CALDWELL COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD MEETING ...
CALDWELL COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD MEETING MINUTES November 29, 2016
I.
CALL TO ORDER The Caldwell County Department of Social Services Board met on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at the Alden E. Starnes, County Office Plaza-City/County Chambers in Lenoir, North Carolina. The Board Chair, Ms. Sarah Sponenberg called the meeting to order at 3:00pm. Other Board members in attendance were Ms. Pat Stone and Ms. Trilla Annas.
II.
AGENDA, AMENDMENTS FROM BOARD OR DIRECTOR, MOTION TO APPROVE The Chair called for approval/amendment of the November 29, 2016 agenda. Mr. Will Wakefield, Director noted an addition to the agenda which was to add an item “B. Rosa Ryan, Attorney, to be introduced by Heather Hennessee, Attorney” under the Reports/Announcements section. Ms. Pat Stone made a motion the agenda be approved with the addition above noted seconded by Ms. Trilla Annas and it was approved unanimously.
III.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Chair called for approval/amendment of the October 25, 2016 board minutes. Ms. Trilla Annas made a motion the minutes be approved as written, seconded by Ms. Pat Stone and it was approved unanimously.
IV.
RECOGNITIONS A. NOVEMBER EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH, LISA CROUCH Ms. Lisa Crouch was named November 2016 Employee of the Month. Ms. Cecilia Hicks, Supervisor read the nomination which stated: “You never really know of a person’s struggles until you have walked a day in their shoes. I haven’t walked a day in this person’s shoes, but I hear and see what she deals with outside of work and wonder how she comes in to work each and every day with a smile on her face and a skip in her step. When things get crazy here she is there to step in to help. She doesn't think we notice what all she does for our team and she is one of the reasons our team is so good together. This person goes well beyond her expectations to help the citizens of Caldwell County.” The board congratulated Ms. Crouch on being named November 2016 Employee of the Month. B. INTRODUCTION OF MS. ROSA RYAN, ATTORNEY Ms. Heather Hennessee, Attorney introduced new agency Attorney, Ms. Rosa Ryan to the board. Ms. Hennessee explained that Ms. Ryan is a graduate of Wake Forest Law School and comes to us from the private practice. Ms. Hennessee stated that Ms. Ryan has hit the ground running and is already working Child Welfare and Dependency cases. The board welcomed Ms. Ryan to the agency.
V.
REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Foster Children’s Christmas Party Ms. Valerie Ackerman, Social Worker spoke to the board regarding our Foster Children’s Christmas Party. Ms. Ackerman stated that the board is invited to attend the Foster Children’s Christmas Party which will be pancakes and presents with Santa. Ms. Ackerman stated that local
area churches volunteer to host our families and children at their location. Ms. Ackerman added that the party is made possible through numerous community and individual donations as well as donations from local churches Mountain Grove and First Baptist Church of Lenoir. Ms. Ackerman stated that the donations allow the agency to purchase a gift from Santa for each child. The board thanked Ms. Ackerman for her report. B. ADULT ANGEL TREE Ms. April Davis, Supervisor spoke to the board regarding our Adult Angel Tree. Ms. Davis explained that for more than 20 years our agency has done an Adult Angel Tree Project. Ms. Davis explained that this project is much like what the Salvation Army does for local children. Ms. Davis stated that a Christmas tree is placed in the agency with referrals of adults who have very little family support at all to no family support. Ms. Davis stated that the referrals come from social workers and assisted living facilities. Ms. Davis stated that this year we had 106 referrals which consisted of our Wards, CAP and APS clients as well as those residents in assisted living facilities. Ms. Davis added that in less than two weeks, all of the angels were sponsored. Ms. Davis stated that DSS staff, Health Department staff, local churches as well as a physician’s office all sponsored the angels again this year. Ms. Davis explained that the gifts are already coming back into the agency. Ms. Davis explained that the project is very humbling as the gifts that are requested are for mostly basic necessities of life that are often taken for granted. Ms. Davis added that we always have volunteers in the agency who help with shopping and gift wrapping as well to make this project a huge success year after year. The board thanked Ms. Davis for her report. VI.
MONTHLY UPDATES A. Financial Report Mr. Chris Conley, Business Officer presented the October 2016 County Finance Monthly Report stating that we expensed $1,366,066.00, received $1,255,900.00, and used $376,938.00 of county funds to operate during the month. Mr. Conley stated that we are right where we want to be with the budget at this time. The board thanked Mr. Conley for his report. B. Director’s Report Mr. Will Wakefield, Director reported that we are currently seeking to fill several vacant positions at this time. Mr. Wakefield added that we have had several vacancies for a while. Mr. Wakefield explained that with the economy improving, we have seen fewer job applications coming in. Mr. Wakefield explained that we have several folks we are looking at this time and are hoping to fill those vacancies quickly. Mr. Wakefield added that with vacancies the work load has to be spread out among other staff to provide coverage for vacant positions. Mr. Wakefield added that hopefully, we can get that work load back on the vacant positions soon. Mr. Wakefield also explained that the Family First Prevention Services Act could allow us much more flexibility in the usage of our IV-E funds. Mr. Wakefield added this bill was initially put on hold; however, is now back on the table with a possible passage of the bill by Christmas. Mr. Wakefield stated that he will keep the board informed and will give an update at the December board meeting. The board thanked Mr. Wakefield for his report. C. Adult & Family Support Highlights Mr. Jack Daulton, Program Administrator spoke to the board regarding our Adult and Family Support Highlights. Mr. Daulton stated that we provided Subsidized Child Care Assistance to 795 children, spending $277,140.00. Mr. Daulton added that we are currently overspending; however,
that is not uncommon this time of year due to the increased costs that were paid out for summer child care. Mr. Daulton explained that the Division of Child Development and Early Education is monitoring the entire state due to statewide overspending. Mr. Daulton stated that the state may come up with a plan to get the overspending under control; however, if that does not occur we will have to explore options in-house at the local level. Mr. Daulton also stated that our Emergency Assistance Crisis Intervention Program applications began on November 14th and our Low Income Energy Assistance Program will begin taking applications on December 1st. Mr. Daulton stated that our first floor staff our currently being trained to assist with the large volumes of customers in the next couple of weeks. Mr. Daulton explained that the cold weather has folks lined up at the door seeking assistance for these programs. The board thanked Mr. Daulton for his report. D. Children’s Services Highlights Mr. Will Wakefield, Director spoke to the board regarding our Children’s Services Highlights. Mr. Wakefield stated that the 18-21 year olds will have more options for foster care beginning January 2017. Mr. Wakefield added that this new ruling will provide these children more options and flexibility as they transition to living on their own. Mr. Wakefield explained that counties also will receive additional funding using state and federal dollars. Mr. Wakefield stated that there will be a little more work for us on this end and we are still hoping to learn more information about this new change as it is fast approaching. Mr. Wakefield noted that the Child Welfare Data listed on the highlights are for October 2016 and not September 2016. Mr. Wakefield also reported that universities across the state are revamping their social work curriculum to better prepare social work students for a career in child welfare social work. Mr. Wakefield added that social work is a very stressful job that can have the potential for burnout. The board thanked Mr. Wakefield for his report. VII.
BOARD GOVERNANCE A. You are invited to attend the Annual Foster Children’s Christmas Party B. Next Board Meeting-Thursday, December 15, 2016, ***Amended Time 2:00pm*** at the Health & Human Services Building/Third Floor Training Atrium and Christmas Drop-in to immediately follow C. January Board Meeting Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 3pm at the Alden E. Starnes, County Office Plaza/City-County Chambers
VIII.
ADJOURN With no further business, the Chair called for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Pat Stone made a motion to adjourn seconded by Ms. Trilla Annas and it was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 3:40pm.
I.
CALL TO ORDER The Caldwell County Department of Social Services Board met on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at the Alden E. Starnes, County Office Plaza-City/County Chambers in Lenoir, North Carolina. The Board Chair, Ms. Sarah Sponenberg called the meeting to order at 3:00pm. Other Board members in attendance were Ms. Pat Stone and Ms. Trilla Annas.
II.
AGENDA, AMENDMENTS FROM BOARD OR DIRECTOR, MOTION TO APPROVE The Chair called for approval/amendment of the November 29, 2016 agenda. Mr. Will Wakefield, Director noted an addition to the agenda which was to add an item “B. Rosa Ryan, Attorney, to be introduced by Heather Hennessee, Attorney” under the Reports/Announcements section. Ms. Pat Stone made a motion the agenda be approved with the addition above noted seconded by Ms. Trilla Annas and it was approved unanimously.
III.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Chair called for approval/amendment of the October 25, 2016 board minutes. Ms. Trilla Annas made a motion the minutes be approved as written, seconded by Ms. Pat Stone and it was approved unanimously.
IV.
RECOGNITIONS A. NOVEMBER EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH, LISA CROUCH Ms. Lisa Crouch was named November 2016 Employee of the Month. Ms. Cecilia Hicks, Supervisor read the nomination which stated: “You never really know of a person’s struggles until you have walked a day in their shoes. I haven’t walked a day in this person’s shoes, but I hear and see what she deals with outside of work and wonder how she comes in to work each and every day with a smile on her face and a skip in her step. When things get crazy here she is there to step in to help. She doesn't think we notice what all she does for our team and she is one of the reasons our team is so good together. This person goes well beyond her expectations to help the citizens of Caldwell County.” The board congratulated Ms. Crouch on being named November 2016 Employee of the Month. B. INTRODUCTION OF MS. ROSA RYAN, ATTORNEY Ms. Heather Hennessee, Attorney introduced new agency Attorney, Ms. Rosa Ryan to the board. Ms. Hennessee explained that Ms. Ryan is a graduate of Wake Forest Law School and comes to us from the private practice. Ms. Hennessee stated that Ms. Ryan has hit the ground running and is already working Child Welfare and Dependency cases. The board welcomed Ms. Ryan to the agency.
V.
REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Foster Children’s Christmas Party Ms. Valerie Ackerman, Social Worker spoke to the board regarding our Foster Children’s Christmas Party. Ms. Ackerman stated that the board is invited to attend the Foster Children’s Christmas Party which will be pancakes and presents with Santa. Ms. Ackerman stated that local
area churches volunteer to host our families and children at their location. Ms. Ackerman added that the party is made possible through numerous community and individual donations as well as donations from local churches Mountain Grove and First Baptist Church of Lenoir. Ms. Ackerman stated that the donations allow the agency to purchase a gift from Santa for each child. The board thanked Ms. Ackerman for her report. B. ADULT ANGEL TREE Ms. April Davis, Supervisor spoke to the board regarding our Adult Angel Tree. Ms. Davis explained that for more than 20 years our agency has done an Adult Angel Tree Project. Ms. Davis explained that this project is much like what the Salvation Army does for local children. Ms. Davis stated that a Christmas tree is placed in the agency with referrals of adults who have very little family support at all to no family support. Ms. Davis stated that the referrals come from social workers and assisted living facilities. Ms. Davis stated that this year we had 106 referrals which consisted of our Wards, CAP and APS clients as well as those residents in assisted living facilities. Ms. Davis added that in less than two weeks, all of the angels were sponsored. Ms. Davis stated that DSS staff, Health Department staff, local churches as well as a physician’s office all sponsored the angels again this year. Ms. Davis explained that the gifts are already coming back into the agency. Ms. Davis explained that the project is very humbling as the gifts that are requested are for mostly basic necessities of life that are often taken for granted. Ms. Davis added that we always have volunteers in the agency who help with shopping and gift wrapping as well to make this project a huge success year after year. The board thanked Ms. Davis for her report. VI.
MONTHLY UPDATES A. Financial Report Mr. Chris Conley, Business Officer presented the October 2016 County Finance Monthly Report stating that we expensed $1,366,066.00, received $1,255,900.00, and used $376,938.00 of county funds to operate during the month. Mr. Conley stated that we are right where we want to be with the budget at this time. The board thanked Mr. Conley for his report. B. Director’s Report Mr. Will Wakefield, Director reported that we are currently seeking to fill several vacant positions at this time. Mr. Wakefield added that we have had several vacancies for a while. Mr. Wakefield explained that with the economy improving, we have seen fewer job applications coming in. Mr. Wakefield explained that we have several folks we are looking at this time and are hoping to fill those vacancies quickly. Mr. Wakefield added that with vacancies the work load has to be spread out among other staff to provide coverage for vacant positions. Mr. Wakefield added that hopefully, we can get that work load back on the vacant positions soon. Mr. Wakefield also explained that the Family First Prevention Services Act could allow us much more flexibility in the usage of our IV-E funds. Mr. Wakefield added this bill was initially put on hold; however, is now back on the table with a possible passage of the bill by Christmas. Mr. Wakefield stated that he will keep the board informed and will give an update at the December board meeting. The board thanked Mr. Wakefield for his report. C. Adult & Family Support Highlights Mr. Jack Daulton, Program Administrator spoke to the board regarding our Adult and Family Support Highlights. Mr. Daulton stated that we provided Subsidized Child Care Assistance to 795 children, spending $277,140.00. Mr. Daulton added that we are currently overspending; however,
that is not uncommon this time of year due to the increased costs that were paid out for summer child care. Mr. Daulton explained that the Division of Child Development and Early Education is monitoring the entire state due to statewide overspending. Mr. Daulton stated that the state may come up with a plan to get the overspending under control; however, if that does not occur we will have to explore options in-house at the local level. Mr. Daulton also stated that our Emergency Assistance Crisis Intervention Program applications began on November 14th and our Low Income Energy Assistance Program will begin taking applications on December 1st. Mr. Daulton stated that our first floor staff our currently being trained to assist with the large volumes of customers in the next couple of weeks. Mr. Daulton explained that the cold weather has folks lined up at the door seeking assistance for these programs. The board thanked Mr. Daulton for his report. D. Children’s Services Highlights Mr. Will Wakefield, Director spoke to the board regarding our Children’s Services Highlights. Mr. Wakefield stated that the 18-21 year olds will have more options for foster care beginning January 2017. Mr. Wakefield added that this new ruling will provide these children more options and flexibility as they transition to living on their own. Mr. Wakefield explained that counties also will receive additional funding using state and federal dollars. Mr. Wakefield stated that there will be a little more work for us on this end and we are still hoping to learn more information about this new change as it is fast approaching. Mr. Wakefield noted that the Child Welfare Data listed on the highlights are for October 2016 and not September 2016. Mr. Wakefield also reported that universities across the state are revamping their social work curriculum to better prepare social work students for a career in child welfare social work. Mr. Wakefield added that social work is a very stressful job that can have the potential for burnout. The board thanked Mr. Wakefield for his report. VII.
BOARD GOVERNANCE A. You are invited to attend the Annual Foster Children’s Christmas Party B. Next Board Meeting-Thursday, December 15, 2016, ***Amended Time 2:00pm*** at the Health & Human Services Building/Third Floor Training Atrium and Christmas Drop-in to immediately follow C. January Board Meeting Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 3pm at the Alden E. Starnes, County Office Plaza/City-County Chambers
VIII.
ADJOURN With no further business, the Chair called for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Pat Stone made a motion to adjourn seconded by Ms. Trilla Annas and it was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 3:40pm.
