2013-2014 Annual Report_Union County Community Action

TOGETHER WE ARE.. 2013-2014 Annual Report Union County Community Action, Inc.



Together we are working to empower the communities we serve across Anson, Richmond and Union counties by providing participants of our programs with the tools and resources necessary to achieve Self-Sufficiency. We provide our communities’ youngest resources with the skills for future success through the operation of the Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Early Head Start and Head Start provide comprehensive early education and child development services for children, birth through age 5, across our three county service area. The services we provide through these programs help our children build strong foundations across social, motor, and cognitive skills, which increase each child’s readiness for kindergarten, and beyond. We provide disadvantaged youth across Anson and Union counties with comprehensive case management services through the Workforce Investment Act Youth (WIA Youth) program. The WIA Youth program promotes growth across areas relating to education, and provides our participants with both soft skills and technical skills training. Through the WIA Youth program, we provide our participants with the employment skills necessary to secure, not only a job, but a career. We provide working families in Union County with the tools and resources necessary to become self-sufficient through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program. The CSBG program provides a degree of immediate relief to families enrolled in the case management component of the program, while remaining focused on providing intermediate educational, vocational, and job assistance services to help families gain better employment and benefits. We are the experts in the causes of, and solutions to, poverty in our communities. We are the advocates for the economically disadvantaged when their voices are muffled. We are a part of the grass roots efforts in our communities to secure the resources necessary to engage in the fight against poverty. Together we are Union County Community Action, and together we are building a better tomorrow for our communities, today.

Contents Human Resources & Agency Wide Revenues..............................5 Children & Family Services- Head Start & Early Head Start.........6 Health & Nutrition.....................................................................................................6 Mental Health/Disability Services.............................................................................7 Education for School Success.................................................................................8 FamilyServices.......................................................................................................10 Head Start/Early Head Start Financial Integrity & Compliance...............................12 Project Grant- Moving & Learning................................................................13 Employment & Training...............................................................14 Community Services Block Grant Program............................................................14 Workforce Investment Act Youth Program..............................................................16 Lend-a-Laptop.............................................................................18 Board of Directors & Executive Leadership.................................19

Human Resources Union County Community Action, Inc. (UCCA) offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, which includes an automatic 5% agency contribution to each employees 401K retirement account, following 12 months of service, and comprehensive high quality medical, vision and dental coverage. 2013- 2014 Agency Wide Revenues Program Revenue Grantor Amount Head Start DHHS- Administration for Children and Families $3,421,213 Early Head Start DHHS- Administration for Children and Families $1,593,339 Workforce Investment Act Centralina Workforce Development Board $429,827 North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten Local Smart Start Agencies $510,201 Child and Adult Care Food USDA- NC Nutrition Services Branch $409,354 Community Services Block Grant NC DHHS- Office of Economic Opportunity $169,470 Lend-a-Laptop City of Monroe $3,000 Race to the Top North Carolina Head Start State Collaboration Office $27,500 E-Rate- Schools & Libraries Program Universal Services Administrative Company $50,498 Union County $66,574 City of Monroe $25,000 Other Support Richmond County $18,000 Anson County $10,000 Discounted Rent $408,323 Total Public Revenue $7,142,299 Discounted Rent $13,023 Donated Business Services $155,817 Total Private Revenue $168,840 Total Revenue and Support $7,311,139

We are Children & Family Services- We are Head Start & Early Head Start Nearly one in ive of the children living in UCCA’s three county service area currently live in poverty. Research demonstrates that these children are more likely to be successful when they begin their educaion with a head start. The Head Start and Early Head Start programs, op- erated by Union County Community Acion (UCCA) provided services to 638 children, age 0 to 5, and Health & 6 pregnant mothers during the 2013-2014 school year. During the 13-14 year, the Division of Children Nutrition and Family Services also operated the North Caro- Services lina pre-kindergarten program in Anson and Rich- mond counies. This program allowed the division to provide children with an addiional 20 days of Health and nutriion are criical aspects of the compre- comprehensive educaion services to four year old hensive early educaion services provided to our chil- Head Start children. dren, and each child has an annual health screening that screens for health condiions, including: vision & hearing The early childhood development and educaion impairment, dental health, hematocrit levels, and lead services provided combine core atributes of early levels. All children are served two meals and a snack development, including: age-appropriate learning, each day, with the meals being planned by a registered social interacion, health screenings, nutriion edu- dieiian and are developed based on the requirements caion, mental health and disability services, strong of the USDA food guide pyramid for children age 0-5 years of age. Nutriion educaion aciviies are also pro- parental engagement, and family development. vided to children in the classroom and home visits, and parents are included in discussions on the importance of Age-appropriate educaion curriculum is key to de- a healthy diet. All children enrolled in the center-based veloping the competencies necessary for children seing are provided with 30-60 minutes of planned to build upon for the future. The age-appropriate physical acivity, and are educated on the importance of educaion curriculum uilized by UCCA is Creaive being physically it. Curriculum’s 5th ediion for Head Start, and 2nd ediion for Early Head Start. All children enrolled in the Head Start and Early Head Assising children establish the social skills neces- Start programs receive a hearing and vision screen- ing within the irst 45 days of enrollment. During the sary for future success is another core atribute months of October and April, growth assessments are of early development and school readiness. The completed on all children, with the results examined by division uilizes muliple socializaion methods to a licensed nutriionist, and shared with parents/care- enhance the social interacions among our children givers. Dental screenings are completed on each child and families. Successful social interacions also help within 90 days of enrollment. Referrals are made for to build the child’s self esteem, and studies demon- children that require addiional treatment. strate the strong correlaion between self-esteem and success later in life. Children enrolled in center-based Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Richmond and Union counies

are provided nutriious meals and snacks prepared on the development of the behavioral plan. As necessary, site in commercial kitchens. Children in Anson county a behavioral plan may be implemented detailing recom- are provided meals and snacks prepared by Anson Coun- mendaions for strategies, such as counseling, which will ty Schools. Home-based Early Head Start children and help to meet the established behavior goals. Families in their families are provided with nutriion related educa- need of addiional support in dealing with challenging ional learning experiences to encourage healthy eaing. issues are referred to partner agencies, and/or the agen- cy’s licensed mental health consultant. In order to meet Head Start Performance Standards UC- CA’s Health and Nutriion Specialist works acively with UCCA has a collaboraion agreement with Early Interven- a contracted licensed nutriionist to develop a six week ion Agency (Children’s Developmental Service Agency) rotaional menu that is designed speciically to meet all and the Public School Systems in each county served to daily nutriion requirements for children one year to ive assist in the evaluaion and service provision for children years of age. The Health and Nutriion component of needing support for disabiliies or special needs. the Head Start and Early Head Start programs operated by UCCA, also ideniies and takes into consideraion During last program year 14.9% of Head Start and 10.4% situaions where children are required to consume a of Early Head Start children were classiied as having special/restricted diet. a disability or a special need. 100% of these children received therapy services to enhance their abiliies. Our Head Start and Early Head Start programs have These services help to beter prepare children, and their excelled in assising families with the provision of med- families, for their educaional future. ical and dental services. At the conclusion of the 2013- 2014 year 100% of all children served received medical By providing these necessary mental health and disabili- treatment, and had a dental home. 100% of enrolled ty services we are preparing young children to be suc- children had received a professional dental screening, cessful in school and throughout life. and 99% of the children eligible for health insurance had coverage 2013-2014 Health Services Program Year End PIR Statistics Mental Health/ Disability Services Dental Home 100% The Division of Children and Family Services uilizes a contracted licensed mental health consultant to provide Up-to-Date Immunizations 100% assistance in idenifying any potenial mental health and/or behavioral issues afecing our Head Start and Early Head Start children. Classroom observaions are performed by UCCA staf, as well as our contracted men- tal health consultant. The results of those observaions Medical Home 100% are analyzed, and feedback is given to parents regarding potenial behavioral and/or mental health issues. UCCA policies outline comprehensive frame work de- tailing how each potenial behavioral and/or mental Medical Insurance 99% health issue is addressed. This framework ensures that each potenial case is addressed individually, and that teachers ,parents, and consultants work together during

We are Educating & Preparing our Children for School Success. E ducation Center Licensing All Head Start/ Early Head Start centers operated by Union County Community G oals Action, Inc. (UCCA) are licensed through the North Carolina Division of Child De- velopment Early Education (NC DCDEE). Currently, all of UCCA’s Head Start/Early Head Start centers currently have five star rated license; the highest license rating to providE a lEarninG Environ- possible. mEnt with a widE variEty of In order to maintain the high quality of services, and the star licensing ratings, the Head Start and Early Head Start programs accomplish the following: increasing the aGE appropriatE activitiEs education levels of teaching staff; maintaining low child to adult ratios throughout the school day; meet compliance of the North Carolina Day Care Regulations; pro- that arE individualizEd to duce individualized lesson plans geared toward the individual needs of the child; and mEEt thE nEEds of Each child. ensure that high quality interactions exist within the classroom environment. UCCA continues to participate in the Star Enhancement Grant through the Rich- to intEGratE all hEad start mond County Partnership for children. This grant provides supplemental funding for classroom supplies for 4 and 5 star rated centers. contEnt arEas into thE child’s daily Educational activitiEs Education Staff Teaching staff communicate with parents on a regular basis through phone calls, home visits, calendars, socialization events, and parent teacher conferences. Teach- to EnsurE that parEnts arE ers take detailed notes, and review these notes with the parents, which ensure that involvEd in thEir child’s parents remain regularly informed regarding the individualized development needs of each child. dEvElopmEnt and Education The Education Manager monitors teaching staff to ensure information is being recorded, communication with parents remains regular, and individualized plans to providE traininG for are produced and implemented. Currently, 16 teachers are in college, 13 have their NC B-K license, are working toward their NC B-K license, and 3 are enrolled in the parEnts that will incrEasE TEACH tuition assistance program. thEir undErstandinG of child Curriculum & Assessments dEvElopmEnt, and EncouraGE The Head Start and Early Head Start programs utilize a research based curriculum parEnts to activEly EnGaGE and an ongoing assessment instrument that supports the educational instruction. The assessments provide for individualized education plans to be established, monitored in thE Education and dEvEl- and tracked throughout the program year. The Head Start program utilizes Creative Curriculum’s 5th edition for preschoolers, opmEnt of thEir childrEn and the Early Head Start program utilizes the 2nd edition. This curriculum is used nationally, and helps ensure our education services provide a high quality learning to providE knowlEdGE and environment in all classrooms. Teaching Strategies Gold, which aligns assessments opportunitiEs to parEnts with the Head Start framework, is used for monitoring the progress of individual children, and assists program staff in developing and implementing individualized in ordEr to rEinforcE lesson plans. Teaching Strategies examines a total of 38 objectives across the key areas of early childhood development classroom lEarninG ExpEri- School Readiness EncEs in thE homE. School Readiness is an incredibly important component of the services provided to Head Start children, and refers to the attainment of the skills, knowledge, and atti- tudes necessary for children to enter kindergarten successfully. School readiness

involves every aspect of the Head Start program, from eliciting active engagement of parents, to how children act in the lunch room. As a Head Start grantee, UCCA is held to high standards for expectations for developmental progress across all domains of the Head Start framework, the agency curriculum, and North Carolina’s Early Learning guidelines. UCCA has developed a com- prehensive set of school readiness goals which address the five essential early childhood developmental domains, consisting of: cognitive/general knowledge; language/literacy; social-emotional development; approaches to learning; and physical/health devel- opment. In the development and implementation of the birth to five school readiness goals, UCCA established and integrated a school readiness team, comprised of parents, community partners, and staff, to ensure the school readiness goals appropriate for our area, and the expectations of the local school systems. Education Outcomes Children’s developmental growth is assessed three times in the school year, and data is entered into the Teaching Strategies Gold assessment system. The results are analyzed in order to assess progress across the key developmental domains, measure school readiness, and evaluate the teaching practices of our education staff. During the 2013-2014 our Head Start and Early Head Start children experienced an average gain of 25% across the seven key indicators of development, leading to an overall total of 88% of children meeting or exceeding expectations at the close of the 2013-2014 school year. The areas with the most significant growth during this period was Mathematics (+30%), The table below provides the overall, agency wide, increases across the seven key indicators of early childhood development and readiness. 2013-2014 Child Outcomes Data 100% 90% % Of Children Meeting or Exceeding Expectations 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Social Emotional Physical- Gross Physical- Fine Language Cognitive Literacy Mathematics Motor Motor Fall 59% 64% 77% 55% 65% 67% 57% Winter 82% 76% 87% 77% 82% 86% 75% Spring 88% 88% 92% 84% 87% 91% 87%

We are Building Stronger Families through Head Start/ Early Head Start Family Services. Family Services is responsible for supervising and monitoring the recruitment, selection, enrollment, attendance, and services provided to the children and families enrolled in the Head Start and Early Head Start programs operated by UCCA. ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, During the 2013-2014 Head Start and Early Head Start Selection, Enrollment & Attendance) Program year, UCCA tracked attendance on a daily basis, with the average daily attendance for the Head Start Pro- Family Services is responsible for supervising and mon- gram (160 operating days) over 90% and the average daily itoring the eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, attendance for Early Head Start, which included home- and attendance services provided to the children, and based services over 88%. Both program attendance re- their families, who are enrolled in the Head Start and cords either meet, or exceeded the requirements outlined Early Head Start Programs operated by UCCA. During in the Head Start Program performance standards. program year 2013-2014 the Family Services and ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment & Atten- Cumulative Enrollment for Head Start Program included dance) content areas were closely monitored to ensure 214 three year olds and 282 four year olds for a total of that the services delivered to children, and their families, 496 three and four year olds served. Cumulative enroll- met requirements set forth in the Head Start Performance ment for Early Head Start included 148 infants and tod- Standards. Due to sequestration, 54 Head Start slots were dlers and 6 pregnant mothers for a total of 154 children cut to accommodate the Head Start Program budget. served. Of those children enrolled in both programs, over 90% were considered to be income eligible, which exceeds

requirements established in the Head Start performance Homelessness standards. With the adoption of the McKinney-Vento Homeless This program year a total of year a total 497 En- Assistance Act, reauthorized by Title X, Part C of the No Child Left Behind Act, there is continued growth in glish-speaking and 153 Spanish-speaking children were the number of homeless families identified in the state served. The 594 children and families served were com- of North Carolina. For 2013-2014, UCCA identified prised of 128 two-parent families and 466 single parent 66 Head Start/Early Head Start families as being home- families less. In response, the agency continued to illustrate the Parent, Family, and Community importance of collaboration by continuing collabora- tive efforts in Anson, Richmond, and Union counties Engagement to address the problem of homelessness within the low income population. In addition to continuing collab- For program year 2013-2014, UCCA utilized the Parent, orative efforts, UCCA established a new partnership Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) frame- with the ARHMM Committee-which is a local homeless work as a road map for progress in achieving the types coalition serving 5 counties supported by the state. of outcomes that lead to positive and enduring change for children and their families. Through the Markers UCCA continues to identify and support local programs for Progress, which is an assessment tool that tracks a and family support agencies that provide assistance to program’s progress in promoting effective family engage- those families defined as being homeless through collab- ment, UCCA conducted a self-assessment of its family orations with local non-profits, government, and busi- engagement practices to identify our strengths and areas nesses across Anson, Richmond, and Union counties. we needed to improve. Based on our assessment, UCCA has done the following: Race to the top 1) Continued monthly parent/child activities that are During the 2013-2014 year, UCCA launched its NC Race intentional and purposeful to enhance parent knowledge to the Top Early Learning Challenge Initiative which and awareness in the areas of math, science and literacy includes training, mentoring, and coaching opportuni- to support parents as lifelong learners and strengthen ties to child care providers in Anson, Richmond, Union, parent/child relationships. For example, each month a Montgomery and Stanly counties. This initiative is de- theme or objective was chosen that related to the 5 focus signed to promote and enhance the Family Engagement domains and each site would offer activities in their activities of our local child care centers and family care classrooms to enhance a parent’s knowledge on building homes. Through their participation, providers gain and and supporting strategies to strengthen the skills their develop effective Family Engagement techniques that child needs to achieve school readiness. UCCA iden- nurture, within parents, an active and ongoing interest in tified an increase in parent involvement at all program their child’s development, encourage parents to become sites overall. or remain regularly involved with their child’s child care program, establish effective methods of ongoing, two- 2) Continued to provide mini-workshops through its way communication, and support successful transitions community partners to support parents in meeting their of children into other preschool programs or kindergar- educational, employment, and/or financial needs. ten. 3) Provided ongoing professional development trainings to As of August, 2014, UCCA has provided support ser- staff that were beneficial in helping them to build relation- vices to a total of 24 providers in Anson and Richmond ships with families. counties. Based on enrollment figures at the child care centers served, the Race to the Top initiative being ad- 4) Achieved growth in its family engagement practices and ministered by UCCA Family Services has impacted 98 was able to document outcomes for its families by using a staff members, 110 infants/toddlers, and 556 preschool series of parent surveys and their feedback to measure the age children across the 24 providers served. The Race to quality of services. For the upcoming year, UCCA plans to the Top initiative will be continuing this project through be more innovative in its approaches as we continue our program year 2014-2015. efforts to increase family engagement program wide.

2013- 2014 Head Start/Early Head Start Budgets Head Start Early Head Start Revenue 2013-2014 2014-2015 2013-2014 2014-2015 (Actual) (Projected) (Actual) (Projected) Federal $3,402,502 $3,635,381 $1,593,339 $1,701,008 Non-Federal $850,626 $908,845 $398,335 $425,252 Total Revenue $3,402,502 $3,635,381 $1,593,339 $1,701,008 2014-2015 2014-2015 Expenditures 2013-2014 (Projected) 2013-2014 (Projected) (Actual) (Actual) Personnel $1,978,245 $2,120,932 $932,714 $939,032 Fringe Benefits $704,934 $765,934 $298,714 $326,655 Travel $15,000 $16,000 $11,200 $12,500 Equipment Supplies $118,391 $111,111 $61,579 $66,503 Contractual $33,029 $35,620 $9,620 $25,580 Construction Other $215,718 $211,074 $121,781 $155,298 Indirect Costs $337,185 $374,950 $157,899 $175,440 Total Expenditures $3,402,502 $3,635,381 $1,593,339 $1,701,008 Annual Financial Audit During the most recent comprehensive Financial Audit for the Fiscal Year ending September 30th, 2013, Burkett, Burkett, & Burkett CPAs reported no deficiencies or findings relating to fiscal operations at Union County Commu- nity Action, Inc. Head Start Triennial Review The last triennial review conducted by the Office of Head Start took place in February of 2014. Following this com- prehensive review, the Federal Review team reported no findings against Union County Community Action, Inc.

2013- 2014 Head Start/Early Head Start Budgets Healthy Communities Project Grant- Moving & Learning Head Start Early Head Start In December, 2012, Union County Community Action, Inc. (UCCA) submitted a grant application to provide Revenue 2013-2014 2014-2015 2013-2014 2014-2015 $5,000 in funding for the procurement of portable playground equipment. The purpose of this request is to provide (Actual) (Projected) (Actual) (Projected) additional enhancements to the educational and health outcomes of our Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Out of over 120 funding applications submitted from agencies across the state, UCCA was one of only 20 selected Federal $3,402,502 $3,635,381 $1,593,339 $1,701,008 for award. The project period and scope for this grant extended for the duration of the 2013-2014 Head Start and Early Head Start program years, and across all three counties served by UCCA. Non-Federal $850,626 $908,845 $398,335 $425,252 Total Revenue $3,402,502 $3,635,381 $1,593,339 $1,701,008 Moving & Learning Grant Activities: UCCA currently utilizes the nationally renowned I’m Moving; I’m Learning curriculum developed to combat child- 2014-2015 2014-2015 Expenditures 2013-2014 (Projected) 2013-2014 (Projected) hood obesity. This curriculum focuses on increased physical activity (minimum of 60 minutes per day), and sup- ports increased cognitive and gross motor development. The portable playground equipment was used in conjunc- (Actual) (Actual) tion with our active play and learning curriculum, and provided the opportunity to integrate additional items into Personnel $1,978,245 $2,120,932 $932,714 $939,032 play, and education time. Fringe Benefits $704,934 $765,934 $298,714 $326,655 This multi-faceted approach to stimulating active play and active learning services, in order to increase gains across Travel $15,000 $16,000 $11,200 $12,500 all areas of early childhood development, is supported by numerous research studies. These studies confirm that children who spend more time being physically active also retain focus for longer periods of time, which also reduc- Equipment es behavioral disruptions in class. Studies further link increasing physical activity to increased retention of informa- tion, and expanded cognitive development. Finally, the results of a review of the first two years of I’m Moving; I’m Supplies $118,391 $111,111 $61,579 $66,503 Learning, conducted by an independent research group, illustrate that the curriculum resulted in individual decreas- es of BMI among obese children in the classrooms where the curriculum was initially implemented. Contractual $33,029 $35,620 $9,620 $25,580 Construction Outcomes Using the grant funds allocated to Moving & Learning, UCCA purchased portable play equipment designed to pro- Other $215,718 $211,074 $121,781 $155,298 mote gross-motor and cognitive development. Equipment was purchased in enough volume to ensure every child served by the Head Start or Early Head Start program, across our three county service area, would have access to Indirect Costs $337,185 $374,950 $157,899 $175,440 the portable play equipment. Equipment was introduced to classrooms in the Fall of 2013, and UCCA teaching staff immediately began incorporating the equipment into lesson plans, playground time, and classroom activities. Total Expenditures $3,402,502 $3,635,381 $1,593,339 $1,701,008 UCCA included three expected outcomes in the grant submission for Moving & Learning. First, UCCA anticipat- ed gross-motor development gains from the first checkpoint measurement to the second checkpoint measurement would increase at a higher percentage than the previous year. This theory is supported by our child outcomes data which demonstrates a 2% increase in cumulative gross-motor development proficiency from the first to the second checkpoint measurement of the current year, when compared to the previous year. The second proposed outcome suggested cognitive development would also increase at a higher percentage for the current year than the previous year. Data did not support this hypothesis, however, UCCA maintained equal cognitive proficiency at the second checkpoint measurement for the current year, when compared to the previous year. Finally, UCCA sought to examine the potential impact that the increased physical activity associated with the equip- ment might have on children considered to be overweight in the fall of 2013. Data analysis demonstrated significant drops in BMI for children scoring between 80th and 85th BMI percentile in fall of 2013; however, it appeared as through the introduction of the portable playground equipment had no effect on children who entered fall of 2013 with a BMI percentile greater than 85.

We are Employment & Training- We are Equipping our the Adults and Youth in our Communities with Career Readiness Resources During the 2013-2014 year, the Division of Employment and Training administered the Community Services Block Grant program in Union County, and the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Program in Union and Anson counties. Community Services Block Grant Program Services During the 2013-2014 year the Division of Employment “The CSBG Program Assisted and Training provided services to economically disadvan- Client A learn what self-suiciency tage working adults in Union County through the Com- means for her enire family, and munity Services Block Grant program. In total, services provided under the CSBG programs impacted the lives of what she and her husband could 101 families in Union County. do to achieve it.” CSBG Adult Success Story Client A entered the Community Services Block Grant Program during a time when she was under much duress. time job in the medical field making $2.00 more an hour She had just lost her full-time job, all of her bills were due, than she was making at her part-time job. her husband had recently become disabled, and she had recently lost her home due to foreclosure. She was able to The CSBG program assisted Client A learn what self-suffi- secure a part-time job making minimum wage, however ciency means for her entire family, and what steps she and her family was barely making it from day to day, Client her husband could to do to achieve it. With the direction, A found herself about to go under financially, as well as counseling and one-on-one help, provided by the CSBG emotionally. program, Client A was able to stay focused and achieve her goals. She has maintained her full-time employment and During the initial meeting, the CSBG case manager per- she is now able to pay her bills on time without assistance. formed a needs assessment with Client A, and as a team Additionally, participating in the CSBG Credit Counseling the two came up with options for addressing her individ- workshop provided Client A with the knowledge on how ual and specific needs. Goals and time frames were set to repair and build her credit, which will help her continue to keep her on track to achieve her intermediate goals. to move toward self-sufficiency, and to one day again be a As part of her intermediate goals, the case manager also home owner. helped Client A create a workable budget and also provid- ed some immediate assistance in the form of utility assis- The CSBG program was instrumental in assisting Client tance so Client A could have her utilities reconnected. A achieve all of her goals to gain self-sufficiency. Client A expressed much gratitude and appreciation to the CSBG The CSBG program assisted Client A with securing an staff for all the help she received from the program. Client application to apply for her husband’s disability. The case A attributes her growth and rise above poverty directly to manager helped the client create an updated resume with the assistance provided by the CSBG program. Client A the goal of finding full-time employment. Client A was has become a strong advocate for the program in the com- provided tips on dressing for success, and how she should munity and has made many referrals to our agency. present herself during a job interview. Client A was able to use the agency’s computer to search for jobs on line that Congratulations to Client A for all of the successes she she had experience for, and the CSBG program assisted achieved in the Community Services Block Grant pro- Client A in filling out the job applications. With assistance gram. of the CSBG program, the client was able to find a full-

CSBG Workshops as other items to help them become more energy efficient. They During assessments and survey evaluations issued annually, are allowed to ask questions and are always excited to leave with the CSBG program examines the actual needs of the popu- their energy efficiency kits. lation served, and develops specific projects and workshops aimed at targeting those needs. During the 2013-2014 year, the CSBG program offered a number of workshops, including Credit Counseling the following: “Money Smart”; “Energy Efficiency”; “Credit Alliance Credit Counseling came in to speak with our clients Counseling”, “Healthy Kitchen” & “Job Hunting” workshops. about their credit reports and scores. Alliance helped pulled the Money Smart credit reports, reviewed it with the client, and made suggestions The Money Smart workshops continue to assist clients in as to how they can improve their scores. Clients were also given learning how to make better financial decisions and manag- handouts on Check Your Credit Reports, Raising Your Credit ing their money. Topics include: financial recovery (learning Scores, and Building Good Credit. how to build your credit), paying yourself first (how to save), charge it right (learning about credit cards and responsibil- Healthy Kitchen ity), keep it safe (protecting your identity and keeping your The Healthy Kitchen workshop by the NC Cooperative Extension money safe), check it out (learning about checking accounts provided a class on food safety. This workshop helped clients and how to maintain one), money matters (setting financial goals and budgeting), to your credit (understanding credit learn how to prepare and store safely, preventing pantry pests, reporting and credit scores), etc. Clients are allowed to ask and safe shopping. Clients were given an “Inspect Your Home” questions, offer feedback, and share in the workshops. Many inventory to complete. Knowledge gained from this workshop have stated that they have learned something new each not only helped them learn about food safety, but provided them time and now can see some of the mistakes that they have ways to stretch their food stamps dollars by avoiding food waste. made managing their money. They consider the packet they receive at each class a tool to help them – giving them terms and definitions, activities and examples, websites and phone Job Hunting numbers to further explore the topic discussed. The Job Hunting workshop helped clients learn about today’s job Energy Eficiency market and how to go about getting that job from start to finish. It covered how to search for jobs, resume writing, completing The Energy Efficiency workshop by the City of Monroe is an application, getting the interview. Clients explored the a workshop that talks with clients about the importance of different careers in the market, what education is needed for conserving energy, as well as ways for them to conserve energy. those jobs and medium income for different positions. Clients Clients learn what they can do to cut their power bills and save received a portfolio and calendar to help them organize their money. They receive an Energy Efficiency Kit that includes light job searches and look more professional when presenting their bulbs, a shower head, a can of foam to seal around pipes, as well selves for interviews. CSBG Program- Outcomes 30 25 28 20 20 14 15 10 8 5 5 0 Rose Above Federal Poverty Guidelines Provided with Emergency Gained Assistance Employment or Completed Better Employment Education Goals Obtained and/or Maintaned Affordable Housing

Employment & Training Youth Services During the 2013-2014 year the Division of Employment and Training provided services to low-in- come at-risk youth, age 16 to 22, across Union and Anson counties through the Workforce Invest- ment Act (WIA) Youth program. In total, WIA Youth services provided across Anson and Union counties impacted the lives of 50 families, and 77 individuals. Workforce Investment Act Youth Program- Union County “Nate Baker II is a wonderful The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth example of the diference the program in Union County provided services to WIA Youth Program can make in 36 youth, age 16 to 22, during the 2013-2014 year. Of the 36 participants served, 10 were someone’s life. WIA helped shape single mothers. Assistance provided to the youth him from a troubled young teen into in Union County included: comprehensive case management services, vocational training ser- a successful young man dedicated to vices, work experience, soft-skills training, ed- helping keep our country safe.” ucation services, transportation assistance, day care assistance, car repairs, utility assistance, munity Development Corporation (CDC) as an As a direct result of the comprehensive services office assistant. His supervisor, Isabelle Gillespie, provided to youth in Union County, 14 were raved about his work ethic and positive attitude. able to secure employment, 16 participated in While completing his work experience Nate also leadership sessions to improve social/emotional worked toward obtaining his Career Readiness development, and 12 participants increased their Certificate (CRC). Nate obtained a Silver certifi- academic skills through participation in GED cate immediately following the conclusion of his courses or continuation of their High School work experience. education. Nate graduated high school in the spring of 2013 WIA Youth Success Story- Union County with plans to join the Army. WIA provided tu- William “Nate” Baker II was enrolled into the toring and study skills training in order for Nate WIA Youth program as a junior at Monroe High to prepare for the Armed Services Vocational School. After Nate completed TABE testing it Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. Nate passed his was clear that he had a lot of potential, yet only test on his first try and left for nine weeks of held a 2.0 GPA. One of his main barriers was his basic training in Jacksonville, FL on October 9, family situation. Nate was raised by his grand- 2013. Today he is married and serves as a Pri- mother after his mother was incarcerated right vate in the US Army. William “Nate” Baker II after his birth. Nate’s father lived right next door is a wonderful example of the impact the WIA to him for years but they did not have a relation- Youth program can have on someone’s life. WIA ship, something that Nate struggled with as a helped shape him from a troubled young teen young teen. into a successful young man dedicated to helping keep our country safe. Nate had no work history upon his enrollment and was therefore assigned a position at Com-

Workforce Investment Act Youth Program- Anson County The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth program provided services to 14 youth across Anson County during the 2013-2014 year. Of the 14 youth served, five were single mothers. Assistance provided to youth in Anson County during the 13-14 year included: comprehen- sive case management services, vocational training services, work experience, soft-skills train- ing, education services, transportation assistance, day care assistance, car repairs, and utility assistance. During the 13-14 year, the Anson County WIA Youth program assisted three participants in receiving their career readiness certificates, and one participant in re-enrolling in High School and completing her High School diploma. The WIA youth program in Anson County continues to make a difference in the lives of Anson County youth through comprehensive case management, and the formation of positive collaboration with partner agencies and local employers.

Lend-a-Laptop Program Following with the agency’s mission statement, Union County Community Action, Inc. (UCCA) and Monroe City Councilman Billy A. Jordan combined resources and identified a lack of access to personal computing technology, and high speed connectivity among low-income youth in the City of Monroe. This issue, commonly referred to as the digital divide, is easiest explained as a situation where individuals of a lower socioeconomic status have a disproportionate lack of access to technolo- gy resources. Currently, one (1) in four (4) citizens living in Monroe is in poverty, meaning these individuals, in large part, lack access to the digital world. Although the obvious effects of this high poverty in Mon- roe are diluted by the relatively low poverty level in Union County (10%) those of us who have lived in, worked in, and served in the low-income communities in Monroe are neither surprised nor dis- couraged by the alarming fact that 25% of our citizens live in poverty. Instead UCCA and the City Councilman Billy A. Jordan used these concerning figures as an opportunity to identify a need within the community, and structure a program to address that need. The Lend-a-Laptop program offers laptop computers with Microsoft Office and mobile broadband internet cards for short and long term loan. Since the programs inception in 2011, dozens of youth have utilized the program to meet their short and long term educational and digital needs. The suc- cess of the program can sometimes be best demonstrated through the statements of our participants, which includes: “With the help of the Lend-a-Laptop Program I have completed my Veterinary Assistant Courses with flying colors.” “This program has given me the opportunity to complete my work through internet availability to take online courses.” “This (Lend-a-Laptop) was crucial to her success and our goal to keep her enrolled and on track for graduation… Most importantly she is set to graduate in June.” “Community Action is providing a much needed service for the population that we serve.” “You have made a tremendous impact in the future of one of our students. We support your program and hope that you receive needed funding and support.”

Our Board of Directors P.E. Bazemore Billy A. Jordan Allene Cuthbertson Chairman Vice-Chairman Treasurer David Broome Tom Caldwell Annetta Robinson Secretary Board Member Board Member Isabelle Gillespie Ashley Duncan Margaret Hood Board Member Board Member Board Member George Miller Haywood Hilliard Grady Burns Board Member Board Member Board Member Curtis Harrell Selma Davis Sheila Craig Board Member Board Member Board Member Our fifteen member volunteer Board of Directors features a proportional tripartite structure, with five members representing the low-income target groups we serve, five members representing the private sector, and five mem- bers representing the public sector. Jenny R. McGuirt, Executive Director 2013-2014 was a challenging year for Union County Community Action, Inc. (UCCA). We were forced to make, and endure, very difficult decisions regarding operations within Head Start and Early Head Start due to a federally mandated 5% reduction in funding as a result of sequestration. While these decisions adversely impacted members of our staff; the reduction in staff, staff hours, and funded enrollment were necessary in order to preserve the agen- cy’s financial well-being for the 2013-2014 year, and beyond. Along with the budgetary challenges faced by UCCA, due to funding reductions for Head Start and Early Head Start, we also experienced several monitoring visits from funding sources, including our Office of Head Start Triennial re- view, a review of our Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and a review of our Workforce Investment Act (WIA) youth programs. During each review we were found to be performing well, which speaks to the dedication of our staff in providing high quality services to the communities we serve, even in the most difficult of times. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every staff member at Union County Community Action, Inc. for the continued dedication, devotion, and passion that is continuously present even during difficult and uncer- tain times. I would also like to express my gratitude for the support provided to all of us by our Board of Directors, and the members of our Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council. For the upcoming year, sequestration funds have been restored for Head Start and Early Head Start, and we look forward to continuing to work with the same passion, dedication, and devotion as we provide the individuals and families we serve with the tools and resources needed to secure a better and brighter future. Jenny R. McGuirt, Executive Director

Union County Community Action, Inc. 1401-H West Roosevelt Blvd. Monroe, NC 28110 704-283-7583 www.uccainc.org