Orange County NC Website
4 <br />The results of the community survey were shared with representatives from <br />Durham Technical Community College. This information, combined with data <br />obtained from a September 2000 survey given to employees at Flynt Fabrics in <br />Hillsborough, by the NC Department of Commerce, Division of Employment and <br />Training, supports the need for increased service delivery for this area. (See <br />Attachment IV). Ninety respondents from this survey (20 Hispanic) indicated <br />strong interests in completing high school or obtaining a GED; training or learning <br />anew skill; job seeking skills /employment; and community college, education or <br />training opportunities. In addition, many of them expressed a desire to know <br />more about health care, childcare, housing assistance and financial planning. <br />Discussions with representatives from Durham Technical Community College <br />(DTCC) have been very positive. A partnership, similar to that of the Skills <br />Development Center, could also be established for this area of the county. With <br />the strong community interest in computer training, DTCC is prepared to offer at <br />least one computer class, with the possibility of a second class, as early as the <br />fall 2001 semester. Additionally, they will determine the feasibility of offering <br />either a Spanish or an Employment/Job Seeking Skills class as well. <br />DTCC representatives have met with County staff to assess the proposed <br />classrooms and identify design needs. The County IS Department has reserved <br />18 computers (scheduled for replacement) for the computer lab. The surplus <br />PCs are being configured now by Orange High School students who are working <br />as temporary county employees this summer. These students will also assist in <br />configuration of the network in the room and setup of the computer systems and <br />printers. <br />In addition, RedHat Software, located in RTP, will donate technical support time <br />onsite at NHSC to help set up the Linux server. A free server will be provided by <br />Gateway Computers as part of the County's purchase of replacement PCs under <br />the IT Plan this year. A network switch will be donated by 4Front Systems in <br />RTP, the IS Department network technical support contractor that Orange <br />County has been working with for the past two years. <br />The IS Department is also investigating two other possible donations. The <br />Hillsborough /Orange County Chamber of Commerce has been contacted to <br />determine if any member companies would be able to donate a computer <br />projector. And, Time Warner Cable has been asked to donate Internet <br />connection installation and services. <br />The Public Works Department is currently developing an implementation plan for <br />facility modifications necessary to meet the needs identified by DTCC for the <br />computer lab and classroom. <br />The task force has also received a request from El Centro Latino for space to <br />provide services to the Latino - Hispanic families in rural Orange County. Many of <br />