July 1, 2020 | Issue 51
CSBG Supplemental Funds
As you know CSBG Supplemental Funds have now been allocated to CAA's in Virginia. Contracts have all been processed and each agency should have received their final executed contract. If you have not received yours, please email your program consultant.

We are also now able to process your CSBG Supplemental Funds invoices. We will be periodically reviewing invoices and asking for updates from your agency on your supplemental funds planning.

We encourage agencies to update your supplemental funds plan and budget as more community needs are identified.
Risk Management Interest Survey
During the month of June the Virginia CSBG office consulted with Risk Alternatives to provide a 4 part virtual training series on Risk Management. We are now looking at next steps for collaborating between VACAP, Risk Alternatives and the Virginia CSBG Office. We would like agencies to fill out the interest form by July 15th, so we can determine the next steps we take with Risk Alternatives.
Community Action Updates
ROMA Certification
On June 16, the ROMA peer-group hosted a webinar with Barbara Mooney discussing ROMA Implementer training and the state of ROMA due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Here is the link . If your agency is interested in having a new implementer or re-certifying a current implementer, the information links and applications are listed below. 
 
ROMA Implementer Application

ROMA Recertification
Training/ Technical Assistance Survey Themes
We want to thank everyone who participated in our annual CSBG Training and Technical Assistance Training Survey. Our office has reviewed the survey results and pulled the following themes:

  1. Collecting Community Needs Assessment data electronically - how to conduct online focus groups, best surveys, interview techniques for phone and online.
  2. Online giving platforms and virtual fundraising best practices.
  3. Mobile client services
  4. How to best blend online and in person services
  5. How to build partnerships in the community – how to measure success on community level work.
  6. Best practices on how Community Action across the county convenes the community – examples of innovative ideas.
  7. Recruitment of new board members during this time, how to conduct tripartite board elections.
  8. Crisis planning – incorporating community partners into planning to help eliminate gaps in services.
  9. Technology for finance staff to allow for remote work.
  10. Staff productivity for working from home and keeping staff engaged.

Our office will be looking for resources on all of these topics and will be planning virtual training's in the coming months on the above topics. If you have expertise or resources on any of the above topics we would love to hear from you, please email csbg@dss.virginia.gov .
Personal Protective Gear Survey Update
Thank you to everyone who participated in the PPE survey. The majority of agencies responded that the items needed are masks, gloves, sanitizer wipes, and hand sanitizer. Our office has met with the agency’s Emergency Management team, and your request is being discussed with other departments. If there are any more questions, they will be in contact. In the meantime, continue to utilize your agency’s vendors to meet PPE requirements.
Lessons Learned on the Annual report
NASCSP hosted an informative webinar in June entitled Lessons Learned on the Annual Report. Presenters discussed frequent mistakes agencies make when entering data for reporting. Topics covered were Modules 2 through 4, common errors in identifying unduplicated and duplicated counts, and reporting updates for FY 2020-2021. If you missed this training opportunity here is the link .
Community Action Resources
VACAP Training Webinars
June was a busy month! The VACAP Virtual Conference consisted of six live training's, two peer group meetings and one membership meeting. If you happened to miss any of the training's all materials and recordings are now available on the CSBG website.
VISTA Updates
We are entering our 2020-2021 AmeriCorps VISTA cohort year. Four community action agencies have been awarded VISTA placements along with several at the Virginia Department of Social Services office. Each VISTA member will be working on capacity-building projects for their agency. These projects focus on alleviating poverty in the target communities. The projects are:
• Appalachian Community Action and Development Agency (AppCAA) has been awarded two VISTA placements for the next year. The projects that the VISTAs will be working on are substance abuse prevention and creating a financial empowerment program.
• Monticello Area Community Action Agency has been awarded two VISTA placements as well to work on two projects. One project will be creating a fundraising plan. The second project is to complete the community needs assessment and organize community data.
• Project Discovery has been awarded one VISTA placement to be working on a pilot program called Athletes for Education (A4E). A4E leverages high school student athletes’ interest in sports to prepare them for higher education. The VISTA member will work on developing this program.
• People, Inc has been awarded one VISTA placement to be working on the whole family pilot program. The whole family approach focuses on alleviating multi-generational poverty in a family. The VISTA member will work on developing this program.
• The VISTA members at VDSS will be working in two different offices: Community and Volunteer Services and the Office of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives. The VISTAs in CVS will focus on statewide substance abuse prevention and targeted programs. The VISTAS in OISI will rapidly pilot and research innovative ideas and initiatives with the goal of implementing strategic initiatives to improve service delivery for VDSS.

Virginia Community Services Block Grant Office