Wateree Community Acons, Inc. - Wateree Community Actions Inc.

Wateree Community Ac ons, Inc.
Quarterly Journal :
ISSUE 01 JANUARY, 2012
C.E. O. Message P1
C.O.O. Message P2
Human Resources Updates P3
Head Start News P4
Weatheriza on Updates P5
Community Services P6
Transi onal Housing P7
Homeless Preven on P8
Our Fiscal Outlook P9
Informa on Technology P10
Tips of the Month
Health: The Agency’s #1 Priority for
2012:
Chief Execu ve Officer’s Message
.Dr. James L. Coleman, Jr. , Chief Execu ve Officer of Wateree Community Ac ons,
Inc. welcomes you to join us in the fight against the “War on Poverty”, he says:
The Prophet Isaiah stated in the 43rd Chapter of his Book, in
verse 19, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth;
shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert.” I am encouraged and driven by these
words as I know that Wateree is posi oning itself to do a new
thing as we provide resources and tools to people in poverty, al‐
lowing them to move to self sufficiency.
Events for February , 2012
“Agency Recent Highlights”
Quarterly Journal:
ISSUE 01 JANUARY, 2012

Update & Approved Employee Handbook 
New Agency Website 
ADP Employee Portal Chief Opera ons Officer’s Message
Joseph Davis Jr, MHA., Chief Operations Officer of Wateree Commu‐
nity Actions, Inc welcomes you to join us as we move individuals from “poverty to Self‐Sufficiency.” Things to Remember
Program Monitoring Visits
Federal Program Reviews
In Psalms 133:1 the Bible States “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” With that being said, it is an exciting time here at Wateree Community Actions, Inc., under the leadership and tutelage of our Chief Executive Officer. We are em‐
barking and embracing changes as we work to move individuals from poverty to self‐sufficiency. We are excited because our administrative headquarters is relocating to the State capital, Columbia, South Caroli‐
na, effective April 2, 2012. It’s again an exciting time to be a part of Wateree Community Actions as this move is very vital to the recrea‐
tions and stabilizing of our identity as one of the leading CAP agency in this state as we move individuals from poverty to self‐sufficiency. I end this message with a great scripture near and dear to my heart Phi‐
lippians 3:14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” As we move for‐
ward in our endeavors, we invite you the communities that we serve to lift us up and support the direction our Chief Executive Officer. Again it is an exciting time to be a part of Wateree Community Actions, Inc. External Audits
Training Updates
“Human Resources Updates”
Mrs. LaShonna Meagley, Human Resource Director
Issue 1: Jan, 2012
Greetings from your Human Resources Staff!
In keeping with the mission of Wateree Community Actions, Inc., it is the Human Resources staff’s goal and duty to serve the Agency’s employees, by providing professional guidance and advice concerning issues of Compensation, Benefits, Hiring, and Termination, Affirmative
Action, Employee Rights, Discrimination, Appraisals,
Training & Development and Employee Safety in order to
make the WCAI employment experience enriching and
rewarding.
DATES TO REMEMBER
February 1 – 29, 2012
Group Insurance Open Enrollment
Period
February 20, 2012
President’s Day – Offices Closed
April 6, 2012
Good Friday – Offices Closed
FACE TO FACE
Strategies that send a strong positive
message
When you deal face-to-face with other
people—whether they’re colleagues,
customers, vendors, co-workers, or
superiors—you’re in the spotlight. How
you look, dress, act, and speak sends a
strong message about you and the organization you represent. Here are
some tips that can help you present a
positive, professional image:
Equal Employment Opportunity is the fundamental principle that applies to all of our policies and procedures relating to recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits and
all other terms and conditions of employment.
The Human Resources Staff are located at 13 South Main
Street, and are available Monday through Friday from
8:30am to 5:00pm. Please feel free to contact us regarding this column or any other Human Resources initiative.
We’re here for you!
LaShonna Meagley
LaToya Walker
Human Resources Director
Human Resources Generalist
[email protected]
[email protected]
(803) 775-4354 ext. 103
(803) 775-4354 ext. 121
Pay attention to your physical a
appearance. Make sure you’re clean,
neat and appropriate.
Think about what you say and
how you say it. Use positive language, look at people when you speak,
and don’t talk too fast.
Present a positive image. Stand or
sit up straight. Make eye contact.
Smile, and lean slightly toward the
other person (says "I'm listening"), but
don’t touch other people or invade
their space.
Be aware of how you act. Be professional and polite. Be positive, enthusiastic, and attentive.
Pay attention to the person’s body
language. A person who looks relaxed, friendly, and makes eye contact
is responding positively to what you
say. You may not be connecting with a
person who is restless and avoids eye
contact.
“What ‘s Happening In Head Start Today?”
Head Start has twelve Centers located in five coun es: Clarendon, Lee,
Kershaw, Sumter and Florence.
The School Term is mid‐year. Enroll‐
ment goals for each site has been met.
Head Start Mee ngs
PreSchool Head Start has 869 children ages three and four years old enrolled in ten (10) sites located in Clarendon Coun‐
ty, Kershaw County, Lee County and Sumter County Early Head Start has 48 infants and tod‐
dlers in three (3) sites located in Clarendon County, Kershaw County and Lee County. Mi‐
grant Head Start serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers has 130 children enrolled in two (2) sites located in Clarendon Coun‐
ty and Florence County (Lake City). PreSchool Head Start op‐
erates from August –May each year and Early Head operates from August –July each year. Funded enrollment in preschool and Early Head Start is being maintained monthly. Migrant Head Start operates from June‐
October each school year. Goals and objectives identified prior to school opening are be‐
ing implemented in all centers. The first of three child assess‐
ments/outcomes for this school year has been completed. Com‐
pared to last school year’s first assessment/outcomes results, children enrolled this school year have shown gains in: lan‐
guage development, literacy, science, math, social‐emotional and physical development skills. Head Start Staff and Parents (26) participated in a Community Emer‐
gency Response Team Training for two and half days at the Rubye J. Johnson Head Start Center. Three (3) classroom staff received their BA/BS degree in Early Child‐
hood Education from South Carolina State University, one from Ashford University and one from Grand Can‐
yon University. One staff received a BS degree in Health Care Manage‐
ment from South University MAYOR Jeffrey Graham of Kershaw County and HOUSE REPRESENTA‐
TIVE Laura Funderburk read stories to the children of Kershaw County Head Start. Policy Council and Agency Board
Members par cipated In Program
Governance Training and Head Start
Requirments for Federal Monitoring
Visit.
POLICY COUNCIL: All meetings held at Rubye J. Johnson HS Center at 11:00 a.m.; normally the 4th Monday of each month in the multi‐purpose room January 23, 2012 February 27, 2012 March 26, 2012 April 23, 2012 May 21, 2012 (meeting change date due to Memorial Day holiday on 28th) June 2012 (No Meeting) July 23, 2012 August 27, 2012 This month’s in‐service training top‐
ics for staff and volunteers are: Sexu‐
al Harassment in the Workplace, Internal Communication and Man‐
agement Systems, Strategies for teaching social‐emotional skills, In‐
terpreting School Readiness Skills, Sanitation and Safety in the Head Start kitchen, Safety procedures for transporting Head Start children and Documents required for Family Services files. Three‐day training will be provided to Family Services Staff and other Support Staff in the area of Family and Community Engage‐
ment at the Rubye J. Johnson Head Start Center September 24, 2012 October 22, 2012 November 26, 2012 December 2012 – Board Policy/Council Training MANAGEMENT: School year 2011‐2012 meetings held at Rubye J. Johnson HS Center, 10 A.M. in the multi‐purpose r oom; normally the 2nd Friday of each month, unless otherwise indicated January 13, 2012 February 10, 2012 March 09, 2012 April 06, 2012 (Spring break is this month) May 2012 ( may not meet since school gets out this month) “What’s Happening in Weatheriza on?”
Mr. Kenneth Barnes, Project Director
This project serves individuals/families of Clarendon,
Kershaw, Lee, Sumter, Florence, and Marion Coun es.
Energy Conserva on Tips:
Homeowner Tips: Keep the thermostat on your heating system at the lowest comforta‐
ble setting. We rec‐
ommend 68‐70 de‐
grees.  Check filters in heating and cooling equipment every . The goal of weatherization is to reduce energy costs for low‐income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety. Wateree Community Actions, Inc. Weatherization Depart‐
ment consists of a staff of 6 Administrative and 15 Field Crew employees. The administrative duties include assist‐
ing clients with the application process and processing all necessary documentation as it pertains to the work com‐
pleted by our field staff as well as contractors. Our field crew duties include completing assessments to determine which weatherization measures are needed and installing these measures. These measures are installed from the most to the least cost effective and include, but are not lim‐
ited to, air sealing, attic insulation, floor insulation and compact fluorescent lamps (cfl). We are proud to announce that since the beginning of the WAP ARRA Program in June of 2009, our weatherization department has completed a total 598 single‐family dwell‐
ings and 1‐50 unit multi‐family complex. We are anticipat‐
ing completing in excess of 1000 units before the comple‐
tion of this program in September 2012. MYTH OR FACT: Using an electric portable heater will help save money on utility cost? Answer in next issue of the monthly journal. WCAI Quarterly ewsle er
Issue 01 January, 2012
“What’s Happening In Community Services?”
This program serves individuals/families of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, Sumter and
Richland Coun es.
Mrs. Laurey Carpenter, Project Director
2012 LIHEAP services will continue with serving clients only one time per program year. At this time, all clients will have to provide a documented emergency to receive any assistance. The definition of an emergency is as follows: A sudden, urgent, unexpected occurrence or occasion requiring im‐
mediate action: a state, especially of need for help or relief, created by some unexpected event; an unforeseen combination of circum‐
stances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action; or an unexpected situation that poses an immediate risk that requires ur‐
gent intervention. An emergency is never planned. Youth Leadership enrollment will begin in February 2012. Richland County will be primarily focusing on High School students with building on Character. Richland County will also be providing Em‐
ployment training to qualifying students. Rental Assistance is available to all five counties for 2012. Each ap‐
plicant under the GEAP program will need proof of sustainability; after assistance, they will be able to continue to pay the rent. They also must meet the 125% Federal Poverty Level for the household. Academic Camps will be held in Sumter, Clarendon and Kershaw County. Students from Lee County will be participating with Kershaw County. This en‐
rollment period will begin in April, 2012. This camp will focus on the needed skills to enhance test scores. Each participant will be given instructions from a cer‐
tified teacher and tests will be given to measure their skills and abilities. DATES TO REMEMBER
February 29,2012 Trans‐Aid apartment inspec ons and
case management reviews/updates.
“What’s Happening In Transi onal Housing
This program serves individuals/families of Clarendon, Lee, and Sumter
Coun es.
WCAI Monthly Newsle er Issue 01 January, 2012 Mr. Kennard P. Buxton, Project Director
Project Description: Project Trans‐Aid is a transitional housing (TH) program for the critically and chronically homeless individuals and families with children including homeless veterans and domestic abuse homeless victims. It is designed to assist homeless individuals and families’ transition out of being homeless into affordable, stable, standard hous‐
ing, with homeownership being their optimal goal. The program is designed in two phases: Phase 1, is the short term transitional housing assistance for essential supportive services and initial strategy for eligible clients to work towards self‐sufficiency up to 6 months. Phase 2, is the long term up to twenty four (24) months in transi‐
tional shelter with supportive services to prepare the participant for independent living in standard, permanent housing self‐sufficiency. Since 2006, Project Trans‐Aid’s goals have been to provide clients with residen al stability, increase skills and income,
and foster greater self‐determina on. Program ac vi es include; ini al intake, personal needs assessment, counseling,
mentoring, placement in a transi onal shelter of Trans‐Aid, case planning and implementa on, employment training,
job placement, developing and implemen ng
life skills and informa onal seminars, home visita ons
to inspect and mentor, coordina ng with other providers, referring and evalua ng, discharge planning, and housing
quality standards (HQS) inspec ons on eligible leased housing.
Trans‐Aid Staff are located at 13 South Main Street, and are available
Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00 pm.
Kennard P. Buxton
Dr. Rhonda P. Richburg
Trans‐Aid Director
Trans‐Aid Case Manager
[email protected]
[email protected]
(803) 775‐4354 ext. 105
(803) 775=‐4354 ext. 121
Program Notes
HPRP Staff is currently accep ng
applica ons for Richland County
residents only. To schedule an ap‐
pointment with WCAI’s HPRP, please
contact our Two Notch Road Office
@ (803) 786‐4250 ext. 104 or 109.
“What’s Happening In Homeless Preven on
and Rapid Rehousing ?”
WCAI Monthly Newsle er This program serves individuals/families of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee,
Sumter and Richland Coun es.
Mr. Kennard P. Buxton, Project Director
Issue 01 January, 2012 Program Summary
The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re‐Housing Program (HPRP) was established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) . The funds are made available through the U.S. Depart‐
ment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The purpose of HPRP is to provide homeless prevention assistance to households who would otherwise become homeless – many due to the economic crisis – and to provide assistance to rapidly re‐house persons who are homeless, as defined by section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
(42U.S.C. 11302). Funds are utilized to assist persons who would be homeless, except for the as‐
sistance of HPRP, to be housed or re‐housed. Funding can be utilized to provide case management, co‐
ordinate services, conduct outreach and engagement to inform organizations and individuals about the program, to assist with housing search and placement activities. Wateree’s HPRP program has expended all HPRP funding for the counties of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, and Sumter. Currently, WCAI’s HPRP program has funding for assistance in Richland County, and is accept ing applicatons for eligible persons. To speak with an HPRP repre‐
sentative, please contact us at any of the numbers listed below. Kennard P. Buxton Terrence Gilmore Coltin Mickens HPRP Director HPRP Program Coordinator HPRP Case Manager [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (803) 775‐4354 ext. 105 (803) 786‐4250 ext. 109 (803) 786‐4250 ext. 104 Fiscal Reminders
TRAVEL All out of area travel should be
turned in no later than 7 business
days a er return the Agency. Fail‐
ure to do so will result in denial of
advanced travel in the future.
“What’s New in the Financial Outlook for
WCAI ?”
Ms. Keisha Dyer, Chief Financial Officer
All local travel should be turned in
to program managers by the last
business of each month. All pro‐
gram managers should then ap‐
prove and turn in local travel to the
fiscal department within 2 business
days.
Purchase Orders and Invoices Please be reminded that requisi ons
and purchase orders should be ap‐
proved before items are purchased.
It’s an Exci ng Time!!! The fiscal staff of Wateree Community Ac ons, Inc., is excited about heading in a new direc on for the 2012 fiscal year. Our Agency’s fiscal outlook WCAI Monthly Newsle er Issue 01 January, 2012 seems to be one where we will become more efficient by upgrading our systems and elimina ng unnecessary costs. We are in the process of revamping many of our systems, most notably our accoun ng so ware system. In the near future, the Agency will be able to complete requisi ons and purchase orders electronically which will eliminate an excessive use of paper. Not to worry, trainings will be conducted to show key employees how to complete this process. Currently, Weatheriza on is our pilot program this endeavor. 13 South Main Street
Sumter, South Carolina 29150
Main Administra ve Office
803‐775‐4354 Office Telephone
803‐774‐0338 Fax
I. T. Updates
Informa on Technology (I. T.) Best Prac ces
Mrs. Quantae Ragin‐Duncan, Informa on Technology Director
Greetings from the IT Department!
We are starting the New Year off with a great start.
We are currently in the preliminary stages of restructuring our e-mail system. In
the coming weeks you will be hearing from us regarding that process.
Our company website will be published soon. Our new website address will be
WCAI.ORG. You will receive an e-mail to inform everyone when the website is
up.
You will be able to view the company calendar which will include program
and company events as well as board meeting dates, etc.
Employment Opportunities
DBA has new components:
The state can now download documents to you in DBA
Task Scheduler – it allows you to create a schedule, for example for ap-
WCAI Monthly Newsle er Issue 01 January, 2012 pointments, in DBA (please note that training for this must be
requested from DBA before it will be activated on your system. Please ask your supervisor to contact me if you are
interested in having this component.)
We will continue to have the e-mail “SYSTEM TEST” on a regular basis to insure
that all staff on the web-based e-mail host is working properly until the new email system is in place.
I am soliciting ideas for future computer training classes, so please e-mail me your
ideas – (ex. What computer related solution will help you do your job better…)
As always, for all your IT related issues, you may reach
me by e-mail or phone,
Quantae R. Duncan
Inormation Technology (IT) Director
Phone: (803) 775-4354 Ext. 120
Mobile: (803) 464-2344
E-Mail: [email protected]
13 South Main Street
Sumter, South Carolina 29150
Main Administra ve Office
803‐775‐4354 Office Telephone
803‐774‐0338 Fax