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MINUTES <br />ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES <br />September 16, 2013 <br />2 <br />purchases to determine how much money families have remaining in their allocation for each type <br />of purchase. <br /> <br />Arthrell Sanders asked whether everyone has been successfully rehoused. Ms. Shaffer responded <br />that everyone is currently housed but many are still waiting on permanent housing. <br /> <br />Ms. Sanders asked whether affected children were all in schools. Ms. Shaffer responded that the <br />children are all in school and were able to go shopping for back-to-school clothes and supplies. <br /> <br />Ms. Garavaglia added that she is aware of community members who would like to adopt families <br />who are not receiving state aid. She asked that if staff are aware of anyone in need please let her <br />know. <br /> <br />Ms. Coston shared that some families have expressed excitement at owning new furniture for the <br />first time. <br /> <br />Ms. Shaffer noted that while some families received donated goods at Green Chair there were <br />mixed results. Ms. Garavaglia added that Jane Hathaway’s organization is very well run and is a <br />better alternative. Ms. Shaffer agreed. <br /> <br />2. Social Services Institute <br /> <br />Nancy Coston gave the Board information on the Social Services Institute, including the agenda for <br />the North Carolina Association of County Boards of Social Services meeting. Ms. Coston asked <br />that Board members let staff know if they would like to attend so staff can make arrangements. <br /> <br />3. NC FAST/Time-Limited Positions <br /> <br />Nancy Coston noted the Board of County Commissioners approved the extension of the time- <br />limited positions. The Medicaid rollout has been slow and staff are still working on integrating all <br />program components. Beginning October 1, 2013 staff will also be taking applications under rules <br />related to health reform. The organization moved to universal workers in review units on <br />September 1, 2013 which has caused some added strain to staff. <br /> <br />Lindsey Shewmaker added that the agency was approved to be a Certified Application Counselor <br />organization. Some agency staff will be trained to assist families who need help applying for the <br />new subsidies. <br /> <br />Ms. Coston added that the county is working to renovate the front lobby area in Hillsborough to add <br />access to the reception area and create a resource room with additional computers. A similar <br />renovation will occur at Southern Human Services. <br /> <br />4. Retirements <br /> <br />Nancy Coston informed the Board that there have been three retirements so far this year. Two <br />more staff have announced their retirement, both of which will be effective by the end of the year. <br /> <br />5. Board Member Recruitment <br /> <br />Arthrell Sanders gave an application to Geraldine Pettiford but has not heard anything yet. Pat <br />Garavaglia added she has another potential candidate that she plans to run by Valerie Foushee <br />since she may know him.