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MINUTES <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES <br /> March 21,2022 <br /> the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is paying parent fees through <br /> June 2022. <br /> Ms. Clark explained once her staff receive a call from a parent inquiring about subsidy assistance, <br /> the process is started within 5-7 business days. There is currently no waiting list. The longest wait <br /> list DSS has maintained in the past two years has been limited to 2-3 months. <br /> Jamezetta Bedford asked if there are enough spaces at daycare centers. Ms. Clark stated there are <br /> and we are also able to use daycares located in other counties. Commissioner Bedford also asked <br /> if the subsidy can cover Pre-K slots. Ms. Clark advised subsidy can cover extended time for Pre-K <br /> children. <br /> 3. Youth Enhancement Funds (YEF) <br /> Sharron Hinton, Human Services Program Manager, provided an overview of YEF funds. She <br /> informed the Board we have seen an increase in YEF requests. She explained these funds can be <br /> used to cover a variety of activities to include sports and classes such as arts & crafts. There are <br /> income guidelines to qualify. Ms. Hinton explained we have reached out to social workers in the <br /> school systems to help us promote use of these funds. Nancy Coston, Director, remarked we are <br /> also partnering with Family Success Alliance to reach families who can benefit from this resource. <br /> Ann Wilkerson asked if there is a specific time frame to use these funds. Ms. Hinton explained <br /> these funds are available throughout the year. <br /> 4. Outside Agency Update <br /> Pat Garavaglia, Board Chair, shared she and Oscar Fleming reviewed a total of 15 outside agency <br /> applications. Ms. Garavaglia commented it would be good to be in a meeting with the agencies to <br /> ask questions before scoring their applications. Mr. Fleming offered the process could be improved <br /> with some minor changes such as definition clarity. Nancy Coston stated she and Sharron Hinton <br /> met with the agencies and the County Manager. She shared there is an interest in allowing Board <br /> Members to be a part of this process next year. Ms. Coston further stated the County is open to <br /> feedback about the process. Mr. Fleming asked where things stand with decision- making. Ms. <br /> Coston explained the decision is with the County Manager and will be a part of her recommended <br /> budget to the Board of County Commissioners in early May. <br /> 5. Director's Report <br /> Nancy Coston informed the Board the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted to move <br /> forward with the 203 South Greensboro building. <br /> In other building updates, Southern Human Services Center (SHSC) will undergo construction to <br /> replace the heating and air unit. Ms. Coston stated the work will occur in two 14 week phases for a <br /> total 28 week project. This will require DSS staff located at SHSC to be relocated. The intention is <br /> to develop a plan, which would allow the Economic Services Intake unit to remain at SHSC in order <br /> to minimize disruption to service access. There is planning needed to determine where child welfare <br /> staff will relocate. <br /> Ms. Coston will present the DSS budget this week to the County Manager. There are two funding <br /> streams we have learned of after initial budget development, which will be added. This includes <br /> 100% funding for Food and Nutrition Services time-limited positions and ARPA money for Adult <br /> Services. <br /> 2 <br />