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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES September 17, 2012 2 The county issued a press release about the NC FAST implementation. There will be flyers distributed in the lobbies of both buildings to explain what is happening and why there may be some delay in being seen. There is also a phone number to call if clients do not receive their food stamps within 30 days. Management is working hard to get staff hired. Pat Garavaglia asked if there was anything volunteers could do to assist during this transition. There were several suggestions including: a volunteer in the waiting room to check on how long individuals have been waiting; having food/snacks available in the lobbies; snacks for staff; and a brief neck massage for the workers. The all staff meeting has been moved to Friday October 5th. Another idea presented was to recognize staff at the meeting. Valerie Foushee suggested having door prizes. Pat Garavaglia and Valerie Foushee agreed to discuss this further. There was discussion about the need to have additional emergency food available for clients during October and November. Joyce Lee will follow up to determine if PORCH could be a resource for the agency. 3. Legislative Goals County departments of social services are having to manage the new guardianship cases received from mental health with essentially no additional funding at this point. There was a significant cut in TANF funds. The legislature will need to address how to handle this in the next session. 4. Director’s Report The agency is still working on the Veteran’s Services position. Focus groups have provided some input. There are changes in Work First effective October 1 which include new time limits on some child only cases. The General Assembly has decided to put out an RFP for Medicaid transportation. This could result in significant changes for consumers. The Social Services Institute will be held October 24 – 26 in Raleigh. Pat Garavaglia and Valerie Foushee expressed an interest in attending. Other board members will be contacted about this opportunity. Nancy Coston has been in contact with the athletic department at UNC regarding an event during the basketball season to benefit the annual Toy Chest. Plans are under way to identify a game to distribute free tickets for the donation of a toy. VII. Announcements The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 15, 2012 at the Hillsborough Commons, 113 Mayo Street, Hillsborough, North Carolina at 4 PM. The meeting was adjourned at 5:06 pm. Submitted by Nancy Coston Director Pat Garavaglia Chair