On July 31st, the Joint Committee on Block Grants held a hearing to approve the 2024-2026 Virginia CSBG State Plan. We had over 30 Community Action network leaders in attendance to show the support of Community Action. We want to thank VACAP for the support of our state plan and we want to thank the leaders who spoke on behalf of the network during the hearing. A special thank you to Commissioner James Williams, VACAP CEO Erik Johnston, VACAP Board Chair Kevin Otey, VACAP Board Vice Chair Bryan Phipps and TAP’s CEO Angela Penn. We also want to thank SERCAP Board Member Shawn Utt, Ms. Denashia Dunnaville with Project Discovery (TAP site) and Ms. Kyanna Johnson of Virginia CARES. All of the speakers showed the importance and necessity of Community Action in Virginia.

This was an energizing event! It was recorded and is now available to stream.

The CSBG 4th quarter report is due August 15, 2024. A new webinar is now available on LearnWorlds. This webinar reviews all components due with the 4th quarter report, also available on LearnWorlds is our reporting manual. One on one assistance is available for those who need additional support in completing the reports. For one on one technical assistance please contact Abby at Abigail.hanks@dss.virginia.gov.

Thank you to those who have submitted your current Cost Allocation Plan and the Cost Allocation Checklists with your notes on it indicating how your plan is either in compliance or will be brought into compliance with the elements listed in the checklist and with the recently revised Uniform Guidance. If you have not submitted this to our office, we will be in contact with you to see how we can assist.

Below are the items that were needed by July 31, 2024:

• Each CSBG sub-recipient must send OEO a copy of their current written cost allocation plan, and a completed checklist (attached to June 17 email) documenting that your cost allocation plan includes all the elements described in the Cost Allocation Plan Elements document attached to the June 17 email.
• CAAs that have submitted their Cost Allocation Plan or Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate determination letter to OEO in response to our requests in 2022 or 2023, have received a checklist noting areas in the cost allocation plan that our consultant, Kay Sohl, has identified as needing to be clarified or revised. These revised plans must be submitted to OEO.

We will review the checklists and let you know if there are any questions.

The next deadline is September 30, 2024 when each CAA must submit a fully compliant Cost Allocation Plan and checklist to OEO.

You can contact Violet Peyton, v.peyton@dss.virginia.gov, with any questions.

For the past several months, agencies in Region III (VA, PA, MD, WV, DC, and DE) have had the opportunity to take part in numerous free webinars on a wide range of topics. Most of these online training sessions are still available on-demand at https://vacsbg.learnworlds.com/course/2024-region-iii-trainings. From leadership development to CAA-specific training, these courses are presented by industry experts offering valuable insight and information.

The final webinar of the summer will be presented, Thursday, August 8^th, on CAA Financial Management Challenges and Strategies. Sign up today!

Webinars will continue in November/December with:

• Inclusive Communication (November 14) - Learn how biased language and microaggressions (verbal and non-verbal) can hinder inclusive communication and how to address them. Register.
• Capitalize & Cultivate: Mastering Fundraising and Asset Development for Impactful Growth (December 10) - This webinar is designed to provide invaluable tools to strengthen your fundraising efforts, deepen community engagement, and achieve greater financial sustainability. Register.

The Office of Economic Opportunity wants to hear from you! If your agency has training needs throughout the year please let us know. We have created a simple form for you to submit any ideas you may have to support your staff, clients, and board make an even greater impact on your community. You can submit a need at any time and our staff will reach out to you to get more information. This form is also available on the LearnWorlds homepage.

Project Discovery of Virginia, Inc. held its annual coordinator conference in Roanoke on July 24 & 25, 2024. Angela Williams, Program Monitoring, Compliance and Development Director, organized the event for Project Discovery of Virginia sites across the state. The conference celebrated increased outcomes, shared best practices, and provided an opportunity for peers to collaborate and reflect on the year's successes.

The event featured breakout sessions led by peers and included speakers, such as program participants, who shared stories about the transformative impact the program has had on their lives.

Notable attendees included Lashanda Ellington, Executive Director of Project Discovery of Virginia, Inc., and Linda Linartz, Vice President of the Project Discovery Board of Directors, who delivered the opening remarks. VACAP Board Chair Kevin Otey also participated throughout the conference, and VACAP CEO Erik Johnston spoke at the awards luncheon.

Erik Johnston stated, "Project Discovery programs provide hope and open up endless opportunities to so many across Virginia. Congratulations to the Project Discovery central staff and program sites for offering hope and transforming lives."

Leila Ward, M.S. (she/her), Director of Economic Services for Thrive Virginia, stated:

"The breakout sessions were informative and fun! We especially enjoyed the self-care workshop where we painted chests."

This year's conference provided a truly enriching experience for connecting with peers across the state and witnessing each participant engage in meaningful discussions. Project Discovery of Virginia, Inc. hopes that everyone left the conference feeling inspired and motivated to continue our work in making a positive impact in our communities.