NS - Work First Block Grant Local Plan 10-21-2008-4d

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8 B. Public Comment The Orange County Work First Plan was available at several locations in the county for public comment from September 21 through October 5, 2008. The plan was available at the Orange County Public Libraries, Government Services Center, Skills Development Center, Southern Human Services Center, Orange County Department of Social Services and all planning partners. Notification was made to the public that the plan was available for public comment by advertising in the News of Orange, the Chapel Hill News and The Herald Sun. The plan was also available on the Internet at http://www.co.orange.nc.us/socsvcs/wfplan.htm C. Planning Process Orange County Board of Social Services submitted recommendations for the planning committee to the Orange County Boazd of County Commissioners on July 21, 2008.On August 19, 2008, the Boazd appointed 56 members to the Work First Block Grant Planning Committee. Four work group meetings with community leaders and Work First participants were held on September 9, 2008, September 12, 2008 and September 15, 2008. Recommendations from the four work group meetings were shazed with the planning committee on September 19, 2008. More than 40 people representing a wide variety of community organizations attended the first meeting on August 25, 2008 at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill. The first meeting provided an overview of Work First policy along with barriers, issues and concerns facing Work First participants. Committee members signed up for a choice of four work groups exploring strategies and opportunities in the azea of employment, transportation, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and family well-being. On September 19, 2008 with more than 40 people attending, committee members heazd presentations from the four work group meetings. These strategies and recommendations were approved as the plan to achieve the county's outcomes and goals.