MEC Annual Report FYE 06-30-2011 - Mid

MID‐EAST COMMISSION Annual Report July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 FAR REACHING IMPACTS of the MID‐EAST COMMISSION
Serving Our Counties, Our Region, Our State, Our Nation Administration JobLink Area Agency on Aging Region Q Workforce Development Board Planning Economic Development & Community Services CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE As Chairman of the Mid‐East Commission, I would like to express that being a member of this commission has been a privilege. During my last years, I have served on the Executive Committee. During my first seven years, I served under Executive Director Bob Paciocco and for the last eighteen years I have served under Executive Director Tim Ware. During these years, I have benefited from meeting so many interesting people and have learned so much through listening to and participating with our board members. The Mid‐East Commission is dedicated to providing service within the counties of Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin, and Pitt as well as the forty local municipalities. The Mid‐
East Commission’s goal is to enhance the ability of local governments to successfully improve the quality of life for area citizens. Leadership in technical assistance, planning, program management and development and public‐private partnership are enhanced. The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) promotes regional strategies, partnerships, and solutions to strengthen the economic competitiveness and quality of life across America’s local communities. The Mid‐East Commission as a NADO member was honored to have two Executive Directors serve as the NADO President. I was honored to be invited by Tim Ware (as NADO President) to attend the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) 2011 Annual Training Conference in Miami Florida. While I was in Miami attending the conference Tim Ware and his staff graciously provided convenient accommodations and looked after all of my needs to make me feel welcome. I thank them for allowing me to participate in this experience on behalf of the Mid‐East Commission. To me this was a chance in a lifetime. In conclusion, I am grateful for my experiences with the Mid‐East Commission. I am proud to have been a part of the endeavors that this commission represents and I look forward to what the future holds. Joe R. Jernigan, Sr. Chairman 2
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 Tim Ware Executive Director As the Executive Director of the Mid‐East Commission, I am once again pleased and honored to report to the Board of Directors, our elected officials and citizens of the five county region that we continue to experience progress in the delivery of quality programs and services to our local area. I would like to thank the Officers, the Executive Committee members and the Board of Directors for their support given to me as well as the staff during the past year. This overwhelming support from all of these qualified and diligent volunteers allows our organization to expand and improve the total operation of the Mid‐East Commission. This past year saw the staff invest much time and effort in improving our existing programs in compliance with state and federal rules and regulations. In response to a turbulent federal, state and budget our staff has been diligent in exploring the most effective and efficient ways to serve our communities and their citizens. Our Aging Program staff has been very successful in providing services to the older adults in the region and has been proactive in finding ways in which to make the lives of our older adults more productive, safe, healthy and secure. The Workforce Development Department continues to be a state leader in providing services and innovation to our five county region, but will continue to see their resource stream come under attack at the Federal level. Our JobLink Centers are instrumental in providing one stop shopping to customers and continues to grow in both quality service and products. Our Community, Planning and Economic Services Department continues to expand it’s services to local governments in the region. Technical assistance and planning continues to be crucial to member governments. Our Community Development and Economic Development services provide for products that will enhance the quality of life for all of our citizens. In addition, the department continues to administer the Rural Transportation Planning Organization for the counties of Beaufort, Martin and Pitt. Thanks to a dedicated and professional staff, the Mid‐East Commission continues to be a partner to our local governments called upon to deliver quality service and programs. We look forward to many more years of service in order to serve the citizens of Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin and Pitt Counties. 3
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Beaufort County Members Martin County Members Representative Representing Representative Representing Ed Booth*
John Weeks Comer Griffin Mac Pigott Louise Furman Robert Edwards Doug Mercer* Tom Richter Beaufort County Aurora Bath Belhaven Chocowinity Pantego Washington Washington Park Bob Hyman* Vacant Ben Jones Mamie Staton Wanda Sawyer Vacant Patrice Rosario Walter Wilett Noah Daniels* Brenda Turner Willie Peele Martin County Bear Grass Everetts Hamilton Hassell Jamesville Oak City Parmele Robersonville Williamston Martin County Bertie County Members Representative Representing Lewis Hoggard, III* John Pierce Joe Jernigan, Sr.* Robert Kaylor Tommy Bracy Dayle Vaughan Gary Johnson Collins Cooper Irma Robbins Dennis Wilder Bertie County Askewville Aulander Colerain Kelford Lewiston‐Woodville Roxobel Windsor Bertie County Bertie County Pitt County Members Hertford County Members Representative Representing William F. Mitchell, Jr.* Tony Hammond Darrell Partlow Steven Pearce Dina White Lynn Johnson William McCoy Pierce* Hertford County Ahoskie Cofield Como Harrellsville Murfreesboro Winton * Executive Committee 4
Representative Representing Glen Webb* Christopher Padgett Mike Whitehurst Ginger Little Jim Smith Ben Holloman Merrill Flood* Sammy Whitehurst Brian Cooke Don Duff Tony Moore Marvin Moye Pitt County Ayden Bethel Falkland Farmville Fountain Greenville Grifton Grimesland Simpson Winterville Pitt County SOURCE OF FUNDS 2010‐2011 Federal State ARRA*
Local WorkForce Development Revolving Loan Fund Intermediary Re‐lending Program Drug Task Force Hispanic ESL Inter Program Training Boys Girls Club Other Local Programs MEC Dues/Interest Income Total Per Source ARRA* State 1,509,448 26,216 1,534,899 82,106 65,113 64,180 6,230 22,918 2,938,222 558,643 ‐ 40 4,593,996 591,089 1,622,930 Local ARRA Other Total Funds 18 267,090 539 70,420 3,408,630 82,106 22,048 96,983 184,144 ‐ 2,566 97,620 170,596 22,918 19,500 3,516,365 91,524 91,524 315 315 3,239 3,239 ‐ 40 ‐ ‐ 110,423 2,000 112,423 18 419,061 3,105 362,101 7,592,300 Program
Federal
Area Agency on Aging
USDA
Planning
Community Development
Economic Development
State Technical Assistance
Percent of Total Funds
60.51%
7.79%
Federal State 68.29% 21.38% SOURCE OF FUNDS 2010-2011
21.38%
0.00% 5.52%
0.04%
4.77%
Local Other 5.56% 4.77% 5.56% 4.77%
Federal
State
21.38%
Local
68.29%
Other
* American Recovery And Reinvestment Act Funding $594,212 or 7.94% of Total Funds
5
100.00%
EXPENDITURES BY PROGRAM 2010‐2011 General 1.45% Aging 45.98% Workforce Planning, Econ Dev, St TA MEC RLF & IRP 46.31% 5.00% 1.21% * American Recovery And Reinvestment Act Funding $594,212 or 7.94% of Total Funds
6
Other 0.04% ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 7
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT STAFF Janet Dodge, Finance Director Sherri Respess, Fiscal Specialist Dianne Adams, Accounting Technician Linda Woolard, Fiscal Aide (Not Pictured) Linda Roberts Executive Administrative Assistant 8
Beaufort County
Career Planning, Training
& Placement Services
WIA YOUTH PROGRAM The (WIA) Youth@Work Program is designed to assist eligible youth in achieving success in school and at the workplace through comprehensive guidance and counseling. Beginning in July 2010, Mid‐East Commission and the Beaufort County Joblink Career Center began program operations for the Youth @ Work programs in Beaufort, Martin and Pitt counties. The Youth@Work Program served a total of 112 at risk youth from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 collectively, with Beaufort serving 34, Martin 41 and Pitt 37. The Youth@Work Program summer component employed 35 youth on various worksites according to the career pathway identified during the enrollment process. These participants worked approximately 30 hours per week earning at or above minimum wage. Youth from the three counties attended the NC Youth Summit, Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour and a Regional Retreat held at the Eastern 4‐H Center. Youth also volunteered in their community through service projects with Habitat for Humanity, Creative Living Center and Red Oak Center. They also participated in the North Carolina Litter Sweep Campaign, as well as several community events. They worked with the Rotary Club to help with the Polio Race and the Area Agency on Agency for the Not 2 Hot to Trot race. The Youth program also adopted a family for Thanksgiving and a pregnant/parenting teen for Christmas. Youth and staff participated in the Region Q Quiz Bowl, an event designed to promote teamwork while adding to the educational awareness of our Youth Participants. The team fielded a number of questions ranging from current events to historical data, and they all praised the event while appreciating the many hours of hard work necessary to make it a success. The teams from the Martin County Youth @ Work program won 1st and 3rd place. In response to the Summer Youth Employment Program made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), 42 youth were enrolled. Of those enrolled, 20 were out of school youth and 22 were in school youth. All participants completed two training sessions per week which included safety in the workplace, teambuilding, communication, diversity in the workplace, computer skills and dealing with conflict. 9
WIA ADULT/DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAM The WIA Adult/Dislocated Worker Program provides services that focus on the ever changing economy. Beginning in July 2010, Mid‐East Commission and the Beaufort County Joblink Career Center began program operations for the Adult and Dislocated Worker programs in Beaufort and Pitt counties. The Adult/Dislocated Worker Program served approximately 341 customers in pursuit of a Certificate, Diploma, Associate and/or Bachelor degree and provided intensive case management. 308 participants (145 in Beaufort County and 196 in Pitt County) participated in training at several area training providers including Beaufort County Community College, Pitt Community College, Lenoir Community College, Martin Community College, Craven Community College, Pamlico Community College, Edgecombe Community College, Halifax Community College and East Carolina University. Overall, 82% of participants exited during the program year were positive with either employment or a credential. 10
PROJECT NEW HOPE Project New Hope is a partnership with the Purpose of God Annex, Beaufort Community College, Beaufort County JobLink Center, and the Beaufort County Workforce Partnership Committee. The Project received demonstration grants over a three year period from the Department of Commerce to provide employment and life skills training to a hard to serve population, including former offenders and those dealing with chronic unemployment. Approximately 95% of the participants served had a criminal record which ranged from multiple felonies to misdemeanors. Training focused on attitudinal adjustment and image modification, including problem solving, decision making, accountability, self‐respect, communication, teamwork, leadership, anger management, motivation and the importance of image and appearance for the workplace. Participants were strongly encouraged to “give back” to the community by volunteering. During the third program year, Project New Hope served 120 participants, of which 68% were male and 32% female. Seven (7) participants received their Career Readiness Certification, 16 participated in short‐term training through the community college, and 17 were placed in work experience with local employers. Overall, 64 participants entered employment during the program year. Demonstration grant funding ended for Project New Hope on June 30, 2011. The Beaufort County JobLink Career Center continues to provide in‐kind support and partnership to serve these participants and this population. 11
Beaufort County
Career Planning, Training
& Placement Services
JOBLINK STAFF Standing: Linda Booth (Beaufort County Adult/DW), Danielle Street (Beaufort County Youth @ Work), Kimberly Corey (Pitt County Adult/DW), Brenda Steigerwald (Pitt County Youth @ Work), Corena Bristow (Pitt County Adult/DW), Jennie Bowen (Direct Services Director), Rufus Wilson (Martin County Youth @ Work) Kneeling: Jill Gibson (Pitt County Adult/DW), Nattalie Castro (Beaufort County Adult/DW) 12
Mid‐East Commission Area Agency on Aging Mission Statement We will work to position this region to address the demands from our communities for senior and disabled populations to successfully age in place. We will strive to create consumer choices in community based services and resources that are readily available to address individual needs. Vision Statement Our livable communities will be empowered for self‐advocacy to generate proactive approaches for senior and disabled populations to successfully age in our region. Area Agency on Aging The work of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is mandated by requirements under the Older Americans Act as amended. Along with the operations in relationship to the implementation of services funded through the Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG), the AAA provides direct support and services through Family Caregiver Support Program and Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. Six performance areas comprise the Performance Standards for Area Agencies. These areas are Management and Staffing; Planning; Funds Administration and Quality Assurance; Information Brokerage; Program and Resource Development; and Advocacy. The AAA provides technical assistance and information support to county planning committees to develop the County Funding Plan for HCCBG funds. The AAA monitors local provider performance, quality improvement, risk assessment, and compliance in providing HCCBG services. Technical assistance and trainings are coordinated by the AAA to improve service delivery, monitoring, development and implementation of response and recovery strategies for older adults in the event of disasters, as well as workshops on other aging issues. The AAA works with senior centers on state certification with 3 centers currently certified as Centers of Excellence. The AAA facilitates and supports quarterly meetings and activities of the Regional Advisory Committee on Aging. The AAA assists the Senior Tar Heel Legislature Delegates and Alternates through training, technical assistance, management of listserver, and staffing support. The AAA regularly provides electronic mailings to local providers and senior advocates on aging issues and on scam and predatory lending practices and alerts. Home Equity Conversion Counseling was provided. The AAA maintains a webpage at www.mecaaa.org. The AAA provides information and referral to link citizens to human services and resources in their communities. The AAA works with the state and local providers to help create and implement Community Resource Connections within the region that enable consumers to access resources using a no‐
wrong door approach. 13
The AAA continues providing Evidence Bases Health Promotion programs within the region. Through these programs, older adults are able to safely increase their level of physical activity and become better able to manage their own health. With AAA staff being trained in Matter of Balance, Living Healthy Chronic Disease, and Self‐Management, Living Healthy Chronic Disease Self‐Management, and Living Healthy Diabetes Self‐Management, it allows AAA to train providers and conduct participant workshops for providers. In FY ’11, the following classes were given: Matter of Balance: Living Healthy Chronic Disease 2 participants classes with 12 participants 1 lay‐leader trainings with 12 participants 2 participant classes with 18 participants Self‐Management Program 1 lay‐leader training with 13 participants 14
Home and Community Care Block Grant Home and Community Care Block Grant supports community based services to seniors and their caregivers through a network of local aging providers in our region. Below is a breakout of the services and people served in FY ’11: HCCBG Service People Served Transportation‐(general & medical) Information and Assistance 279 5,977 In‐Home Aide‐LV1, 2, 3 211 Nutrition (Congregate) 1,034 Home‐Delivered Meals 497 Adult Day Care 11 Senior Center Operations 15,493 Senior Center General Purpose 5,368 Health Promotions and Disease Prevention 23,772 Volunteer Development 360 Legal Services 83 15
Family Caregiver Support Group Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) provides support and services to local providers and caregivers through five categories: 1) Information about available services; 2) Assistance in gaining access to services; 3) Individual counseling, organization of support groups, and caregiver training; 4) Respite care; and 5) Supplemental services Information and Assistance provided through participation in Senior Expos, Health Fairs, and Consumer requests; 5 caregiver training courses were offered; Respite Care ‐ 14 care recipients for AAA support groups Respite Care for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren ‐ 24 children
FCSP Services and People Served in Region Q Home modifications/accessibility – 1 Incontinent supplies – 45 In‐Home respite – 17 Institutional Respite – 1 Liquid Nutrition Supplements – 57 Medical Equipment & Asst Technology – 27 Summer Camps, After School – Grandparents Raising Grandchildren – 11 children Support Groups ‐ 27 16
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program The regional ombudsman assists residents of long term care facilities to exercise their rights. In addition to being an advocate for residents, the ombudsman educates the public and facility staff about rights and help resolve grievances between residents/families and facilities. The Area Agency on Aging currently employs one full‐time ombudsman. There are 70 long‐term care facilities; with a total 2,750 beds housed within the region. These facilities are made up of 12 Nursing Homes (1,387 beds), 21 Adult Care Homes (1,156 beds), 36 Family Care Homes (197 beds) and 1 Hospital Vent Unit (10 beds). At the end of the 2011 FFY, there were 41 volunteers serving as Community Advisory Committee members in Region Q. These volunteers put forth 335 volunteer hours in their quest to improve the quality of life for residents residing within long‐term care. Three CAC members were appointed to serve as resident advocates during the year. Outreach was provided to 1,938 residents through facility visitations by the ombudsman and community advisory committee members. Eighty‐eight nursing home, 130 adult care home and 18 family care home visits were made. One‐on‐one visits helped with the establishment of rapport that is imperative to understanding issues that residents face. In FY 2011, there were 64 cases containing 87 complaints filed by residents or family members within region Q. This number is up from the 55 complaints received the previous year. There is a general reluctance on behalf of the complainant to report due to fear of retaliation towards the resident by facility staff. This is a mind‐set the Ombudsman has made incremental changes with the assistance of the CACs in each county. The main focus of complaints concerned the discharge of residents by facilities and non‐
payment. Residents displaying behavioral symptoms typically have a diagnosis of dementia or mental illness. Facility staff will often state they do not have the resources to provide the care needed for these populations, especially the mentally ill. Family Care Homes continue to take in mental ill residents, yet have failed to obtain needed training for the staff that is providing care. Staff members have been threatened and are at times afraid to work with mentally ill residents. Staff members are reluctant to press charges against residents; therefore, these individuals are often transferred from facility to facility. Assistance was provided to facility staff as requested. The top three AGI topics included family issues, discharge of residents and resident rights. 17
Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) The Senior’s Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) answers questions and counsels Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers about Medicare, Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, long‐term care insurance and other health insurance concerns. The AAA has two SHIIP counselors on staff that provides free and unbiased counseling on Medicare health care products as well as assisting local providers during open enrollment. AAA staff helped over 1,300 Medicare beneficiaries around the region with their Medicare Part D, questions and/or issues. North Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol Program (NC SMP) The North Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol Program (NC SMP) is housed within SHIIP. NC SMP is a preventive educational program. This program helps to reduce Medicare/Medicaid error and fraud and abuse through statewide educational and promotional activities. The AAA regularly provides educational presentations to Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers on Medicare/
Medicaid error and fraud and abuse. The AAA has trained and currently has 10 volunteers educating Medicare beneficiaries throughout the region. Total number of volunteer work hours Number of media outreach activities Number of community outreach education events conducted Estimated number of people reached by community outreach education events Number of group education sessions for beneficiaries Number of beneficiaries who attended group education sessions 296 1 7 1,580 8 125 18
Project CARE (Caregivers Alternative to Running on Empty) Project C.A.R.E. (CARE) is a program that assists the caregivers of diagnosed dementia patients. The menu of Project C.A.R.E services include public awareness and education, direct counseling, family centered assessments, and respite options include all forms with the exception of consumer driven private pay (not yet available). Included in the Project C.A.R.E case manager’s responsibilities is to help families link to other supportive services as well as ones from Project C.A.R.E. Project C.A.R.E: “Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty” is a program that uses a family consultant model to provide consumer‐directed respite care and comprehensive support to caregivers. The goal of the program is to increase quality, access, choice, and use of respite and support services to low‐income rural and minority families caring for a person with dementia at home. Through the integration of dementia‐capable services and the development of family‐
centered and caregiver‐focused community care networks, Project C.A.R.E. helps create a seamless, coordinated delivery system that is responsive to the needs, values and preferences of Alzheimer’s families. Region L Northampton: 3 enrolled Halifax: 4 enrolled Region Q Bertie: 4 enrolled Pitt: 5 enrolled Hertford: 2 enrolled Beaufort: 6 enrolled Martin: 7 enrolled Region R Washington: 2 enrolled Hyde: 2 enrolled Gates: 2 enrolled Project Linkage Linkage is a program designed to establish linkages between local primary care physicians and the community services for Dementia patients. Through this project, doctors were trained to recognize symptoms of dementia and refer those families to the linkage representative who would then be able to assess their needs and link them with helpful community services. The first goal of the Linkage Project was to get those patients who have early stage and younger onset dementia into the community services cycle for a more pro‐active approach. Families who have a loved one suffering from this disease suffer too and the aim was to help them as much as possible. This program was funded through December 21, 2010. 19
Mid‐East Commission Area Agency on Aging Cynthia Davis Aging Program Director Area Agency on Aging Staff Bottom – Cynthia Davis, Aging Programs & AAA Director 2nd row – left to right – Suzanne Gray – Project CARE (southern counties) & Rosalind Pugh, Project CARE (northern counties) rd
3 row – Annette Eubanks – LTC Ombudsman & Carol Ward – Administrative Assistant Top ‐ Wanda Johnson – Aging Specialist & Lead Monitor Not pictured – Sallie Williamson – Family Care Giver 20
Region Q Workforce Development Board July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 Region Q Workforce Investment Consortium, a public‐private partnership, administers a five county system of workforce development programs that prepare citizens for the workforce ‐ including those who are facing economic disadvantages, job loss, and other barriers to employment. Serving Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin and Pitt Counties, these programs also provide a central point for businesses for listing jobs, applicant screening, receiving business assistance and information, and development of training systems. The Region Q Workforce Development Board develops policy and oversees these programs. The Mid‐East Commission serves as the grant recipient/administrative entity for the Consortium. The Workforce Development Board continues to work hard to raise the level of awareness in the region and to be seen as a place for all customers. Board members, through their companies, organizations and community involvement have also helped to create a positive image for the Workforce Development Board and JobLink Centers. Committed board members, local elected officials, staff and partner agencies have all played a vital role in ensuring that Region Q is recognized as a leader in the workforce development community. Quinton Turman, Chair
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEMBERS Quinton Turman, Chair Charles Angel Sue Dudley, Vice‐Chair Patsy Jones Representative Annie Mobley Morris Rascoe William Ross Michael Freeman B.J. Whitley David Thompson Leo Corbin Sonya Toman Derrick Price Keisha Manson Randy Roark Lindsey Crisp 21
Wendell Hall Dr. Dennis Massey Charles Reynolds Nettie Evans Lewis Dameron Marvin Davis Chase Stallings Howard Hunter, III BOARD MISSION AND VISION REGION Q WDB VISION STATEMENT: The citizens of Region Q will be well educated, highly skilled, life‐long learners who enjoy a good quality of life. REGION Q WDB MISSION STATEMENT: To provide leadership and guidance in facilitating employment by providing the highest quality service delivery in a friendly, fair and impartial manner as perceived by our customers. Region Q Workforce Investment Act and special‐funded programs provided training support and other services to our citizens that resulted in increased employment and earnings, increased educational and occupational skills and decreased welfare payments. JOBLINK CAREER CENTERS The cornerstone of the Workforce Development Board programs is our system of JobLink Career Centers. These JobLink Career Centers are user friendly facilities that provide job seekers, training/
education seekers and employers access to career training and job placement services and also serve as a connection between businesses and qualified workers. By offering a wide range of service options from self‐service to full‐service, staff and partners work together as a team to provide the most comprehensive and efficient workforce development system possible. These Centers are located in each of our five counties, and are a part of a statewide network designed to improve the quality of the workforce as well as the state’s competitiveness in the global economy. During the period of July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011, our five JobLink Centers served 16,447 individual customers. 22
Beaufort County JobLink
Bertie County JobLink
1385 John Small Avenue Washington, NC 27889 (252) 946‐8021 1001 S. King Street Windsor, NC 27983 (252) 794‐5616 Hertford County JobLink
Martin County JobLink
109 Community College Road Roanoke‐Chowan Community College Ahoskie, NC 27910
(252) 862‐1257 200 Greene St. Suite 201 Williamston, NC 27892 252) 792‐7816 Pitt County JobLink
3101 Bismarck Street Greenville, NC 27834 (252) 355‐9067 23
WIA ADULT AND DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAMS Our WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs are able to provide assistance with a focus on three levels of service: core, intensive, and training. The philosophy is to offer core services (job search and placement assistance, intake and eligibility determination, basic assessment of skills, labor market information) to the universal population and more intensive and training services to qualifying individuals and those most in need. Individuals enrolled in training are sponsored in sectors that represent occupations in demand and that are projected for future growth. WIA ADULT AND DISLOCATED WORKER PROVIDERS BEAUFORT COUNTY Mid‐East Commission BERTIE COUNTY Choanoke Area Development Association HERTFORD COUNTY Choanoke Area Development Association MARTIN COUNTY Employment Security Commission PITT COUNTY Mid‐East Commission 24
YOUTH COUNCIL The Youth Council mandated by the Workforce Investment Act provides for significant local community participation in the design and delivery of youth programs. In Region Q, the Youth Council is a permanent committee of the WDB with full authority to act on youth issues. Youth Council members include individuals from Region Q’s five counties who have experience with youth services, including representatives from the faith‐based community, education, housing authority, employment programs, vocational rehabilitation, juvenile justice and the private sector. YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBERS Patsy Jones, Chair Clarence High, Jr., Vice‐Chair Marc Recko Representative Annie Mobley Morris Rascoe William Ross David Thompson Ernis Lee Dena Frazier Keisha Manson Our Region Q Youth Programs serve youth ages 16‐21. These programs enable youth to expand their opportunities in the workforce by providing activities that will increase their educational level and enhance their job skills and abilities. Activities provided to youth include: work experience, community service, college tours, personal and academic enrichment workshops, academic counseling, leadership development, mentoring, tutoring/study skills training, alternative/secondary school services, and summer employment opportunities linked to academic and occupational learning. As youth exit the program, many have completed high school and/or have entered post‐secondary education or employment. Youth participants are given the opportunity to meet and interact with other youth in regional activities. While these activities enhance social skills, they also provide life skills needed to produce positive choices. This year, youth participated in the following regional events: State Youth Empowerment Summit, Region Q Youth Quiz Bowl, and the 4‐H Leadership and Development Camp. 25
WIA YOUTH PROVIDERS BEAUFORT COUNTY Mid‐East Commission BERTIE COUNTY Choanoke Area Development Association HERTFORD COUNTY Choanoke Area Development Association MARTIN COUNTY Mid‐East Commission PITT COUNTY Mid‐East Commission 26
BUSINESS SERVICES During 2010‐2011, the Workforce Development Board continued their campaign to enhance employer development by helping area businesses become connected to critical resources needed to sustain and grow their business. Over the last year we conducted face to face interviews to get a better understanding of our local area business needs. Marketing, business planning, succession planning, customer service training, and human resources issues such as locating and retaining skilled employees were some of the top business concerns. To address their concerns, our Business Services Specialist utilized a data base to keep employers informed of critical business issues including Workers Compensation laws, OSHA regulations, Health Insurance changes and many other important subjects that could negatively impact a business. Most of this information is obtained by research and connection to existing resources. Business services continued to expand their implementation of Job Profiling under WorkKeys (ACT). Our Business Services Specialist conducted 12 job profiles for various manufacturing businesses throughout our local area resulting in implementation of the WorkKeys system for identifying and certifying a skilled workforce. This system aligns economic development and workforce development to promote growth in our local area. Through WorkKeys assessment, individuals can earn a North Carolina and a National Career Readiness Certificate (CRC), which verifies to employers that they possess essential core employability skills in Reading, Math, and Locating Information. American College Testing (ACT) has researched over 16,000 occupations, and found these three skills are highly important to the majority of jobs in the workplace. These Career Readiness Certificates are an easily understood and nationally valued credential that certifies the attainment of these workplace skills. CAREER READINESS CERTIFICATES IN REGION Q (July 1, 2010‐June 30, 2011) LEVEL
27
NUMBER
Bronze
505
Silver
1,067
Gold
460
Total
2,032
AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT (STIMULUS) Through the carryover of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus Program) funds, the Region Q Workforce Development Adults
Board continued efforts to serve additional Adults, Dislocated Dislocated Workers
Workers, and Youth. Implementation of the ARRA program began in PY 09 and continued through June 30, 2011. The following Youth (NC Summer Jobs)
number of individuals were served by the stimulus funds. AMERICAN RECOVERY & REINVESTMENT ACT
ALLOCATIONS & EXPENDITURES
PY 2010
$1,400,000 $1,162,652 $1,200,000 $1,000,000 *$898,736 $800,000 $600,000 $514,079 $400,000 $250,163 $200,000 $49,128 $49,128 Allocated
Expended
$117,037 $117,037 $97,751 $97,751 Allocated
Expended
Allocated
Expended
$‐
Adult
Dislocated Worker
Youth
Allocated
Expended
Energy Grant
*3 Year Grant 28
Allocated
Expended
Total
222
225
264
29
Program Year 2010 Final Report September 7, 2011
Common Measures
REGION Q
Total Exiters
Performance
Measure
Entered Employment
Rate
52
Adults
237
Dislocated Workers
172
Younger Youth (1418)
42
Older Youth (19-21)
25
Program Group
Actual
2010
Goals
Variance
Adults
66.24%
82.9%
79.92%
Dislocated Workers
85.37%
87.9%
97.12%
Adults
89.31%
89.5%
99.84%
Dislocated Workers
85.00%
92.7%
91.68%
Adults
$12,136.98
$11,095.22
109.39%
Retention Rate
Adult/DW Average
Earnings
Numerator
Denominator
104
157
140
164
117
131
51
60
$1,322,931.32
109
Dislocated Workers
$11,816.32
$12,029.25
98.23%
$531,734.59
45
Youth (14-21) Common Measures
Placement in
Employment or
Education
Youth 14-21
Attainment of a
Degree or Certificate
Youth 14-21
52.46%
52.05%
100.79%
Numeracy/Literacy
Youth 14-21
34.78%
22.20%
156.68%
77.78%
65.43%
118.87%
56
72
30
32
61
24
69
Annie W. Mobley Award
The “Annie W. Mobley Award” for Outstanding Youth in Workforce Development Programs was created by the Region Q Workforce Development Board in December 2007 to recognize Representative Mobley for her participation as Chairman of the Region Q Workforce Development Board’s Youth Committee for over twelve years. The Annie W. Mobley Award is presented to an outstanding youth participant for their achievements in the Region Q Youth @ Work Program. The Annie W. Mobley Award for 2011 was presented to Daniel Moore of Martin County. Daniel Moore Sam Carson Award
Hertford County JobLink Staff
The “Sam Carson Award” for Excellence in the Promotion of Workforce Development was created by the Region Q Workforce Development Board in December 2007 to recognize the outstanding efforts of the JobLink Career Center, Workforce Investment Act program operator, or JobLink part‐
ner in the counties of Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin, and Pitt that demonstrated outstanding efforts in the marketing and promotion of the Workforce Development system. The Sam Carson Award for 2011 was awarded to the Hertford County JobLink Center hosted by Roanoke‐Chowan Community College. 31
DuPont Davis Award
The “DuPont Davis Award” was created by the Region Q Workforce Development Board in September 2010 to recognize the outstanding efforts of an individual who has promoted and delivered workforce development activities within the local JobLink Career Center system, other workforce development programs, and businesses. The DuPont Davis Award for 2011 was awarded to Wayne Rollins, Senior Business Services Specialist with the Mid‐East Commission. Wayne Rollins Senior Business Services Specialist STATE ENERGY PARTNERSHIP GRANT The Region Q Workforce Development Board (Administrative Entity) in partnership with Pitt Community College, Beaufort Community College, Roanoke‐Chowan Community College, and Lenoir Community College, has been participating as one of four project teams in the State Energy Partnership Grant (SESP) Program. $ 900,000 in grant funds were provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for a three year period to the Region Q WDB by the NC Department of Commerce in July 2010. Our grant, called Wx/East (Weatherization, Energy, and Solar training) is designed to provide a credentialed career pathway in beginning and advanced energy efficiency/
weatherization, repair, and maintenance occupations. 32
COLLABORATIONS The Region Q Workforce Development Board continued efforts this past year to partner on regional initiatives and collaborations. These were as follows: Region Q WDB Staff WALTER DORSEY Workforce Development Director Troy Lane Financial Analyst Nadine Daniels MIS Specialist Wayne Rollins Business Service 33
Charlanda Shepard Compliance Manager Walter Dorsey Workforce Development Director PLANNING Mid‐East Commission Region Q ‐ North Carolina Rural Planning Organizations:
Mid-East RPO (Beaufort, Martin, Pitt)
Peanut Belt RPO (Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, Northampton)
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PLANNING The Mid‐East Commission Planning Department provides its Five (5) Counties and Forty (40) Municipalities with direction, information, advice, and technical services pertaining to Land Use and Land Use related ordinance preparation, revision, updating, and enforcement. This past year the Planning function, in addition to the communities we have ongoing Planning and Zoning Administration agreements with, has assisted several of our member communities with various issues. These member communities include Aulander, Bath, Hamilton, Grifton, Grimesland, Pantego, and Parmele. Other services we provide in addition to Zoning Ordinance creation/revision, Subdivision Ordinance creation/revision and other specific Ordinances, assistance with Community Based Hazard Mitigation Plans, Coastal Area Management Administration (CAMA) Plans, Stormwater Reports, and other related plans. Also, the Department recently contracted with Beaufort County to assist with their planning function, in addition to continued assistance with E‐911 Addressing System. Planning & Zoning Administration: Town of Aurora Town of Aulander Town of Chocowinity Town of Cofield Town of Como Beaufort County The Mid‐East Commission Planning Department also serves as the Lead Planning Agency to two Rural Planning Organizations (RPO’s), the Mid‐East RPO and the Peanut Belt RPO. The Mid‐East RPO is comprised of Beaufort, Martin and Pitt Counties and all of the municipalities therein; with the exception of Greenville, Winterville, Simpson and Ayden which are members of the Greenville Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The Peanut Belt RPO is comprised of all the municipalities within Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, and Northampton Counties. The purpose of the RPO is to provide a mechanism for the rural areas of North Carolina, outside of MPOs, to communicate to the North Carolina Board of Transportation the significant need for transportation improvements in our region. All local governments must work through either and MPO or RPO in order to have their issues, concerns and requests addressed by the Board of Transportation. The department also provides the latest, up to date mapping services through our Geographic Information System (GIS) for both external and internal clients.
Rural Planning Organizations:
Mid-East RPO (Beaufort, Martin, Pitt)
Peanut Belt RPO (Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, Northampton)
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PLANNING This past year has been very volatile in terms of the condition of the total economy. With limited and even diminishing resources we have all had to continuously search for ways to assist our member communities. We have increased our work with assisting communities with Planning and Zoning functions and serve as Planning Staff for several communities. Our goal and mission is to serve our municipalities and counties as they struggle with limited resources and stretched staffs. In addition we are looking to assist communities with other administrative functions such as financing and general administration. We are committed to providing professional service while being sensitive to our communities needs and limitations. As an agency that is funded only by the establishment of contracts for services and NC Technical Assistance Funds, we realize our responsibility from a financial point of view. We also realize that having four of our five counties designated as Tier One or “Economically Distressed” counties that from time‐to‐time we may be called upon to provide a temporary service or research possible funding sources for communities without compensation for the time we spent. It is a delicate balance and frankly we find it hard to say “no”. So we appreciate the support the Board has provided us as we strive to improve the Department and provide the service you expect and our communities deserve. We are truly “Here to Serve…”. Bryant Buck Planning Director RPO Planner Justin Oakes Planning Technician RPO Planner Ben Rogers Planning Technician Peggy Black Administrative Assistant Title V 36
Economic Development & Community Services Kevin Richards Director Economic and Community Development Over the last fifteen years, the Economic Development and Community Services has successfully written and administered over 82 economic development grants totaling $34,324,260. The Economic Development function of the department assists local governments and private businesses with project development related to various grant applications, including grant preparation and administration services and advice on possible funding beyond our normal scope. The Community Services division of the Department assists local governments with procuring funding for housing rehabilitation and replacement through the North Carolina Division of Community Investment and Assistance‐ Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). 37
This past year the Economic Development section has assisted communities with new grant and funding opportunities as well as comprehensive administration of previously approved grants. Economic Development is involved with various funding agencies including the United States Department of Commerce – Economic Development Administration (EDA); the NC Rural Center; the US Department of Agriculture – Rural Development (USDA‐RD) which provides Community Facilities and Rural Business Enterprise Grants; North Carolina Community Development Block Grant – Economic Development (CDBG‐ED), North Carolina CDBG‐ Shell Building Program, and North Carolina Basic Building Fund and the North Carolina Industrial Development Fund (IDF) through the Commerce Finance Center at the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The procedure for procuring these monies is a timely and precise process and requires the Agency to work with several entities such as local governments, state agencies, federal departments, corporations and private business owners. In addition the Economic Development division continues to make contacts with other providers of funds such as the NC Golden Leaf Foundation and the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. The Department is also responsible for the yearly update of the Mid‐East Region Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This document provides an overview of the economic status of our Region. It also contains strategies to assist with economic development. The primary task of this function of the Community Development section is to assist communities with procurement of funds to assist eligible homeowners with rehabilitation or replacement of residences that are considered substandard. This involves extensive contact with residents and local officials to determine the ones that require the most assistance and to prioritize based on need and available funds. The funding sources for these efforts are through the NC Department of Commerce. 38
People Helping People
Mid-East Commission
1385 John Small Avenue
Washington, NC 27889
Phone: 252.946.8043
Toll Free: 1.800.799.9194
Fax: 252.946.5489
www.MidEastcom.org
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