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MINUTES <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES <br /> November 17,2025 <br /> THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON MONDAY: November 17th, at the Orange <br /> County Department of Social Services at 113 Mayo Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278. <br /> BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Jane Garrett, and Ann Wilkerson <br /> GUEST: None <br /> BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS ABSENT: Earl McKee, Oscar Fleming, and Chris Barnes <br /> STAFF PRESENT: Lindsey Shewmaker, Social Services Director; Crystal Wiese, Assistant Social Services <br /> Director; LaKecia Robbins, Economic Services Program Manager; and Serena McPherson, Administrative <br /> Officer. <br /> I. Call to Order and Introductions <br /> DSS Vice-Chair, Jane Garrett, called the meeting to order at 4:12 pm. <br /> II. Board Comments <br /> None <br /> III. Public Comments <br /> None. <br /> IV. Agenda Changes <br /> None. <br /> V. Action Items <br /> None <br /> VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision <br /> 1. Holiday Programs <br /> Serena McPherson shared an update on the DSS Christmas Sponsorship program. She stated that <br /> 205 children involved with child welfare, 81 children being served in other social work programs <br /> (Adolescent Parenting Program, More Than A Job, and WIOA programs), and 53 adults served by <br /> Adult Services programming are currently sponsored. Ms. McPherson stated we have additional <br /> sponsorship requests which we are typically able to fulfill as our social workers are assigned new <br /> cases. Jane Garrett inquired how DSS selects children for sponsorship and Ms. McPherson explained <br /> social workers refer children on their open cases. <br /> Director, Lindsey Shewmaker, informed the Board that the Toy Chest will operate on 12/11-12/12 this <br /> year from 10a-6p. There are almost 1100 children registered. This program is open to all families at or <br /> below 200% of the federal poverty level for children ages birth to 12. Families are asked to make an <br /> appointment and we accept pre-registration up until 11/30/25. Director Shewmaker shared no county <br /> dollars are used to operate this program. DSS is ramping up our donation efforts and all money raised <br /> from this point forward will go to next year's Toy Chest. There is a Picture with Santa event being held <br /> 1 <br />