DECEMBER_NewLetter - Head Start, WIA, CSBG, CCFP

 Seated (left to right): Charles Jennings, Dr. Rita Henderson, Martha Frasier, Kathy Constant,
Donald Robinson. Standing (left to right): Rev. Faris Abney, Claude Thomas, Betty Boles,
Sheron Watts, Zebbie Goudelock, Rev. Annette Edwards, Mary DeShields, James Bibbs and
Andrew Pride.
GLEAMNS Board of Directors, Executive Staff and Policy Council Chairperson recently attended the
Statewide Board and Staff Retreat at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
The conference theme was “Enhancing Board Knowledge, Skills and Accountability.” CAP Directors
and their Board members, from across the state of South Carolina, received specialized training in the
ABC’s of CAA Bylaws, building better boards, financial management, recruiting and orienting good
new board members and effective team building. The Board also participated in round table discussion
on various topics that were suggested by the CAA and Head Start Network.
The Retreat was held at the Westin Resort where Board members and staff took advantage of the
historic tours and scenic walks along the beach.
GLEAMNS Board held it bimonthly board meeting on Friday
morning at the Statewide Retreat
at Westin Resort, Hilton Head
Island, SC.
GLEAMNS Board Chairman, Claude
Thomas sits with State Partnership
Executive Director, Jessica McMoore, as
he prepares to give the purpose and
importance of the Board Training Retreat.
Board members Rev. Faris
Abney and Andrew Pride listen
to committee reports.
Page 02 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
The South Carolina Community
Action Partnership and South
Carolina Head Start Association
held its Mid-Fall Conference
November 15-19, 2010 at Myrtle
Beach, South Carolina. Three
GLEAMNS
employees,
a
volunteer and a community
partner were recognized for their
services and contribution to
Community Action.
Seated left to right: Sandra Taylor, Cindy Coxie
Standing left to right: Loy Sartin, Vanessa Frazier, and
Columbus Stephens
Sandra Taylor, GLEAMNS Chief Financial Officer, received the John Price Memorial Award for
her
dedicated services and extraordinary contributions in combating the war on poverty in South
Carolina.
Cindy Coxie, Upstate Homeless Coalition received the Partnership Award for the partnership
effort
with GLEAMNS which has significantly enhanced the services, social awareness and
competence
for low income families served by GLEAMNS.
Loy
Sartin, Curator of the Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historical Museum, received the Volunteer of
the Year Award. Mr. Sartin has volunteered many hours developing and obtaining donations for the
Mays
Historic Site as well as organizing a pool of volunteers to man the site and conduct tours.
Vanessa
Frazier, GLEAMNS Executive Secretary, received two awards. She received the Grass
Award in recognition of promoting the South Carolina Community Action Association through
voluntarily contribution of time, efforts and talents. She also received the Development Award for
her
dedication in developing and promoting the South Carolina Community Action Partnership.
Columbus
Stephens, GLEAMNS Community Services Block Grant Program Director,
received the Leadership Award for his outstanding leadership qualities while working on various
committees to improve the conditions of low income individuals in the community.
Page 03 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
Dr. Zebulon Young, WIA Business
Services Representative and his friend
Mike Jones recently set out on a cross
country journey. The unusual thing about
this trip was that it was taken by
motorcycle.
Young rode a Harley Davidson Electra
Glide Ultra Classic and his friend rode a
2000 Electra Glide Classic America.
The Grand Canyon
The journey concluded in Washington,
DC where Zeb and Mike spent nearly two
hours on the steps of the Lincoln
Memorial reflecting on their journey.
The Lincoln Memorial Zeb’s desire to someday enter into the
political arena, ultimately led him to the
realization that, “to really know where
this country is going, you have to
understand where it has been.”
Therefore after two years of planning, he
journeyed out on a seventeen day ride,
over 8802 miles, visiting twenty-eight
states, one Canadian Province, five of the
thirteen Presidential Libraries, the Alamo,
the Grand Canyon, the Battlefield at
Gettysburg, Pa and many other historical
sites.
The Canadian Border
Zeb states that he felt blessed that God
had provided him with the health and the
means to make this journey.
Gettysburg National Military Park & Battlefield
Gettysury, PA The Beekman Arms Inn
Hype Park, NY
the oldest in America
Zeb stands in front of the
Presidential Podium
Page 04 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
We would
like to thank the following GLEAMNS employees for their donation to
Greenwood/Abbeville United Way campaign.
Tracy Baldwin Stacy Beard Vanessa Bowie Katherina Bowyer Susan Brown Horace Brownlee Annie Burton Carol Bush Carlos Carroll Laurey Carpenter Margaret Ann Coker Nancy Cunningham Ronald C. Davis Carmalita Dawson Jessie Dobbs Gloria Elmore Ronald Forrest Vanessa Frazier Ada Garcia Pecolia Garrett Amy Glover Crystal Griffin Christie Harrison Latoshia Harrison Montez Hart Vivian Henry Mary Hill Patricia Kimble Elaine Kennedy Yamedra Lancaster Cheryl Lewis Ken McClendon Crystal McNair Eleanor Moss Frances Norman Sherry Odell Joseph Patton Martina Peterson Polly Pope Barbara Shippy Omega Smith Tiffany Stewart Charles Vaughn Diane Walde Frances Washington Weona Wells James Wideman Mary Williams Reneka Williams Trenstie Williams Theresa Wright It has been a great pleasure and honor to have worked at GLEAMNS for over
40 years. My colleagues and our customers have been a central part of my
life. While I look forward to the opportunities retirement will bring, it still
saddens me to be leaving this organization.
As I spend my retirement years with my wife, and traveling all over the
country, I will reflect fondly on my time here at GLEAMNS.
"Retirement is the beginning of a new life, not the end!" I know, however, that
regardless of how much I enjoy retirement I will miss the many personal and
professional relationships that I have developed while at this organization.
God Bless you in your quest of “Helping People...Changing Lives.”
Page 05 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
Greenwood Athletic Club – YMCA Memberships:
time to start preparing for the New Year!!! Are you interested in getting fit, losing weight, or
Ok, it’s
reducing stress? If your answer is yes, then take a look at Greenwood Athletic Club or the YMCA. If you
are interesting in joining, please contact Trentsie Williams at 864-223-8434 ext. 1005.
Benefits of regular exercise
1.
2
3
4
5
6
7
Improves your mood
Combats chronic diseases
Manages your weight
Boosts your energy level
Promotes better sleep
Stronger immune system
Stronger muscles/bones
Get your New Year started right!!
**Please
note that corporate rates for the YMCA are only available in the Greenwood area.
“Survivor: Doing More with Less”
Outwit,
Outplay, Outlast – that is the theme of the hit TV show “Survivor”. Well, this year the theme for the
nd
32 Annual SC Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials (SCAGPO) was “Survivor: Doing More
With Less”.
Sherry O’Dell and Roxie Dilleshaw, Purchasing Clerks, attended the annual conference. This
was Sherry’s third time attending the conference, but it was Roxie’s first time attending the conference and
there first
time attending together. SCAGPO has over 600 members across the state.
Procurement
professionals today are faced with unprecedented challenges such as processing work quickly
and efficiently while developing and managing complex procurements. These workshops provided a great
deal of tips and strategies on how a purchasing official can survive and add value to their workplace. With
so many
governmental agencies receiving a decrease in funding, this conference was helpful in producing
creative ways to do more with less. They were able to attend workshops on “Advice and Tips on the Basics
of Best
Value Bidding”, writing contracts, the value of procurement within an agency, and changes in the
state purchasing regulations. There were approximately 70 vendors which included office suppliers,
suppliers and banks.
janitorial
The closing
session was the highlight of the week. Kwame Jackson from the hit show “Apprentice” was the
guest speaker. He was the runner-up in the season that included the infamous Omarosa, but he has been able
to use that success to parlay into speaking engagements and other business ventures. He told the conference
attendees that “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”.
Sherry O’Dell and Roxie Dilleshaw thoroughly enjoyed the entire conference. They were especially excited
to receive some of the door prizes. Roxie received the first prize at the outdoor luncheon – a sea ration
(Non-perishable
meal of beef enchilada with sauce) and a beach canvas painting. Later that evening at the
vendor trade show, Ms. O’Dell won a $50 gift card to OfficeMax. At the closing session, Ms. O’Dell won a
Vizio 26” Flat Screen TV.
By attending the conference, they were able to gain insight into purchasing common practices and also
creative ways to do more with less.
Page 06 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
MyBenefits
Get Free Generic Drugs Through Wellness Incentive Program
State Health Plan subscribers and dependents who are not eligible for
Medicare and do not have other primary coverage may be eligible for
the Wellness Incentive Program. As part of the program, subscribers
and dependents meeting these criteria who have diabetes,
cardiovascular disease (which includes hyperlipidemia and high blood
pressure) or congestive heart failure can qualify for a copayment
waiver for certain generic drugs if they participate in the BlueCross
BlueShield of South Carolina (BCBSSC) Health Management Program
and complete other steps beginning January 1, 2011.
Eligible members will receive a letter from BCBSSC inviting them to
participate in the Health Management Program and explaining how to
qualify for the waiver. If you are currently participating in the Health
Management Program and would like to know how you can qualify for
the Wellness Incentive Program, call 800-868-2500, select 1 and then
extension 49043.
One of the requirements to
participate in the Wellness
Incentive Program is to
complete the BCBSSC Health
Management Survey for your
specific condition. Read this
flyer to learn how to get to
your assessment. After you log
in to your Personal Health
Record, your assessment will
be listed under My Activity
Center in a yellow box labeled
“My Assessments.”
Once a member qualifies for the waiver, he will no longer be responsible for copayments for qualified
generic medications. The Wellness Incentive Program includes generic drugs in these classes:



Diabetes drugs and diabetes testing supplies
Cholesterol-lowering drugs
Antihypertensive (drugs to treat high blood pressure.)
The generic drugs must be purchased through a network pharmacy or the mail order pharmacy. The
waiver will last 12 months. A subscriber participating in the program will be notified 90 days before his
waiver expires. Subscribers may re-qualify at any time during the 12-month waiver. For general
information about the Wellness Incentive Program call BCBSSC Customer Service at 800-868-2520. If
you think you qualify for the Wellness Incentive Program and have not been invited to participate or if
you need to reach a health coach, call 800-868-2500, select 1 and then extension 49043. More
information about the Wellness Incentive Program is available on the EIP
Web site under “FAQ.”
COMMUNITY AWARNESS PARTICIPATION
GLEAMNS
Human Resources Commission, Inc. participated in the Upper Savannah Council of Government Job
Fair held September 22, 2010, at the Greenwood Mall, Greenwood, South Carolina.
Our goal is to showcase the agency and its programs to customers in counties served by GLEAMNS. We let them
know ‘Who We Are’ and ‘What We Do’. We received over 80 Employment Applications and Resumes.
If you would like to learn more about our programs, please contact Human Resources at 864-223-8434 or visit our
website: www.gleamnshrc.org.
Page 07 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
CSBG Success Story
(McCormick County)
Ruby Pratt became a participant of the CSBG Case Management program for McCormick County in
March 2010 upon being referred by Theresa Page of the Commission of the Blind. She met with the
CSBG Case Manager to discuss her continued interest in sociology and had emphasized that she is
serious
about obtaining a degree in this field. She had been pursuing a degree for the past ten years and
was determined to complete college; however, she was unable to receive financial aid in order to
complete
the credits required for the sociology program. Upon the assessment of her goals and
objectives, she was provided with tuition assistance for re-enrolling at Lander University. As a single
parent of three, the past year was very difficult for Ms. Pratt to concentrate fully on school. However,
she completed
all of the requirements in August 2010 and received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in
Sociology from Lander University. She is still very proud to be a first-generation college graduate and
has even instilled the value of an education to her children. Two of them attended Piedmont Technical
College
and her youngest daughter is now enrolled at the University of South Carolina-Aiken.
Currently,
Ms. Pratt is employed part-time with the McCormick School District as a Substitute
Teacher for grades K-12. She plans to pursue her Master’s Degree for General Counseling in December
2010 with Capella University. The GLEAMNS CSBG Case Management program helped Ms. Pratt
achieve her educational goals by providing her with assistance in obtaining her degree in Sociology.
Page 08 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
The CSBG Department
Welcomes New Employee
The CSBG
Department welcomes new staff member, Mrs. Laurey Carpenter, who serves as the CSBG
Assistant
Director/Roma Coordinator. Originally from Florida, Laurey moved with her husband to
Greenwood in June 2008, though she has currently lived in South Carolina for 18 years. Her hobbies
reading, going to the movies, and shopping (especially Black Friday shopping). As far as her
include
role on the CSBG team, Laurey has indicated that with teamwork, she will work very closely with the
CSBG Director striving to enhance the department to make it even more efficient. In addition, make
every effort to help the department receive recognition for not only excellent staffing but also for
services offered. Whether with her work duties or life in general, she lives by the following quote:
“Always
count your blessings and be joyful in everything that you do [Author Unknown].”
Furthermore,
her commitment extends even beyond her work hours, in regards to her family. Laurey
and her husband have three teenage children—Sheldon, Victor, and Elizabeth—and when she is not at
work, she spends her time with her family, including being involved in their after-school activities.
Laurey will be a valuable asset to the CSBG program; we look forward to the measures she will take to
help in the continued success of this department.
The Youth
Leadership Program had four students, Alasya Carroll, Corneshia Moss, Judah Easley and
Levi Easley, to participate in the Youth Leadership Development Institute, which was held July 2628, 2010 in White Oaks, Winnsboro SC. The four students represented Greenwood County as
advisors
in the Youth Leadership Class to plan activities for the upcoming year. During this time, the
students had the opportunity to interact with other participants from various Community Action
Agencies throughout South Carolina. On the last day of the institute, these Youth Council students
were joined by nine other classmates from Greenwood. Though some of the outdoor activities, such
as Tug of War, were eliminated due to the weather, a highlight for the students was the performance
of a skit that emphasized the importance of being responsible. Page 09 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
Latrisa
Surry became a participant of the CSBG Case Management program through the American
Recovery
and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) program in May 2010; her focus centered on fulfilling her
top priority of receiving training as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Although she was already
employed
at a local plant, she had always aspired to be in the nursing field, hoping to have more job
stability, better job satisfaction, and more income. When she approached the Greenwood County
office in May of this year, she inquired about assistance with funding for upcoming Care-a-Lot
Nursing
Assistant classes.
She
was enrolled into the Care-a-Lot Nursing Assistant Program and began classes shortly afterwards;
she maintained high scores throughout the course of the program and during this time, she was able to
receive
assistance for uniforms, which were needed for clinical. However, due to her work schedule,
it was difficult for her to attend both classes and clinicals as regularly scheduled, but along with the
flexibility of Care-a-Lot and her commitment to finish, Ms. Surry was able to work around her
schedule
to successfully complete the program in June 2010.
As part of her required follow-ups, she reported to the office to meet with her CSBG Case Manager in
August 2010; she stated she had applied for jobs at several local healthcare facilities but still had not
received word on her current status. Since she was now certified, she had expressed interest in taking
the
state board exam in order to obtain her license; her case manager made arrangements for the office
to take care of the fee in September 2010 and provided her with a written practice exam to prepare her
in the meantime. It was at this time that Ms. Surry reiterated her dissatisfaction with her present job
since
she was not where she desired to be in terms of a career. Her Case Manager reminded her that
Case Management was not over for her; the main focus of the program was for her to achieve her
goals,
which was to primarily obtain desired employment in the medical field.
While
awaiting test confirmation from the upcoming state board exam, Ms. Surry contacted the office
on September 15, 2010 and stated that she had interviewed with NHC Healthcare in Greenwood and
had been offered a position. Her Case Manager contacted NHC to follow up and confirmed that Ms.
Surry
had been offered a position; the owner stated that they were so impressed with her performance
doing the CNA classes that it was decided to offer her a full-time job as a Nursing Assistant.
Furthermore,
the Case Manager learned that Ms. Surry would start work in early October 2010.
Currently,
Ms. Surry is employed with NHC Healthcare Center in Greenwood as a Nursing Assistant
and
is currently waiting to take the state board exam in order to obtain her CNA license. Ms. Surry
was able to achieve her goal of entering into the nursing field through the GLEAMNS CSBG Case
Management
Program via the ARRA program; the achievement of her goal is truly a success. Due to
the ending of the ARRA Program on September 30, 2010, Ms. Surry’s case has been passed on to
Case Management, where she will continue to touch basis with the office on her activities.
Page 10 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
Head Start Teacher Promoted to
Center Coordinator
Chanta Zeigler is 2004 graduate of Claflin University with a B.A. Degree in Child Development. She is
currently
working on a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Capella University. Prior to
working with the GLEAMNS Head Start Program, she was a teacher with the SHARE Head Start
Program
in her hometown of Anderson, SC. In 2005 Chanta obtained employment with GLEAMNS as a
Teacher at Platt Springs Head Start Center, where she remained for five years. While at Platt Springs,
she was able to gain many leadership skills, develop creative ideas and implement smart strategies, all
while gaining knowledge of the Head Start policies and procedures. She was blessed with a professional
growth opportunity, it is at this time she became the Center Coordinator at Pineview Head Start Center.
Chanta decided to work with children and families so that she could inspire them to learn. Also, to
them with resources that can assist them in growing personally and professionally. Her favorite
provide
quote is “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”
Chanta enjoys reading, shopping, traveling, spending time with family and tailgating at the South
Carolina
State University football games.
She has
been married for two year and has a 13 month old son.
Meet Head Start’s Newest
Administrative Staff Member
Tracy A Baldwin is originally from Norfolk, Virginia. She is a 1985
graduate of McCormick High School, 1989 graduate of South Carolina
State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work and
2010 graduate of Webster University with a Master of Arts Degree in
Community Counseling. She has been employed with GLEAMNS Head
Start since 1999. Tracy was the recipient of the Head Start Staff Person of
the Year award in 2008 as a Caseworker at the Abbeville and McCormick
Head Start Centers. She currently works as the Assistant Disability and
Mental Health Liaison.
She has two children, Ashante Baldwin and
Treshawn Baldwin. She believes that one must continue to strive for their
dreams against any obstacle in life.
Page 11 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
The Rotary Club invited Mrs. Bessie
Collins, Sanders Head Start Center
Coordinator,
to be their guest speaker to
share the comprehensive educational and
social services with their members and
other
community agencies.
The
Rotary Club shares a key mission to
serve the community and those in need of
specific
services by promoting projects
based on the identified needs of the
targeted community service area.
This collaboration between Sanders Head
Start
Center and the Rotary Club has
impacted the literacy skills in more creative
and fun ways for the children, parents and
staff.
It has also built a supportive
relationship that allows participants to
increase
their literacy skills and provide
information about resources that could
enhance family life-skills now and in the
future.
Thank
you, Mrs. Collins, for sharing Head
Start with others.
Ada I. Garcia is a graduate of the University of
Puerto Rico with a B.A. Degree Business
Administration. She began working with
GLEAMNS in 2005 as the Migrant Head Start
Director and remained in that position for five
years. While in this position, she was able to
gain many leadership skills, develop creative
ideas, and implement smart strategies, all while
gaining knowledge of the Head Start policies
and procedures.
Ada accepted the position of Migrant Head Start
Director because she wanted to work with
Spanish speaking children and families. She
wanted to be able to assist them with the
language barriers and provide them with
resources that can assist them in growing
personally and professionally. Unfortunately,
due to the lack of migrant workers in the area
the program ended. Currently, she is the Facility
and Compliance Liaison for Head Start.
Ada is a lover of animals so she spends
countless hours with her dogs and horses. She
has been married for 31 years and has three
children.
Page 12 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
Happy 45th Birthday Head Start
Head Start was born in 1965. In 1982, October was declared Head Start Awareness
Month.
As a result Head Start Programs across the nation publicly celebrate the
mission and success of the program’s early childhood and educational development.
Below are pictures of events of how Head Start Awareness was celebrated at
GLEAMNS
Head Start throughout the ten county area.
Page 13 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
Olandor Lewis, Area II Manager
Ada Garcia, Facilities/Compliance Liaison
The Head Start Policy Council is made up of parents and representatives of the Community elected to
serve
as members of the Policy Council.
Board
and Policy Council Training was held October 22 and 23 at the Greenwood Head Start Center.
On Friday evening the group attended an introductory session conducted by the Head Start Director,
Elaine
F. Kennedy and Area II Manager, Mr. Olandor Lewis. A brief overview of Head Start’s
components was discussed by each Service Liaison as it relates to the services provided to children and
families
by the program.
Mr.
Von Langston, Consultant, provided training to the group on Saturday afternoon on Board Legal
Responsibilities,
Fundamentals of Board and Policy Council Members, the shared duties and
responsibilities of the governance team, and a mock policy council meeting was held, following a
question
and answer session.
Rebecca Brown, Early Head Start Manager
Regenia Leonard, Education Liaison
The Magic Johnson Center along with the Greenwood County Health Department administered
flu shots on Monday, November 1, 2010 to over fifty (50) residents of Greenwood County.
The influenza vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu, and flu prevention should be a goal for
everyone. According to the Center for Disease Control, about 5% to 20% of Americans get the flu
each
year. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized, and about 36,000 people die. These statistics
would decrease if more people took advantage of the opportunity to prevent flu with an influenza
vaccine
or flu shot.
Page 15 Page 14 GLEAMNS News & Views
GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
December 2010
Teen After School Center invites four Motivational Speakers to speak to the participants.
Mr. Gerald Witt, Assistant Superintendent
Greenwood School District #50
On September 28, 2010 we begin our monthly motivational
speakers’ series for the year. We were indeed pleased to have
Mr. Gerald Witt, Assistant Superintendent of Greenwood
School District #50.
Mr. Witt expressed the significance of good behavior at all
times by students. He talked about how rules will be followed
and any district rule that is broken will be dealt with. He talked
about the importance of a useful education for their future and
how they should always put forth their best effort.
Assistant Manager The County Bank
Mrs. Lisa M. Tolbert, Assistant Vice President of the County Bank, here
in Greenwood
talked to the students directly on how finance plays an
important part in helping to get an education and how it is never too early
saving for college or whatever level of higher education they
to start
intend to engage in.
Senator Floyd Nicholson
Our first motivational speaker for this quarter was Senator Floyd Nicholson. Mr.
Nicholson encouraged the students to always show a positive attitude in whatever
they undertake during their middle and high school days, for this will always
follow them and become a part of their work habits in always doing their very
best. Senator Nicholson encouraged them to take full advantage of their education
for this will take them farther than any amount of money ever will.
Rev. Alvin Deal
Our second
speaker was Rev. Deal. Rev. Deal focus was on Respect and stated that
you must first learn how to respect yourself before you can gain respect from your
peers and others. Learning how to respect yourself and others bring into being
elements in your life that put you on a course of good behavior and distinguishing
qualities needed in life.
Page 16 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
As we approach another winter season, the Weatherization Assistance Program continues to impact
residents
in the Upper Savannah Region improve the energy efficiency of their home. We recently
weatherized Charles and Tracy Davis’ home in Laurens County and they expressed their appreciation to
the Weatherization Staff. “We would like to express our gratitude to you for the Weatherization of our
home. We were struggling to pay our utility bills and could not afford to make the necessary
improvements. We were at a point where we could not afford to live in our home. The Weatherization
Program
and your excellent work have made it possible for us to remain in our home.”
The Davis’ were experiencing problems with heat loss in the home. After the Weatherization Contractor
air sealed
the exterior foundation and duct system and insulated the attic and floor they stated, “We
noticed an immediate improvement in the comfort level and indoor air quality. Our air-conditioner runs
about half as long as it did before and we are looking forward to significantly lower utility bills. As a
result of these improvements, Mr. and Mrs. Davis have seen a reduction of $150 in their utility bill. The
Weatherization Contractor also insulated the water pipes, replaced the water heater and installed energy
efficient
light bulbs, smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector.
The Davis’
stated, “Your staff treated us with respect and dignity and responded immediately to our every
request for information and assistance from the initial contact through completion. We would like to
express our sincere thanks for the excellent work of Joe Hazel. All activities were well planned and
executed.
Mr. Hazel is a professional in every respect. The contractor personnel, Rick, Timmy, Austin,
and Jay are skilled and displayed a high degree of work ethics. It was a pleasure to have them in our
home. It is comforting to know that programs and funds placed in GLEAMNS hands are so well
managed.”
The Weatherization Department
Welcomes New Staff Member
The Weatherization Assistance Program is pleased to announce the
hiring of Calvin Butler, Field Specialist. Calvin lives in Greenwood
with his wife Michelle and their two children, Londyn and Calvin Jr.
He currently serves in the SC Army National Guard and completed
two tours in Iraq. Calvin is very pleased to become a valuable
member of the GLEAMNS Weatherization team.
Page 17 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
Staff Accomplishments
WIA saw a 97% graduation rate among its
youth participants. Eighty-nine of the
ninety-two
people scheduled to receive a
high school diploma or GED was
successful
in the endeavor. High School
graduates
were Abbeville and Edgefield
counties with fifteen each. Greenwood
County
has thirteen; Newberry County
with nine, Laurens and Saluda County
with six and McCormick County had one.
Those receiving GEDs were Abbeville
and Newberry County with six,
Greenwood County with five, Edgefield
and Saluda County with two and
McCormick
County with one.
The Group WorkCamps will be in Greenwood
County July 24 – 31, 2011 to do home repairs
at no cost to qualified homeowners.
Individuals and youth from around the
country will spend one week in Greenwood
County performing hands-on home repair
projects for elderly, low-income and disabled
families.
Eligible repair include: porch
repair/construction, step repair, exterior paint,
interior paint, weatherization, wheelchair
ramp repair/construction
and mobile home
skirting. Labor and materials are of no cost to
qualified household. Applications may be
picked up at GLEAMNS and are on first
come basis. Deadline is December 30, 2010.
Hope Ellis Jernigan, WIA Youth
Case Manager for Edgefield
County received a Masters
Degree in Psychology from the
University of Phoenix.
WIA Success Story
Tammy Fausel enrolled in the WIA Program to get
assistance with obtaining a degree in the medical
field or business. She was a single parent with
limited income. Tammy did not have medical
insurance and needed medication for anxiety.
Tammy enrolled in Piedmont Technical College in
2007 choosing to major in business.
After
attending Piedmont Technical College, Tammy
realized that the medical field was growing and
wanted t major in medical assistant.
Tammy was referred to Vocational Rehabilitation
for assistance with medical issues and was given an
application for CommuniCare.
She received
counseling from Vocational Rehabilitation on assist
with managing her anxiety. Ms. Fausel found
employment at National Health Care of Laurens as
a certified nursing assistant, while attending
Piedmont Technical College full-time. She was
also accepted into the Medical Assistant
Program.
Tammy graduated in August 2010 with honors and
received an Associate Degree in Occupational
Technology with a focus in medical assistant and
was given the opportunity to say a speech at the
pinning ceremony. Tammy begins working on
September 15, 2010 at Compass Family Medicine
in Newbery as a Medical Assistant.
Page 18 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
Dantravious
Williams came into the program on March 22, 2010. When he first entered the program
he was a high school senior. His barriers were no previous work experience, minimal family
support, low self-esteem and lack of transportation. His goals were to obtain his high school
diploma,
seek employment, obtain a drivers license and enroll in post secondary education.
On June 4, 2010, he received his high school diploma from Greenwood High School. On June 17,
2010 he completed behind the wheel training and received a South Carolina Drivers License. He
also took advantage of the WIA Summer Employment Program. Dantravious completed all of the
necessary
workshops and orientations for summer employment and even completed an interview
with the local news media for his summer worksite at the Magic Johnson Center. On June 14, 2010,
he began a six week summer work experience with hopes of getting hired permanently. He did so
well
this summer that on July 29, 2010 he was recognized in Greenwood Today for being an
outstanding WIA summer youth participant.
Dantravious entered Piedmont Tech on August 25, 2010 and is majoring in Computer Technology.
His hopes and dreams of becoming an employee at the Magic Johnson Center came true on
September
13, 2010. He was hired as a part-time Computer Assistant Instructor and with proper
budgeting he was able to purchase a vehicle.
Despite
Dantravious lack of work experience and living in a single parent home, he set goals for
himself and strived to exceed them.
Page 19 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
January 31 – February 2, 2011
State Workforce Development Partnership Symposium
Myrtle Beach Marriott and Resort
Myrtle Beach, SC
February 7-10, 2011
Head Start Region IV Conference
Atlanta Hilton
Atlanta, GA
March 6-9, 2011
SETA Spring Conference
Sheraton Greensboro @ Four Seasons
Greensboro, NC
TBA
NCAF Legislative Conference
Washington, DC
TBA
S.C. Community Action Partnership
Spring Conference
Myrtle Beach, SC
Information
concerning agency closings and/or delays due to inclement weather will be
communicated
to radio and television stations by 6:30 A.M. and posted on the GLEAMNS
Internal Website (www.gleamnshrc.org) Decision regarding delays and/or closings will be
made by the agency’s CEO, Dr. Joseph Patton. In his absence, the decision will be made by
Mr. Ronald Davis, Chief Operations Officer.
The following radio and television stations will be notified:
WCRS 1450AM
Sunny 103.5 FM
WLMA 1350 AM
WJMZ 107.3FM
WYFF - TV
WSPA - TV
WIS - TV
WRDW–TV
Channel 4
Channel 7
Channel 10
Channel 12
Page 20 GLEAMNS News & Views
December 2010
The Newsletter Committee would like to wish you a very
Happy and enjoyable Holiday Season.
We wish you Joy, Peace and Happiness in the 2011.
Agency Holiday Schedule
The Administrative Offices will be closed:
December 24 thru 28, 2010
January 3, 2011
Head Start Centers will be closed
December 20, 2010 thru January 3, 2011
Reopens on January 5, 2011