Robert Hiett
Executive Director
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Creating Regional Solutions Since 1971 |
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North Carolina to Move to Phase 2.5
After a summer of hard work to slow the spread of COVID-19, North Carolina can take a modest step to ease some restrictions
North Carolinians must stay vigilant on mask wearing and social distancing.
Governor Roy Cooper today announced that after a summer of hard work to slow the spread of COVID-19, North Carolina will take a modest step forward move into Phase 2.5 starting Friday, September 4th at 5 pm. Mask mandates and other prevention methods remain in effect and are even more important to contain the virus, Cooper said.
“Safer at Home Phase 2.5 continues our state’s dimmer switch approach to easing some restrictions,” said Governor Cooper. “We can do this safely only if we keep doing what we know works — wearing masks and social distancing. In fact, a new phase is exactly when we need to take this virus even more seriously.”
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Preparing for 2020 Hurricane Season |
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Here is the link to a detailed disaster preparedness plan
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Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters
The right message at the right time from the right person can save lives. Every natural disaster is unique and emergency responders have to quickly adapt to the ever-changing nature of a crisis. To be able to more quickly and effectively disseminate messages before, during, and after an emergency, many key messages can be written in the preparedness phase. CDC developed a reference document that contains key messages on hurricane and flood related health threats.
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Prepare for emergencies
Find out what you can do to reduce risks from environmental hazards before, during, and after a natural disaster. September is National Preparedness Month and is the average annual peak of hurricane activity.
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On August 8, 2020, President Trump issued an Executive Order as part of an effort to put more spending money in consumers’ pockets and stimulate the economy. The Order authorized employers to defer the withholding and deposit of the employee portion of the social security tax. To be technical about it, the President directed the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize the deferral, as only the Secretary has the authority to do so under the Internal Revenue Code. For most of August, employers were left wondering about some basic questions. Would the deferral be voluntary or required? When, if ever, would the money have to be recouped and deposited with the IRS? Secretary Mnuchin made a few comments in television interviews, but most employers wanted something a little more substantial in the way of guidance. On Friday, August 28, 2020, the IRS issued Notice 2020-65, which answered basic questions about how the deferral will work....Read More
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It’s important to rely on trusted sources of information about COVID-19. Keep up with the latest information on Coronavirus in North Carolina HERE.
Text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19 and North Carolina's response.
Dial 2-1-1 provides free, confidential information and is available 24 hours a day to help you find resources within your community. They can connect you with people and groups that can help with questions about access to food, shelter, health care, employment and child care.
Families who need food assistance for their children can text FOODNC to 877-877 to find free meal sites in their communities.
Make sure to prioritize your overall wellness and don’t hesitate to seek additional help.
Optum has a toll-free 24-hour Emotional Support Help Line at 866-342-6892 for people who may be experiencing anxiety or stress due to Coronavirus.
You can track the disease in real time through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ COVID-19 NC Dashboard. It includes detailed information about the state’s COVID-19 confirmed cases, hospital capacity and more.
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COVID-19 resources in other languages:
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FESTIVALS AND EVENTS - WHAT WILL THEY LOOK LIKE IN THE FUTURE?
COVID-19 has changed the way we do everything – including festivals and special
events. Many events have been cancelled this summer and fall, but how will large
gatherings and festivals look in the future? What are the safety precautions for COVID-19 events and post-COVID? How do we do events virtually? And how do we use these
lessons to make improvements to community gatherings?
Join Liz Parham, Director, and Lee Padrick, Chief Planner, both with the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center, for a conversation with three festival coordinators to discuss what they see as challenges, opportunities and new ways to bring communities together during a pandemic.
Live Webinar
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
1:00 to 2:30 pm
Free
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Introducing the C4EE Mobile Classroom
The C4EE Mobile Classroom is designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities for schools, community organizations, and the general public. Donated by Geenex Solar, the vehicle is equipped for workforce development programs, STEM programs, and community events. Driven by the C4EE Education and Training Manager, the Mobile Classroom travels stocked with micro-grid displays, classroom lab aid kits, and all the necessities for an educational experience about solar energy. If you or your organization is interested in having the C4EE Mobile Classroom at your school or community event, contact the C4EE office via email at contact@center4ee.org.
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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging North Carolinians who are enrolled in the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to use their food benefits during COVID-19 to support good nutrition for their families. All WIC participants are getting monthly food benefits automatically added to their eWIC account because of the pandemic.
Many of the WIC beneficiaries in North Carolina have not used their full food benefits each month since March 27, when the state’s initial Stay At Home Order in response to COVID-19 went into effect. Because WIC allowances do not roll over, beneficiaries lose any food balance they do not spend during a family issue month.
On March 20, 2020, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) waived the requirement for participants to attend appointments in-person at a local WIC clinic to renew their families’ food benefits each month. This change allows both WIC beneficiaries and WIC clinic staff to avoid unnecessary in-person contact during COVID-19, supporting states’ efforts to slow the spread of the virus.
NCDHHS is working to increase awareness that WIC food allowances are being auto-issued each month on participants’ family issue date so that North Carolinians can get the full benefits of the federal program. Families enrolled in WIC can download the Bnft® App, available in the App Store or on Google Play, and enable notifications to ensure they never miss an update to their eWIC account.
More information and tips for WIC participants can be found on the department’s new Use Your WIC During COVID-19 digital flyer, which is available in English and Spanish.
For beneficiaries who require further assistance navigating the program, local WIC clinics remain open and ready to serve, even if some have altered hours or locations due to COVID-19. Many of the services offered by WIC clinics can now also be managed over the phone. To find the contact information for a WIC clinic in North Carolina, search the WIC County Directory: www.nutritionnc.com/mywic/index.htm.
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New NCDHHS Toolkit to Help Community Organizations Host COVID-19 Testing Events
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) released a Partner COVID-19 Testing Toolkit designed for organizations seeking to host community testing events. The comprehensive toolkit comes in response to widespread interest among North Carolina organizations such as community-based organizations, churches and nonprofits.
Community testing allows North Carolinians to stay informed about their health and help slow the spread of COVID-19. The Partner Toolkit offers guidance to organizations on practical considerations such as selecting accessible locations, securing supplies and personal protective equipment, working with medical partners and local health departments, and connecting individuals with appropriate support. The guidance includes information about options for support at the county, state and federal level.
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NC DHHS COVID-19 Child Care Resources
We need your help to get the word out to families that child care is available!
With school now underway, many working parents are facing the added stress of finding a safe place for their children during the day that can also support their remote learning. The good news is that there is ample licensed child care available across the state, and we are making it as easy as possible for families to find it. In partnership with Child Care Resources and Referral, the NC Department of Health and Human Services created a free hotline to connect families to licensed care for their school-age children. Families can call the hotline at 1-888-600-1685.
Help families know that they have options by:
· Sharing our Child Care Hotline flyer (English, Spanish) with your networks and employees
· Posting on social media using our toolkit
· Including information in your newsletters, presentations, and other communication vehicles
Thank you for supporting North Carolina’s children and families during these challenging times.
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The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the NC Department of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Management (NCEM) have distributed approximately 3.5 million cloth face coverings, 4.5 million procedure masks, and significant amounts of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) to targeted settings across the state. The ongoing PPE shipments support operations including schools, nursing homes, first responders, agricultural facilities, child care facilities and courthouses.
NCDHHS and NCEM distribute PPE across many of the state’s targeted COVID-19 response initiatives. In total, the state has already distributed more than 7 million pairs of gloves, 650,000 face shields, 600,000 shoe covers, and 100,000 units of hand sanitizer in addition to 3.5 million cloth face coverings and 4.5 million procedure masks.
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Tenant Guidance: Rental Repayment Plans
Tens of millions of Americans are experiencing job loss, reduced hours, and reduced income due to the economic effects of COVID-19. To mitigate the negative impacts of income loss, the federal government and state and local governments across the United States have imposed eviction moratoriums. The primary federal eviction moratorium for HUD-assisted housing mandated by the CARES Act expired on July 24, 2020. Even as this or other federal moratoriums are lifted, state and local moratoriums may remain in place.
Engaging Landlords on Repayment Plans
If you are a tenant and have not been able to pay your rent since the COVID-19 pandemic began, here are some key things to keep in mind as you engage your landlord to establish a payment plan and stay housed.
Be Proactive in Communication and Establish a Repayment Plan that Works for You
The best connections to landlords are built on clear and transparent communication. Do not wait until the rent is due to let them know that you are experiencing challenges that impact your ability to pay rent. Say that you would like to talk with them about a repayment plan. As you begin working with your landlord on a repayment plan, establish a plan that works for you and do not agree to payment amounts or schedules that you are unable to support. (Note: In most cases a landlord is not required to agree to a rent repayment plan.)
Lean on Your Network and Believe in Your Strengths
Staying housed in a time of crisis is difficult and can stretch a lot of personal resources, not just your finances. When looking to set up a repayment plan, you might want to include someone from your personal network in that process. Take this time to stay positive and build on your strengths and assets.
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Free Community Testing Events Around
North Carolina
People who may not currently have symptoms but may have been exposed to COVID-19 should get tested, especially people from historically marginalized communities.
If someone tests positive for COVID-19, the COVID-19 Community Team will reach out to connect them with needed resources. People should answer when the Community Team reaches out, via phone, text from 45394, or email from NC-ARIAS-NoReply@dhhs.nc.gov with further instructions.
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North Carolina's Undercount in the 2020 Census
State faces losing $74 billion over the next decade
The 2020 Census is at a critical point. North Carolina is severely under counted with only a few weeks left. Our rural areas are especially behind.
Our state--the 4th fastest growing and 9th largest--will lose $7.4 billion in funding with our current count. The consequences of that will be felt far into the future. This isn't abstract money--these are your tax dollars, already paid and collected. If we don't lay claim to it through a proper count, it will go elsewhere.
This will be felt most locally, in your hometowns: roads, schools, emergency services, veterans services, senior care, early education programs, parks, infrastructure, economic development, and on and on. Imagine where N.C. can be in 10 years with that additional, much-earned $74 billion. Imagine where we may be without it.
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FUNDING ALERT
COVID-19 Assistance Including Funds for Local Governments
Governor Roy Cooper announced $175 million to help North Carolinians with rental and utility payment support in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.The announcement included three programs designed to work together to help people avoid eviction and pay their bills.
Eviction Prevention and Utility Payments: Approximately $94 million of the funding will be disbursed by the NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) to support rental and utility payments and prevent evictions for those with a demonstrated need. The funding will be distributed to eligible community agencies around the state that will work directly with North Carolinians on an application and disbursement process. The fund includes $28 million from federal Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funding and $66 million from CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) money.
Crisis Response and Housing Stability: About $53 million of the funding is designated for the Emergency Solutions Grant-Coronavirus (ESG-CV) Program through the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). The federal ESG-CV money is intended for families experiencing homelessness or who face a more immediate risk of homelessness and will be distributed by similar community agencies handling NCORR’s program. This innovative model will help streamline the process for families. Once a person applies, local community agencies will determine which program they are eligible for and then complete the application quickly.
Information about how people can apply for the NCORR program and the ESG-GV program will be shared once the programs have launched in the coming weeks.
Local Government Funds: Another $28 million of federal funding will be administered by local governments through the NC Department of Commerce. This money also comes from the federal CDBG-CV program and will be administered by incorporated municipalities under 50,000 residents and counties under 200,000 residents that apply to participate. Local governments are encouraged to prioritize the money locally to help their residents pay rent and outstanding utility bills. In addition, the funds may provide support for internet access, food distribution, COVID-19 testing and diagnosis and employment training for health care workers.
The application process for local governments to apply for the Commerce-administered funding has opened. Eligible local governments who would like to apply for the Commerce CDBG-CV program can click here to learn more.
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What to Know About the NC Department of Commerce’s Job Retention Grant
What is the Job Retention Grant?
· The Job Retention Grant (JRG) utilizes the Coronavirus Relief Fund to provide economic relief to North Carolina businesses and nonprofits negatively impacted by COVID-19
Eligibility Requirements
· An employer employs at least 90% of the number of full-time employees during the COVID-19 period (March 1, 2020 – May 31, 2020) in North Carolina as it employed in North Carolina for the pay period ending on or about February 28, 2020.
· The business or non-profit demonstrates that it experienced an economic loss in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic as follows:
o Business: sales for the COVID-19 period (March 1, 2020 – May 31, 2020) are at least 10% below its sales for the same period in the preceding calendar year.
o Non-profit: gross receipts for the COVID-19 period (March 1, 2020 – May 31, 2020) are at least 10% below its gross receipts for the same period in the preceding calendar year.
o It did not participate in the federal Paycheck Protection Program, the federal Main Street Lending Program, or the North Carolina Rapid Recovery Loan Program.
Grant Amount
· Max grant amount may equal up to two months of average monthly payroll costs from 2019 plus an additional 25% of that amount
· Grant amounts may not exceed $250,000
· Funds received are grant money, and thereby not required to be paid back
· Total JRG funds may not exceed $15,000,000
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UNC is Preparing for the Worst-case Scenario (and Why You Should, Too)
Battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the precipitous drop in the economy and continuing racial justice protests, American colleges and universities are facing their most challenging period ever as they head into the fall semester. Explore what the long-term impact of such forces will be on higher education, and what policy and strategic actions might help mitigate the damage.
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The Land of Opportunity (Zones)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) allowed for the creation of Opportunity Zones (OZs) — specially designated census tracts encompassing low-income neighborhoods meant to stimulate investment through large tax incentives. But critics say the program has not spurred additional investment as much as rewarded politically connected investors. In this Kenan Insight, we investigate what role, if any, bias and political party affiliation plays in the selection of OZs.
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Redesigned FEMA.gov Launches
DisasterAssistance.gov is one of FEMA’s three websites along with FEMA.gov and Ready.gov. Over the past two years FEMA’s main website has been visited over 80 million times, making it one of FEMA’s most important communication tools. FEMA has officially launched a fully redesigned FEMA.gov that is easy to navigate, focused on the user and accessible by all.
The redesign was an opportunity to start fresh. They’ve upgraded their systems and fully implemented the U.S. Web Design System for greater accessibility and mobile-friendly user experiences. Thousands of pages were rewritten in plain language and the information was reorganized to make it easier for people to find what they are looking for.
The new site features a more direct link to DisasterAssistance.gov, which provides additional information about disasters, and the assistance that is available to survivors from FEMA and its partners.
Check out the redesigned FEMA.gov today.
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North Carolina Broadband Survey
The North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Broadband Infrastructure Office has launched a 5-minute survey designed to gather information on locations in the state without adequate internet access and speeds. The information gathered from the survey will provide clear data to guide investment of funds through the state’s Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grant program, inform research and policy recommendations, and support strategic targeting of additional funding streams. The new tool is available in English and Spanish and allows for a text and phone option to report areas with no service.
The survey focuses on broadband access at a particular location. It also includes an optional internet speed test. Respondents can report on one of the following locations:
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Are you aware of any pressing community revitalization needs in your area? Submit your idea today.
We invite you to submit your community revitalization projects for free consideration by graduate students enrolled in Community Revitalization. The projects to be performed by student teams are selected by students themselves, so please provide details that will make your project appealing. The best projects tend to be located in the heart of a downtown or other significant community space and focus on important structures that the community wants to preserve.
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NCRWA Launches New Website |
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After several months of hard work and dedication, we are delighted to announce the launch of our new website. Please be sure to check out our fresh new look at www.ncrwa.org.
Our goal was simple. We wanted to make our website easy for you to navigate and more user-friendly. Our new website provides our members and visitors an easier way to learn about NCRWA, browse training classes and schools, request training schools and technical assistance if needed. You will notice the easy to navigate buttons that will guide you to information that is important to you and our industry.
This is just another way that NCRWA has your back!
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Clean energy jobs are more critical than ever to North Carolina’s economy, after the state’s workforce grew to nearly 113,000 at the end of 2019. A Southeast leader in clean energy jobs, North Carolina not only ranked among the top 10 states in the country across a variety of clean energy workforce categories—including solar energy, energy efficiency, and grid modernization—but remained home to the ninth largest total number of clean energy jobs among all 50 states.
Like much of the economy, the clean energy sector also suffered from the economic downturn and COVID-19. There have been job losses in this sector across the country, and North Carolina is no exception. But, history shows that we have reason to be optimistic. In this report we illustrate that, with the right policies, clean energy can produce jobs quickly in the aftermath of an economic downturn.
NCSEA and E2 are pleased to have partnered together this year to continue celebrating the strength, resilience, and importance of the clean energy industry here in North Carolina.
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Turning Point Youth NextGen Program
For the months of July and August, Turning Point WDB youth provider WIOA Student Incentive Program of Halifax County has partnered with and have been assisting the following agencies and churches in their monthly food banks, Greater Joy North, Roanoke Rapids, The Way of the Cross Outreach on 158 Roanoke Rapids NC, System Of Care/Families Supporting Families Roanoke Rapids, Halifax County Counseling on Aging in Enfield, NC and the Scotlandneck Senior Citizen Food bank. Responsibilities Of helping the organizations and agencies consisted in preparing food boxes to be passed out to those in the community. The WIOA Student Incentive Program has also partnered with Holden Temporaries,INC of Roanoke Rapids, NC to help assist participants in finding employment opportunities. The WIOA Student Incentive Program will also be partnering with the Halifax Community College Pride STEM Program.
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Education and Training
Nash Community College President Dr. Lew Hunnicutt (pictured right) and North Carolina Wesleyan College President Dr. Evan Duff met recently to discuss new collaborative efforts. The colleges have a longstanding partnership for acceptance of transfer credit, including Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Science transfer degree credits. For years, the two institutions have worked together to promote a seamless transition for NCC graduates seeking to earn a four-year degree at NCWC.
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WorkReady Certifications
Edgecombe County received the ACT Work Ready Communities plaque in February, 2020. Nash County received the ACT Work Ready Communities plaque in March, 2020. In July 2020, a presentation on what is involved in becoming a Work Ready Community was presented to the Nash County Commissioners. To learn more about Work Ready Communities, please visit https://www.workreadycommunities.org/NC.
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Training Enhancement Grants Awarded
Congratulations to American Computer Development Inc. (ACDI) of Nashville, NC and Poppies International of Battleboro, NC for funding awards from our Local Area Incumbent Worker Training Program, the Training Enhancement Grant!!! Even during COVID19 we still aim to assist our employers and we appreciate all their great strides to skill up employees while also keeping their environment safe and efficient! Stay tuned!!!
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NCDHHS to Pay for Ongoing Testing of Nursing Home Staff; Codifies Requirement for Biweekly Nursing Home Staff Testing
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) took additional steps to protect nursing home residents and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic by issuing a Secretarial Order requiring biweekly staff testing and announcing continued state funding for staff testing through November. The order mandates the existing recommendation for biweekly testing. The Department is also deploying additional infection control support teams to support ongoing efforts to help long-term care facilities prevent and manage outbreaks.
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Aging Network Stakeholders Urge Congress to Keep Negotiating
N4a, along with ADvancing States, Meals on Wheels America and the National Association for Nutrition and Aging Services Providers, sent another letter to House and Senate Leadership urging lawmakers to ensure that the next COVID-19 relief package include OAA funding that, at a minimum, repeats the $1.1 billion included in the Families First and CARES Act.
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The latest from CDC:
Updated survival guide for OAA IIIC grantees: We continue to regularly update the guidance and resources in our "survival guide" for Older Americans Act nutrition services program grantees. Recent additions include sustainability guides from the National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging and training guides for volunteers teaching technology use to older adults from South Dakota State University.
Resource for students with disabilities and their families: The University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities has developed new resources to help families with difficult decisions about online and in-person learning. Resources include a school re-entry fact sheet and a school decision making tool.
Another chance to receive $500 per child Economic Impact Payment: The CARES Act included Economic Impact Payments of up to $1,200 for adults and $500 for children. In order to receive the payment for dependent children, some federal beneficiaries who did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 needed to provide information to the IRS. The IRS is reopening the registration period for people who were unable to provide their information in time to receive the payment.
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Bicameral Bill Introduced to Address Social Isolation Among Older Americans
To increase the capacity of AAAs to prevent and alleviate social isolation among older Americans, n4a has worked with Senate and House lawmakers to introduce a proposal that would fund the Aging Network to prevent and mitigate loneliness. This effort is a direct response to the spotlight that the COVID-19 crisis has shined on the vital role of AAAs and the Aging Network in addressing the growing concern of social isolation and loneliness among older Americans adhering to ongoing stay-at-home recommendations.
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The
This story discusses the work of School faculty members Aimee Wall and Meredith Smith to spotlight elder protection across the state. In partnership with the North Carolina Conference of Clerks of Superior Court and the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, Wall and Smith developed resources and an online platform designed to connect and support public officials on the front lines of the fight against elder abuse. Read more about their work here.
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COVID-19 Ongoing Outbreaks in Region L |
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Senate Unanimously Passes Bill to Protect Seniors with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias from Elder Abuse
WASHINGTON – Approximately one in 10 seniors aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. For people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, the prevalence is much higher, with some estimates putting it at just over 50 percent.
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to protect seniors with dementia from harm and exploitation. The Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act would ensure that the Department of Justice’s elder abuse training materials take into account individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
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Registration is now open for the Fiduciary Responsibilities for Local Elected Officials
This course will be offered online via Zoom on October 15, 2020 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Local elected officials are stewards of the public trust. They are responsible for guiding multi-million dollar county and municipal corporations that depend on numerous sources of revenues and that have multiple layers of policy and management responsibilities. Understanding their financial fiduciary responsibilities is one of their most important duties.
This workshop will focus on understanding and responding to the annual audit, maintaining adequate oversight of fund balance including its limitations and flexibility, and knowing the significance of the various communications and reporting requirements of the Local Government Commission. Attendees will learn from real-life examples of internal control challenges and other significant audit findings, and will see how board involvement can help overcome these challenges in ways that secure the local units’ financial stability. Relationships between the state and local governments in managing public funds will be explored.
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Economic Recovery and Resiliency Post COVID-19
October 16, 2020
As attention shifts from the immediate health, community, and economic impacts of COVID-19 to longer-term recovery, elected officials are facing many of the same questions they face after other natural disasters – the hurricanes, the floods, the fires: “What’s next?” “How do we recover?” Regardless of the kinds of disasters that engulf us, the most important questions are often “How can we make ourselves less vulnerable?” and “How can we do to be better equipped the next time?”
In the current reality, a traditional economic development playbook is inadequate to the tasks of stabilizing your community’s economy and preventing further business closures and job losses. To truly recover, and be stronger the next time, local elected officials need to consider all aspects that contribute to their local economic well-being. These aspects include business retention, entrepreneurship, workforce development, community development (housing, schools, childcare, transportation), infrastructure (physical, health care, broadband), and sustainable development.
In this webinar, participants will learn the most important guiding principles for stabilizing their community’s economy in the short term, and will consider what long-term economic recovery might look like in the coming years. The value of regional economic collaborations will be explored and successful examples from North Carolina and other states will be highlighted.
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Join us for n4a's Virtual Conference and Tradeshow!
This year, n4a’s Conference and Tradeshow has gone virtual! Join us September 21-24 for FOUR days full of the same quality content you’ve come to expect each year, updated to address the realities that n4a members, the Aging Network and the nation are facing due to COVID-19.
For decades, n4a’s Annual Conference has been the place to be for professionals in the Aging Network who want to learn, share and network with their peers. This year’s Virtual Conference will allow the same opportunities—in a different format. Reflecting the times, this year’s Virtual Conference will feature sessions on social equity, COVID-19, business acumen, transportation, policy and advocacy, social isolation and so much more.
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Top Five Reasons to Attend
1. Engaging education. Reflecting the times, this year’s Virtual Conference will feature sessions on social equity, COVID-19, business acumen, transportation, policy and advocacy, social isolation and so much more. Attendees will be able to access Fast-Tracks and Workshops, presentations and panel discussions with opportunities to participate via interactive live chats, polls and Q&A.
2. Networking and community building. Searchable attendee directories and interactive user profiles make it easy to meet and engage with other attendees, speakers and exhibitors. Looking to connect with others in the Aging Network? Our online platform has category-specific groups and social media–styles feeds, for attendees to connect, discuss and brainstorm before, during and after the Virtual Conference.
3. Best practices to replicate in your communities. Each year n4a aims to provide conference attendees with information and tools that can be used to better serve older adults in their communities. This year’s Virtual Conference is no different. Whether it is through workshops, Fast-Track Sessions or our General Sessions, you are guaranteed to leave this year’s Virtual Conference with new ideas, peer examples and inspiration to innovate within your agency.
4. Attend the Virtual Conference from your office or living room. This year’s Virtual Conference and Tradeshow will allow the same great opportunities that the n4a Conference is known for—but now, you don’t have to travel to participate. Just block out the time on your calendar and dive right in. And with lower rates than our in-person conference, more of your staff can participate!
5. Spread the word about your programs and services. n4a’s Virtual Conference and Tradeshow provides a variety of sponsorship and exhibit opportunities that you can use to showcase YOUR expertise while building brand awareness! Sponsors and exhibitors will have access to custom landing pages where attendees can learn, meet and connect. For information on how you can take advantage of these opportunities, visit n4aconference.org or send an email to corporateprograms@n4a.org.
Made up your mind to attend n4a’s Virtual Conference and Tradeshow?
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LaunchRockyMount is Accepting Applications!
Entrepreneurs Wanted!
With local support from the Eastern NC Center for Business and Entrepreneurship at Wesleyan College, the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce, and Station Square, we are proud to announce the return of LaunchRockyMount! LaunchRockyMount will assist early stage entrepreneurs in defining products and services, identifying core customers, creating financial tools, and developing marketing strategies. The program is also open to small business owners who are currently operating and are interested in learning more about accessing capital, networking with other entrepreneurs and developing a business plan. By the end of the program, participants will have a completed business plan, a business mentor and can pitch their business plan for the opportunity to obtain one of three cash prizes of $500 for the top business plan pitches. The program also includes ongoing business counseling and support services, such as legal, accounting, and marketing which early stage business may find difficult to obtain these critical services due to heavy startup costs.
LaunchRockyMount begins September 15,2020 - November 17,2020
Each Tuesday from 6 pm- 9 pm
Classes are held virtual weekly, with two face-to-face meetings throughout the course of the program.
Benefits of the program
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A completed business plan.
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Valuable relationships with other entrepreneurs and small business owners.
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A business mentor from the community.
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Free counseling services.
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Accountability!
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Assistance with difficult business decisions.
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Access to a variety of services.
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A chance to win a $500 cash prize!
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Business Resources and information on accessing capital.
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121 W. Nash St. Wilson, NC 27893
252-234-5952
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