May 2022, Issue 5

Join NCCAA in celebrating Community Action Month

Gov. Roy Cooper has proclaimed May as North Carolina Community Action Month. NCCAA salutes the North Carolina community action network for its efforts to eradicate poverty. COVID-19 has caused more families to experience poverty than ever. We encourage you to join us in spreading the word about the impact of community action. Click HERE to learn how you can join us this month as we celebrate our accomplishments.

Meet our Executive Directors

Five Questions with Suzanne Orozco, CEO, Telamon

As president and CEO of Telamon Corp., a multi-state organization, Suzanne Orozco ensures that she hires and supports competent leaders who can design and implement programs that change the lives of individuals and families. “I want to ensure that staff on the front line have the resources needed to focus on serving the community, which takes the support of a strong board and corporate team,” she said CLICK HERE to learn more about Suzanne in this Five Questions with an Agency Leader feature.

Success Story

From temporary work to CNA: Cara's success story

In March 2020, "Cara,” a single mother of one child with another on the way, came to Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR) seeking to better her life. She was working at a temporary agency making insufficient money to support her growing family. READ MORE to learn how Cara benefited from ESR’s Self-Sufficiency Program in reaching her educational and career goals.

Agency News

Wayne C.A.R.E.S prevents child abuse with enrichment activities

In observation of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Wayne County Coalition on Abuse, Resiliency, Education, and Support (Wayne C.A.R.E.S.), partnered with Partnership for Children of Wayne County to promote the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect.

LEARN MORE

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Mountain Projects supports JNIN nonprofit in a major way

Mountain Projects is providing audit financial services for Jackson Neighbors in Need (JNIN). JNIN provides assistance to Jackson County residents who do not qualify for assistance from other agencies. "We would not be able to do our work without the donations from members of our community," said Judy Annis, JNIN board member.

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CPAC celebrates Quinton Ballard as an employee of the quarter

Central Piedmont Community Action (CPAC) has recognized Quinton Ballard, CSBG specialist for consistently exceeding expectations while serving clients. READ MORE to learn about Quinton's work to change the lives of low-income families.

WAMY to host inaugural Denim and Diamonds charity event

WAMY's inaugural Denim and Diamonds is a fundraising event to help fight poverty in the High Country. The event will take place on May 19, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at The Mill at Rock Creek. Tickets are available for purchase on WAMY's website. READ MORE

News

NCDHHS launches Spring into Summer campaign to promote COVID vaccines and boosters

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has launched Spring into Summer, a flexible, community-centered approach to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The program provides organizations and individuals with a detailed participation guide and an introductory toolkit with easy-to-use resources for their outreach efforts. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Don’t miss out on the next

'Wheel Deal' webinar

The Southeastern Association of Community Action Agencies has the following informative webinars coming up in its Wheel Deal series. All webinars are from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., EST.

Understanding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, May 18—The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program forgives qualifying federal direct loans to borrowers who have made 120 qualifying payments, while working for a qualifying public service employer.

For more information on SEACAA’s Wheel Deal webinar series, click HERE

Blogs

The digital divide: COVID-19 revealed why we must fix it

Easy, affordable internet access: Some people have it, and some don’t. The gap between the two groups is called the digital divide, and our recent experience with COVID-19 amplified the effects on disadvantaged households when the world wide web isn’t just a few clicks away. READ MORE to understand what happens to kids without internet access.

Why art matters, even in poverty

In the toy aisle, which is inconveniently next to the bread aisle, I tell my 5-year-old son we are not getting a truck today. I tell him we buy what we need, and not more. I tell him I have enough money for food, but nothing else. I tell him I don't buy treats for myself. READ MORE

How to talk about your incarceration in a job interview

Nearly 2 million North Carolinians have criminal records. A prior felony conviction should not prevent employment. Yet, returning citizens must convince prospective employers that they are not a hiring risk. This can be a harder process when bias is placed upon returning citizens. READ MORE

Inspirational Words

Calendar

Mark Your Calendar!

May

10-13| NCCAA Annual Conference, Cherokee, NC

24| Community Action Advocacy Day, Virtual

30| Case Management Certification Training, Virtual

June

6| Head Start Family Engagement Certification Training, Virtual

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