Families Protective Factors is to encourage parents to make social
connections. A participating center held a family fair that provided activities for the families as
well as a wealth of information on parenting and child development. This activity also led to the
establishment of a parent support group at the center.
Work First New Jersey Voucher Program
The Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) Program is a two-year subsidized Child Care Referral Program
administered by BCCAP. This program provides subsidized child care cost to low-income, employed
persons who have received public assistance within two years of applying for child care and who meet
the income eligibility guidelines. Persons who are currently on public assistance and are attending
school or a job-related training are also eligible.
Objective: The Division of Family Development has mandated that “no child be left behind” and that
there are “no barriers” to the goal of “Self-Sufficiency” of low-income individuals. To this end, the
Department of Family Development has revised and repealed many of its regulations to fit changing
societal and economic circumstances.
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Results: In the year 2013, in partnership with the Department of Family Development, the WFNJ
Program counseled 3,410 participants and referred 2,440 children for child care. Among the 218
employed participants, 198 maintained employment and successfully completed their first year of this
two-year program, while 81 participants have successfully completed their second year and transitioned
over to the New Jersey Cares for Kids child care subsidy program.
Success Story:
A parent who was about to lose her TANF grant got a job, which allowed her to maintain her
Transitional Child Care (TCC) benefits. Near the end of 2013, she found another job, which paid her
more money. The increase in income and the flexibility of her schedule enabled her to go to school parttime. She has successfully entered her second year of Transitional Child Care assistance.
New Jersey Cares For Kids (NJCK)
The New Jersey Cares for Kids (NJCK) Program is a subsidized child care voucher program that
provides partial payment to child care providers on behalf of the applicants. Applicants are required to
pay a co-payment based on their family size and income.
Objective: To meet Division of Family Development’s requirements to help low- and moderate-income
working parents receive state subsidies for child care, including preschool instruction, after-school
programs for children up to age 13, and care for children and teens with special needs.
Results: In 2013, the NJCK Voucher Program provided childcare subsidies for 2,550 children.
Success Story:
A customer was in a violent and abusive marriage while she was pregnant. The customer needed to
remove herself from the abusive situation and become financially stable on her own. Before her baby was
born, she placed a restraining order against her husband, and he was removed from the home. She then
moved to New Jersey so he could not find her and her child whom he has never met. The NJCK program
assisted the mother with child care so she could keep her full time, steady employment and provide for
herself and her child. The customer stated in a letter: "It is an invaluable resource that has allowed us a
degree of financial stability that I had only hoped."
Family Child Care
BCCAP recruits and trains people to become Registered Family Child Care (FCC) Providers and provide
quality child care to families in Burlington County. In the year 2013, the Family Child Care Program
served 243 individuals.
Objective: To meet Division of Family Development level of service of 70 FCC providers.
Results: BCCAP recruited 153 individuals, and 59 individuals completed the FCC training. Twentyfive (25) individuals became FCC providers, and 21 FCC providers renewed their registration.
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“Helping People – Changing Lives”
Success Story:
During the past year, BCCAP helped establish 25 new Family Child Care homes in Burlington County.
This means 25 women became independent businesswomen, successfully meeting the challenge of
providing critically needed child care for infants, young children, and school age children.
Healthy Families-TIP (TANF Initiative for Parents Program)
Healthy Families-TIP is a free parenting and support
Program that offers services to any parent residing in
Burlington County, regardless of income, who is either
pregnant or has a child three months old or less. Exceptions
to the enrollment age are made for families receiving
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or
Emergency Assistance (EA) for a child that is 12 months
old or younger. These families can receive up to 10 hours
of non-core activity credit until their child is 12 months old.
All families referred to the program will receive an in-depth
assessment of their needs and concerns. Based on that
assessment, families may be offered support through the
home visitation component or receive support through the
referral and linkage component. Home visitation services
include information on child development, positive parenting practices, and child health and safety.
Families also receive information and links to community agencies, services, employment, and
education opportunities. Families can remain in the program until the child turns 3 years old.
Results: In 2013, the Healthy Families-TIP program served 120 families.
Success Story:
A pregnant, first-time mother wanted to breastfeed her baby; however, she was “scared” to do it because
family members told her that breastfeeding can be painful. Her Healthy Families Family Support Worker
gave her information on breastfeeding, including common concerns, fears, and difficulties that many
mothers have, and ways to handle them. The Family Support Worker also referred her to other
community resources, which helped her learn more about breastfeeding. After her baby was born, the
young mother was able to successfully breastfeed her child and was very thankful for the assistance that
she received from her Family Support Worker.
Parents as Teachers (PAT)
Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a free and voluntary program that focuses on supporting parents as their
child’s first teacher. A Parent Educator provides home visitation services that include information on
child development, parent-child interaction, and family well-being through the use of curricula and
activities. Group meetings are offered once a month to foster relationships with other families and the
community. Children can remain in the program until they are 5 years old. Participants must be
Burlington County residents, pregnant or have a child 3 years old or younger. The program is designed to
serve 60 families at any given time.
Results: In 2013, the BCCAP-PAT program served a total of 84 families.
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“Helping People – Changing Lives”
Success Story:
A Parent Educator enrolled a family with a toddler in the PAT program. The child’s need for dental care
was immediately noted. Due to a lack of knowledge regarding this topic, along with transportation and
resource issues, the child’s dental care went unrecognized over the past few years. During discussions on
health and well-being, the Parent Educator helped the family recognize the importance of good oral
hygiene and provided the family with referrals for an area dentist that participated with their insurance,
as well as a referral for medical transportation. The mother utilized these referrals and got her child the
dental care he needed, including an initial visit, attention and medication for a dental infection, as well as
completed follow up appointments for caps, fillings, and an extraction. The mother was very pleased and
expressed her gratitude to the Parent Educator for assisting the family.
WEATHERIZATION DEPARTMENT
The mission of the Weatherization Department is to reduce heating and cooling costs for low-income
residents of Burlington County, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with
children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes and ensuring their health and safety, at no
cost to eligible residents. BCCAP implements a variety of outreach strategies and uses state-of-the-art
technology to evaluate energy efficiency of a home. We also aim to educate all citizens about the
importance of energy conservation.
Results: In 2013, the Weatherization Department served 200 eligible households (351 persons in
families).
Home Energy Assistance (HEA) Program
The Home Energy Assistance Program assists low-income families with their heating costs during
the winter months, and persons who have a medical need for cooling with their cooling costs. This
assistance guarantees the recipients will not be without utility services for at least thirty days, or
they will immediately receive an oil, propane or kerosene delivery to keep their homes warm.
Results: In 2013, the HEA Department processed 8,902 applications from 7,454 households from
approximately 18,635 persons, including 6,974 applications for LIHEAP, 1,352 applications for
Cooling, and 576 applications for USF only. A total of 6,687 applications were approved for a total
of 17,410 persons, including 5,624 for LIHEAP and 1,063 for Cooling. A total of 1,418 Emergency
Intervention applications were also approved, including 202 for Fossil Fuel and 1,216 for Utilities,
for approximately 3,545 persons.
Success Story:
The BCCAP HEA staff received cards from customers thanking the staff for the services they
received. One customer wrote: “Thank you for all you’ve done for my family and so many others
you help each day at BCCAP. What a blessing you have been to so many. God bless you.
Sincerely G.P.” Another customer wrote: “Thank you for processing my paperwork for heating
and cooling assistance. What a blessing, and it sure is appreciated. G.C.”
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“Helping People – Changing Lives”
DIRECT-SERVICE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
“One-Stop Shopping” at the Dickens Community Service Center
BCCAP continues to provide “one-stop shopping” at the Dickens Community Service Center. The
Center houses most of the Agency’s direct service programs including housing, energy, and
childcare resources and referrals. These programs help low-income families meet their basic needs
through outreach, advocacy, information and referrals to BCCAP programs or other community
resources. The Center is located at One Van Sciver Parkway in Willingboro and is accessible by
public transportation.
TANF Outreach and Referral Program
In partnership with the New Jersey Department of Human Services and the New Jersey Department
of State, BCCAP provides outreach, information and referral to TANF recipients in Burlington and
Gloucester counties who are at risk of losing their cash assistance.
Results: In 2013, BCCAP provided outreach, information and referrals to 1,573 TANF recipients
in Burlington and Gloucester counties to help them maintain compliance with TANF requirements
and continue to receive TANF cash assistance.
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a voluntary program designed to help low-income families
achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. A BCCAP Case Manager helps participants develop
a self-sufficiency plan and provides linkages to community resources to help the participants meet
their long-term, economic self-sufficiency goals.
Results: In 2013, five (5) families received case management through the Family Self-Sufficiency
Program.
Helping People Help Themselves Through Documented Outcomes:
Emergency Energy Intervention:
Objective: To provide emergency payments to supplement crisis assistance or fuel payments to restore or prevent
termination of utilities.
Result: BCCAP provided monetary assistance and helped prevent termination of utilities, or restore service that was already
terminated, for 1,418 families.
Emergency Home Repair:
Objective: To offer eligible homeowners financial assistance to make repairs to their homes to prevent or eliminate lifethreatening or hazardous situations.
Result: BCCAP provided Emergency Home Repair assistance to 17 households (approximately 43 persons in families).
Homelessness Prevention:
Objective: To provide rent/mortgage financial assistance to homeless persons or other low-income persons at risk of
becoming homeless to help them remain in their homes.
Result: BCCAP helped 104 families (236 persons) remain in their homes or find permanent affordable housing through rent/
mortgage payment assistance or security deposits and first month rent assistance.
Housing Counseling:
Objective: To provide housing counseling services that include: budget management; mortgage default counseling; housing
placement; delinquency counseling; fair housing counseling; and homebuyer education.
Result: BCCAP helped alleviate housing concerns for 1,463 families (3,657 persons), including 52 individuals and families
who participated in homebuyer education classes.
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“Helping People – Changing Lives”
BALANCE SHEET
February 28, 2014
(LATER)
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“Helping People – Changing Lives”
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
Year ended February 28, 2014
(LATER)
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“Helping People - Changing Lives”
BCCAP SUMMARY OF
CUSTOMERS SERVED
FUNDING SOURCES &
PARTNERSHIPS
Child Care Resource & Referral……13,152
Community Information, Advocacy,
Referral………………………………5,200
Emergency Energy Intervention…….1,418
Emergency Home Repair………………43
Energy Conservation Education………351
Family Child Care…………………….243
Strengthening Families………………..176
Food Baskets………………………….155
Head Start Enrollment………………...461
Early Head Start………………………..60
Healthy Families/TIP Program……….120
Parents as Teachers (PAT)……………..84
Home Energy Assistance…………...7,454
Homelessness Prevention……………..236
Housing Acquisition/Rehab/Resale……..2
Housing Counseling…………….…..1,463
Housing Development…………………..2
NJ Care for Kids Child Care
Voucher……………………………..2,550
Transitional Housing for Veterans and
Their Families……………………….......4
Transitional Housing for Working Poor
Families with Children……………..…...4
Family Self-Sufficiency Program…..…...5
Senior Citizens Housing…………….….85
Weatherization………………………...351
TANF Outreach & Referral…….…...1,573
Work First NJ Voucher Program…....5,850
DOE Wraparound Services………….…42
First-Time Homebuyer Program…….…52
Burlington County Board of Chosen
Freeholders
Burlington County Office of Community
Development
Burlington County Office of Human Services
New Jersey Shares
First Book
Fox & Roach Realtors
Education Information Resource Center
Citizens Bank
TD Bank
PNC Bank
Wachovia Bank
Beneficial Bank
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
New Jersey Department of Education
New Jersey Department of Human Services
New Jersey Department of State
New Jersey Economic Development Authority
Salvation Army
United States Department of Agriculture
United States Department of Energy
United States Department of Health and
Human Services
United States Department of Housing and
Urban Development
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and
Southern New Jersey
Ellis Family Charitable Foundation
Rotary Club of Moorestown
Franklin Institute
Patricia W. Hill Education Fund
Medford Masonic Lodge
TOTAL……………………..…41,136
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“Helping People – Changing Lives”
OUR PROGRAMS
•
OUR MISSION
“Helping
People – Changing Lives”
Head Start Early Childhood
Development
• Early Head Start
OUR
• ChildPROGRAMS
Care Resource & Referral Program
•• Head
Family Child Care Program
Start Early Childhood Development
Families
•• Strengthening
Early Head Start
•• Child
New Jersey Cares for Kids (NJCK) Child
Care Resource & Referral Program
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
••
•
•
•
•
•
•
••
•
•
•
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•
•
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••
••
••
••
••
•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Care Voucher Program
Family Child Care Program
DOE Wraparound Services
Strengthening Families
Work First New Jersey Voucher Program
New Jersey Cares for Kids (NJCK) Child
Healthy Families-TIP/PAT (TANF
Care Voucher Program
Initiative for Parents)/Parents-AsDOE Wraparound Services
Teachers)
Work First New Jersey Voucher Program
Adult Literacy Program
Healthy Families-TIP/PAT (TANF
Housing Acquisition/Rehab/Resale Project
Initiative for Parents)/Parents-AsSenior Housing - Roebling Village Inn
Teachers)
Housing Development
Adult Literacy Program
BCCAP Senior Apartments, Hancock Lane,
Housing Acquisition/Rehab/Resale Project
Burlington Township
Senior Housing - Roebling Village Inn
Affordable Housing Construction
Housing Development
Transitional Housing for Homeless
BCCAP Senior Apartments, Hancock Lane,
Working Poor Families with Children
Burlington Township
Transitional Housing for Homeless
Affordable Housing Construction
Veterans and Their Families
Transitional Housing for Homeless
Permanent Rental Housing
Working Poor Families with Children
State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)
Transitional Housing for Homeless
Homelessness Prevention
Veterans and Their Families
Homelessness Prevention & Rapid
Permanent Rental Housing
Rehousing
State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)
Housing Counseling
Homelessness Prevention
Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling
Homelessness Prevention & Rapid
First-Time Home Buyer Education
Rehousing
Fair Housing Services & Coordinating
Housing Counseling
Activities
Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling
Emergency Home Repair
First-Time Home Buyer Education
Emergency Energy Intervention
Fair Housing Services & Coordinating
Energy Conservation Education
Activities
Weatherization Assistance
Emergency Home Repair
Home Energy Assistance Program
Emergency Energy Intervention
Information & Referral Program
Energy Conservation Education
Client Advocacy
Weatherization Assistance
Community Organization
Home Energy Assistance Program
Community Education & Technical
Information & Referral Program
Assistance
Client Advocacy
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Community Organization
TANF Outreach and Referral
Community Education & Technical
Active Duty Assistance Program (ADAP)
Assistance
Pre-School Quality Enhancement
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
TANF Outreach and Referral
Active Duty Assistance Program (ADAP)
Pre-School Quality Enhancement
BCCAP exists to combat the causes and
reduce the effects of poverty in Burlington
OUR
CountyMISSION
by:
BCCAP
exists to
combat the causes and
• Promoting
self-sufficiency.
reduce the effects of poverty in Burlington
County by:
• Removing barriers to self-sufficiency.
•
•
•
Promoting self-sufficiency.
Maximizing participation of our
customers in the development and
Removing
barriers
to self-sufficiency.
implementation
of our
programs.
••
Maximizing
our the
Testing new participation
approaches toofsolving
customers
in the development and
causes of poverty.
implementation of our programs.
•
•
Supporting self-help groups that promote
Testing
new approaches to solving the
self-sufficiency.
causes of poverty.
•
•
Working to better organize services
Supporting
self-help
that promote
related to the
needs ofgroups
the poor.
self-sufficiency.
•
•
Broadening resource base of programs
Working
tothe
better
organize of
services
directed to
elimination
poverty.
related to the needs of the poor.
•
Broadening resource base of programs
directed to the elimination of poverty.
(BCCAP LOGO HERE)
(BCCAP
LOGO Action
HERE)
Burlington
County Community
Program
718 Rt. 130 South
Burlington, NJ 08016
Phone: (609) 386-5800 - Fax: (609) 386-7380
Burlington County Community Action Program
Website: www.bccap.org
718 Rt. 130 South
Burlington, NJ 08016
Phone: (609) 386-5800 - Fax: (609) 386-7380
Website: www.bccap.org
(INSERT UNITED WAY LOGO HERE)
(INSERT UNITED WAY LOGO HERE)