NS -Grant - Work First Block Grant Local Plan

Browse Search

12 C. Planning Process Orange County Board of Social Services submitted recommendations for the planning committee to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners on July 17, 2006. On August 22, 2006, the Board appointed' 73 members to the Work First Block Grant Planning Committee. Four work group meetings with community leaders and Work First participants were held on September 14, 2006, September 18 & 19, 2006 and September 25, 2006. Recommendations from the four work group meetings were shared with the planning committee on September 27, 2006. More than 50 people representing a wide variety of community organizations attended the first meeting on September 8, 2006 at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill. The first meeting provided an overview of changes in Work First policy and the impact of the Deficit Reduction Act. Sherry Bradsher, Director for NC Division of Social Services, presented on the changes. DSS staff presented an overview of Work First in Orange County 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 area of employment, transportation, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and family well- being. On September 27, 2006 with more than 50 people attending, committee members heard presentations from the four work group meetings. These strategies and recommendations were approved as the plan to achieve the county's outcomes and goals. III. Outcomes and Goals for the County A. Statewide Work First Goals The North Carolina Division of Social Services, in consultation with the county department of social services and county board of commissioners, established acceptable levels of performance for Orange County in meeting the following six Work First goals: 1. Employment. Self- sufficiency will be realized primarily through the employment of Work First clients. The 2005 -06 goal for Orange County is 100 people entering employment. 2. Meeting Federal Participation Rates. Active participation in federal countable work activities will lead to full time employment.