One of the things to remember as you read over this one is that some form of an integrated resource directory for the Northern Neck is something that many groups have suggested and sought after. This proposal could be a part of several of the other suggestions for a more centralized or coordinated approach. Again, in the Lancaster Community Conversation group's own words:
Action Item
INTEGRATED DATABASE OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES
(Lancaster Visions Group: Proposed 3/27/10)
Goal:
To establish a comprehensive and accessible database of community resources (services & programs)
Reasons needed:
To match community resources to community needs
To encourage cooperation, collaboration and communication among providers
To assist in identifying gaps in services/programs
To decrease duplication of services and programs
Implementation
1.Identify what’s already in place and/or in development such as:
Connect Rappahannock
Visions Resource Sharing meetings
Northumberland/Lancaster Interfaith Services Council (has gathered
information with assistance from St. Andrew’s on 30-40
resources/providers)
Other organizations such as Bay Aging, DSS, CRS, etc. also have information
2.Determine contents/categories
3.Gather information of resources/programs
Specifics on service/program
Contact Person (ex. for future updating)
4.Create database
5.Maintain database including updates
Questions:
1.Limit to Northumberland and Lancaster Counties?
2.Leadership/task force to develop and implement?
3.Who will be responsible for compiling and maintaining the database?
Skilled volunteers to research and input data?
4.How to market this resource and make information available?
Financial Implications:
1.Part-time Database Project Coordinator (paid or volunteer)
2.Web Page design and maintenance (webmaster)
NOTE: This Action Idea may be a “stand alone” project or integrated into the Clearinghouse model Action Idea also proposed by the Lancaster Group.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
"I Can, I Will" proposal from the Lancaster group
Here is another thoughtful proposal that came out of the Lancaster Community Conversation.
Action Item
“I CAN, I WILL”
Visions Lancaster Group: Proposed 3/27/10
Goal:
To form a grass roots partnership between Bay Aging and residents of local communities/neighborhoods, connecting Bay Aging Options Counselors with individuals and/or groups who desire to become empowered to advocate for and obtain resources in order to achieve and sustain self-sufficiency.
Description:
Options Counselors would identify trusted and natural leader(s) (patriarch/matriarch types, for example) in a neighborhood or local community who would be engaged to gather together those in the neighborhood/community with like needs and concerns. The counselor and local leader would develop a plan offering effective strategies to gather potential participants for exchange of information on resources at local gatherings. Gatherings would take place in the leader’s home (think “Tupperware parties”) or other accessible, friendly location with the leader as convener.
The desired outcomes would include: self identification of needs and ways to achieve self sufficiency; development of skills and knowledge for advocating for themselves or for a neighborhood/local community’s needs; effective and respectful partnering of providers and those seeking services. The local participants would have ownership of and control over the process. The concept is one of empowerment.
Background:
Bay Aging currently has Options Counselors who provide counseling and assistance to consumers through an emergency services program. The funding for this program ends in this fiscal year.
Bay Aging has noted success in a paradigm that sends Options Counselors in some cases into homes and local communities, partnering with the local resident(s) or family to assist in determining needs and goals and then helping match them with services.
The project proposed in this Action Idea would use and build on an already established and trained base at Bay Aging and their past experience in a process that appears to offer promise for the grass roots partnering we propose.
Financial Considerations:
•Partial funding for Options Counselors
•Stipends and expense reimbursement for local leaders
•Transportation made available to participants, as needed through Bay Transit or some other provider
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Next Lancaster Community Conversation contribution
At left, Cathy Hemans goes into more detail as the rest of us listen carefully.
The Lancaster group had some great ideas. Here's another in their own words:
Action Item
NORTHERN NECK COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT CENTER
(Lancaster Visions Group: Proposed 3/27/10
Description:
The Center will be a centralized gathering place, initially for women and their children under school age, where Moms can meet and interact with each other in a comfortable environment. The Center will be a place to visit with each other, form support groups and participate in programs and planned activities, targeting needs and interests determined by participants. The goals of the Center include networking, building support systems and helping people who desire to improve their lives and the lives of their families. The Center will serve as a central resource to provide information concerning area events and programs that will enrich and enhance the lives of those coming to and participating in the Center as well as offering programs and events on site. Supervision, care and enrichment activities will be available for the children during parent participation in adult programs.
Programs and information may include, for example, such topics as:
1. How to start and develop a business
2. Education planning (how to prepare for and get a GED; becoming a CNA; exploring other certifications and/or technical programs; educational opportunities at the community college level, etc. including identifying sources of funding, etc.)
3. Resume building; interviewing techniques; job related issues.
4. Parenting
5. Nutrition; meal planning/preparation
6. Arts, crafts, photography, gardening
7. Budgeting; credit and debt issues; home acquisition planning.
8. Matching volunteer mentor and/or coaches with those interested in one on one or group mentoring/coaching.
Location:
A suggested location might be the former Sears Roebuck store in the Lancaster Shopping Center which could be leased and divided into various spaces depending on type of use. Another possibility might be the development of such a center as an adjunct to the local library.
Staffing
Initially, one or two paid positions: Director, either full time or part-time. Part time would work if center initially open only on designated days. Part time assistant could be helpful. Develop and use volunteers for some functions. Community members with special areas of expertise used for programs.
Other Considerations
Parking
Transportation
Food Availability
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Another Lancaster Community Conversation proposal
Again, the Lancaster group put a lot of thought and effort into their proposals and I'm going to respect that by including them verbatim. This is the second of their five proposed strategies.
Action Item
CENTRALIZED RESOURCE CLEARINGHOUSE FOR LANCASTER & NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTIES
Lancaster Visions Group: Proposed 3/27/10
Description
To establish an “umbrella” service organization for area churches in Lancaster & Northumberland Counties to serve as a clearinghouse to match county residents seeking services and programs to community resources. *
The purpose would be to coordinate and/or utilize church resources (money, volunteers, programs) targeted to social service needs and to provide an effective, coordinated process of interviewing and connecting people with resources. The clearinghouse would work in partnership with all components of the local social services infrastructure, including the local Departments of Social Services.
The clearinghouse could offer satellite intake locations on designated days to accommodate client access. Suggested satellite locations are feasible in locations near or adjacent to where County Courthouse/County DSS are located (for ex. Heathsville for Northumberland Co, Lancaster Courthouse for “Upper” Lancaster Co.).
Current effective “Clearinghouse” models/organizations exist all around the U.S. Examples include: ACTS in Richmond, VA; ACTC in the Baltimore, MD area; LOVE, Inc. in multiple locations, etc. Other models may vary as to emphasis : 1) simply connecting needs and resources; 2) providing some services (ex. Food Pantry, Thrift store) directly on-site; 3) facilitating/offering “relational” ministries/programming.
Provision of financial and programmatic resources as distributed by government funded agencies such as local Departments of Social Services (DSS) have criteria which limit accessibility, dependent on the funding program. Other non-profit organizations (ex. Bay Aging) that utilize government grants/funding also have limitations placed on distribution. A “privately” funded clearinghouse organization has greater flexibility to assist those who fall outside the “criteria” required by government funded programs.
Some features of the Clearinghouse Model:
The program would include a paid Director (part-time or full time). It would utilize trained volunteers:
To interview and screen clients
To manage and maintain computerized data base
Of clients and use of services
Of available resources (see Lancaster Group Action Plan re Integrated Data Base)
The duties of the Director would include:
•Train and coordinate volunteers
•Oversee data bases
•Maintain contact/communication with other public (i.e. DSS’s) and private service organizations
•Serve as liaison with churches and clergy
•Develop/implement marketing and publicity strategies
•Manage operations budget, subject to Board
Funding
•From grants
•From participating churches who are able to provide funding
•In kind provision of space by churches and of volunteers
Reasons Needed
•Churches who have financial resources to distribute to people in need and people desiring assistance to help them achieve financial stability could benefit from the coordination and centralization of certain functions that make screening and distribution most effective. It is a time consuming process when decentralized fraught with concerns that our distribution from church to church may not be reaching the people who are really in need and who desire to move into longer term financial stability.
•It is a way for smaller churches, less financially able, to participate in a network of service provision and be an integral part of the connection of area residents to services.
•It offers an opportunity for all the churches, whatever the denomination, whatever the population they serve, to come together, to develop relational ministries and to serve the common good.
•It eases the access challenges for potential clients, who at this time, go from church to church, service organization to service organization, as they seek assistance.
•The ministerial associations (Lancaster and Northumberland) have identified a need to examine some form of centralization of certain functions and greater coordination of identification and distribution of church and community resources.
•It would help reduce the overuse of financial assistance by those individuals who utilize the system to perpetuate a dependent lifestyle and model such to continuing generations.
•It would better assure that the limited financial resources are distributed in a way that would more effectively impact poverty in the Northern Neck and assist those who desire to achieve financial stability and independence.
•It could help decrease overlap and/or duplication of services.
•It could help identify gaps in services/programming that may be needed for area residents and stimulate the development of such.
*Alternative would be to develop this model within an existing non-for-profit organization, such as Church Resource Service (CRS) or Lancaster/Northumberland Interfaith Services Council
Action Item
CENTRALIZED RESOURCE CLEARINGHOUSE FOR LANCASTER & NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTIES
Lancaster Visions Group: Proposed 3/27/10
Description
To establish an “umbrella” service organization for area churches in Lancaster & Northumberland Counties to serve as a clearinghouse to match county residents seeking services and programs to community resources. *
The purpose would be to coordinate and/or utilize church resources (money, volunteers, programs) targeted to social service needs and to provide an effective, coordinated process of interviewing and connecting people with resources. The clearinghouse would work in partnership with all components of the local social services infrastructure, including the local Departments of Social Services.
The clearinghouse could offer satellite intake locations on designated days to accommodate client access. Suggested satellite locations are feasible in locations near or adjacent to where County Courthouse/County DSS are located (for ex. Heathsville for Northumberland Co, Lancaster Courthouse for “Upper” Lancaster Co.).
Current effective “Clearinghouse” models/organizations exist all around the U.S. Examples include: ACTS in Richmond, VA; ACTC in the Baltimore, MD area; LOVE, Inc. in multiple locations, etc. Other models may vary as to emphasis : 1) simply connecting needs and resources; 2) providing some services (ex. Food Pantry, Thrift store) directly on-site; 3) facilitating/offering “relational” ministries/programming.
Provision of financial and programmatic resources as distributed by government funded agencies such as local Departments of Social Services (DSS) have criteria which limit accessibility, dependent on the funding program. Other non-profit organizations (ex. Bay Aging) that utilize government grants/funding also have limitations placed on distribution. A “privately” funded clearinghouse organization has greater flexibility to assist those who fall outside the “criteria” required by government funded programs.
Some features of the Clearinghouse Model:
The program would include a paid Director (part-time or full time). It would utilize trained volunteers:
To interview and screen clients
To manage and maintain computerized data base
Of clients and use of services
Of available resources (see Lancaster Group Action Plan re Integrated Data Base)
The duties of the Director would include:
•Train and coordinate volunteers
•Oversee data bases
•Maintain contact/communication with other public (i.e. DSS’s) and private service organizations
•Serve as liaison with churches and clergy
•Develop/implement marketing and publicity strategies
•Manage operations budget, subject to Board
Funding
•From grants
•From participating churches who are able to provide funding
•In kind provision of space by churches and of volunteers
Reasons Needed
•Churches who have financial resources to distribute to people in need and people desiring assistance to help them achieve financial stability could benefit from the coordination and centralization of certain functions that make screening and distribution most effective. It is a time consuming process when decentralized fraught with concerns that our distribution from church to church may not be reaching the people who are really in need and who desire to move into longer term financial stability.
•It is a way for smaller churches, less financially able, to participate in a network of service provision and be an integral part of the connection of area residents to services.
•It offers an opportunity for all the churches, whatever the denomination, whatever the population they serve, to come together, to develop relational ministries and to serve the common good.
•It eases the access challenges for potential clients, who at this time, go from church to church, service organization to service organization, as they seek assistance.
•The ministerial associations (Lancaster and Northumberland) have identified a need to examine some form of centralization of certain functions and greater coordination of identification and distribution of church and community resources.
•It would help reduce the overuse of financial assistance by those individuals who utilize the system to perpetuate a dependent lifestyle and model such to continuing generations.
•It would better assure that the limited financial resources are distributed in a way that would more effectively impact poverty in the Northern Neck and assist those who desire to achieve financial stability and independence.
•It could help decrease overlap and/or duplication of services.
•It could help identify gaps in services/programming that may be needed for area residents and stimulate the development of such.
*Alternative would be to develop this model within an existing non-for-profit organization, such as Church Resource Service (CRS) or Lancaster/Northumberland Interfaith Services Council
Monday, April 5, 2010
The first of the Lancaster Action Forum plans!
The Lancaster group, facilitated by Torrence Harman and Lorraine Justice, came up with a number of very well thought out plans. Because they put so much effort into communicating their ideas and suggestions, I am going to post just one, in their own words, each day. My hope is that this will allow time to read and really absorb what their strategies involve. It's the best substitute I can make for their actual presentation.
Action Item
FROM POVERTY TO PROSPERITY
(Lancaster Visions Group: Proposed 3/27/10)
Goal:
To create opportunities for those in poverty (especially young people) to be exposed to/interact with role models who have moved from poverty to prosperity with the goal to motivate, inspire and support those in poverty towards productive lives and financial stability.
Implementation:
Identify local community persons who are knowledgeable about families and individuals who have prospered here and whose children are employed and working in various capacities successfully in other areas to come and share their success stories at the local level.
Through Guidance Services at the local high schools that track young people whose backgrounds suggest poverty but have achieved success by attending community colleges, four year colleges, vocational training programs, armed services, apprenticeship programs – thus leading to successful careers and meaningful lives.
Through Departments of Social Services who have familiarity with those persons/families who have availed themselves of employment and educational opportunities leading to more stable life styles.
Through local churches who have direct access to families they have helped financially as well as spiritually to a better life – one no longer in poverty speaking to interested groups in their churches.
Identify and establish opportunities for the above to share their stories (motivational – from poverty to prosperity) with young people in this area. For example:
*At Career Days at the local high schools.
*Through church sponsored events targeting those in youth programs in local churches.
*Reinforce and support youth motivated to make good decisions about education, health and employment with programs such as:
Local health personnel, willing to lead discussion on the values of maintaining good health and the dangers of young ladies having babies too early for themselves and their young children.
Local employers and others willing to speak with people of limited means and potentially stunted employment futures giving them pointers to possible employment opportunities and ways to advance in their companies. Other speakers providing pointers on resume building, interviewing advice, dressing for employment, etc.
*Reinforce and support families/parents motivated to encourage and support their children in their efforts towards education, training, financial stability, independence and good decision making with efforts such as:
Programs on availability of scholarships and other resources to enable continuation of education and/or achievement of certifications
Programs on effective parenting, child and youth development and motivation
Background & Rationale for the Proposed Action Plan
Poverty has many definitions. The U. S. Census stated that in 2005 the poverty line for a family of four was $19,350 per year and for an individual, $9,750. Living on less than this means living in total poverty. Poverty can lead to dependency, hopelessness and despair. Generational coping methods can perpetuate the cycle of poverty and dependency.
The Northern Neck has its share of poverty. Poverty here stems from many things. There never seems to be enough income to insure a decent living. People in poverty suffer from economic deprivation and therefore poor quality of life. To understand how people feel, the following areas should be examined with the question “What it is like . . . .
1. To be hungry?
2. To be homeless or living in substandard homes?
3. To have inadequate or no health care access?
4. To experience poor educational quality?
5. To be in an environment where labor market opportunities are lacking with a high percentage of adults in rural areas unemployed.?
6. To live in a neighborhood with a poor quality of life and few or no role models to demonstrate ways to better their conditions of life?
The list could be expanded with statistics showing more than 1 in 6 persons in rural areas listed as being poor.
Question: Is there a proven method to move from poverty to prosperity? The answer is “Yes!” There are people from this area that have succeeded despite all odds. As former first lady, Hillary Clinton stated, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Education and meaningful work opportunities are paths one must take and use to get out of poverty. The key is to help motivate our young people to see that such paths are within reach and achievable by being exposed to real life success stories who share what is needed to reach the goals of an improved, stable and prosperous way of life.
The Commonwealth of Virginia’s Poverty Reduction Task Force states that learning and skill development is a cumulative, lifelong process. Thus, preschool intervention that helps develop cognitive and socio-emotional skills have a higher return on families’ movement out of poverty than trying intervention later. Quality education beginning in pre-school or earlier makes the path into life learning and the way out of poverty much more likely.
People in poverty must buy into the concept that education and work leads to a better, more productive life. Parents, in particular must guide their children to accept the role of education as their way to a better life. Even if it appears that education hasn’t helped their parents, children must be taught to buy into the concept that a better life comes with being prepared academically. Families who have been able to help guide their children to use education and skill building as their road map to a better life in our area have been successful. Many of these families have children who completed high school, attended community colleges, four year colleges and graduate programs, joined the armed services obtaining training in various skills needed in the world of work, attended vocational schools and apprenticeship programs as well as on the job training, etc. Many of these persons who return to visit family members and some of these same people who now live and work in this area may be willing and would be very effective to speak with groups of people, especially young people, to demonstrate ways they used to move from poverty to prosperity. These people need to be people willing to help people in poverty to move to prosperity without making those in poverty feel like second class people. People in poverty must feel and understand that those trying to help are sincere and focused in their desire to help.
Action Item
FROM POVERTY TO PROSPERITY
(Lancaster Visions Group: Proposed 3/27/10)
Goal:
To create opportunities for those in poverty (especially young people) to be exposed to/interact with role models who have moved from poverty to prosperity with the goal to motivate, inspire and support those in poverty towards productive lives and financial stability.
Implementation:
Identify local community persons who are knowledgeable about families and individuals who have prospered here and whose children are employed and working in various capacities successfully in other areas to come and share their success stories at the local level.
Through Guidance Services at the local high schools that track young people whose backgrounds suggest poverty but have achieved success by attending community colleges, four year colleges, vocational training programs, armed services, apprenticeship programs – thus leading to successful careers and meaningful lives.
Through Departments of Social Services who have familiarity with those persons/families who have availed themselves of employment and educational opportunities leading to more stable life styles.
Through local churches who have direct access to families they have helped financially as well as spiritually to a better life – one no longer in poverty speaking to interested groups in their churches.
Identify and establish opportunities for the above to share their stories (motivational – from poverty to prosperity) with young people in this area. For example:
*At Career Days at the local high schools.
*Through church sponsored events targeting those in youth programs in local churches.
*Reinforce and support youth motivated to make good decisions about education, health and employment with programs such as:
Local health personnel, willing to lead discussion on the values of maintaining good health and the dangers of young ladies having babies too early for themselves and their young children.
Local employers and others willing to speak with people of limited means and potentially stunted employment futures giving them pointers to possible employment opportunities and ways to advance in their companies. Other speakers providing pointers on resume building, interviewing advice, dressing for employment, etc.
*Reinforce and support families/parents motivated to encourage and support their children in their efforts towards education, training, financial stability, independence and good decision making with efforts such as:
Programs on availability of scholarships and other resources to enable continuation of education and/or achievement of certifications
Programs on effective parenting, child and youth development and motivation
Background & Rationale for the Proposed Action Plan
Poverty has many definitions. The U. S. Census stated that in 2005 the poverty line for a family of four was $19,350 per year and for an individual, $9,750. Living on less than this means living in total poverty. Poverty can lead to dependency, hopelessness and despair. Generational coping methods can perpetuate the cycle of poverty and dependency.
The Northern Neck has its share of poverty. Poverty here stems from many things. There never seems to be enough income to insure a decent living. People in poverty suffer from economic deprivation and therefore poor quality of life. To understand how people feel, the following areas should be examined with the question “What it is like . . . .
1. To be hungry?
2. To be homeless or living in substandard homes?
3. To have inadequate or no health care access?
4. To experience poor educational quality?
5. To be in an environment where labor market opportunities are lacking with a high percentage of adults in rural areas unemployed.?
6. To live in a neighborhood with a poor quality of life and few or no role models to demonstrate ways to better their conditions of life?
The list could be expanded with statistics showing more than 1 in 6 persons in rural areas listed as being poor.
Question: Is there a proven method to move from poverty to prosperity? The answer is “Yes!” There are people from this area that have succeeded despite all odds. As former first lady, Hillary Clinton stated, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Education and meaningful work opportunities are paths one must take and use to get out of poverty. The key is to help motivate our young people to see that such paths are within reach and achievable by being exposed to real life success stories who share what is needed to reach the goals of an improved, stable and prosperous way of life.
The Commonwealth of Virginia’s Poverty Reduction Task Force states that learning and skill development is a cumulative, lifelong process. Thus, preschool intervention that helps develop cognitive and socio-emotional skills have a higher return on families’ movement out of poverty than trying intervention later. Quality education beginning in pre-school or earlier makes the path into life learning and the way out of poverty much more likely.
People in poverty must buy into the concept that education and work leads to a better, more productive life. Parents, in particular must guide their children to accept the role of education as their way to a better life. Even if it appears that education hasn’t helped their parents, children must be taught to buy into the concept that a better life comes with being prepared academically. Families who have been able to help guide their children to use education and skill building as their road map to a better life in our area have been successful. Many of these families have children who completed high school, attended community colleges, four year colleges and graduate programs, joined the armed services obtaining training in various skills needed in the world of work, attended vocational schools and apprenticeship programs as well as on the job training, etc. Many of these persons who return to visit family members and some of these same people who now live and work in this area may be willing and would be very effective to speak with groups of people, especially young people, to demonstrate ways they used to move from poverty to prosperity. These people need to be people willing to help people in poverty to move to prosperity without making those in poverty feel like second class people. People in poverty must feel and understand that those trying to help are sincere and focused in their desire to help.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
More from the Action Forum
The White Stone group was a large one. They met on Saturday evenings, sharing a meal, and then split into three smaller groups. Each group made one recommendation. Lance Barton, one of the facilitators, presented those ideas.
One group suggested a publication cataloging resources available in the Northern Neck. This would be used as a guide by churches and other organizations to direct individuals to these resources based on their needs.
Another group proposed a centralized food bank warehouse in the Northern Neck that would support existing food banks. It would provide food to area food banks at very little cost, organize food drives, and help with basic logistics for running a food bank (dry goods and cold storage). This Food Bank Warehouse would provide food to individuals on a referral basis, but its primary function is to support new and existing food banks.
A third group would like to see the organization of a panel/community conversation made up of individuals who have come out of poverty and a comprehensive report of the results.
Dave Alberts and Marilyn Warren co-facilitated a Community Conversation in Kilmarnock. Dave presented their report. It is posted here in its entirety.
VISION
We are a caring, compassionate, diverse community working together to build hope and prosperity for all.
ISSUE
Each of the many organizations in the Northern Neck serves a clientele segment but sometimes competes or overlaps with other organizations or efforts. These varied individual efforts of organizations need to come together to better coordinate and extend their services.
IDEAS
•Support the efforts of the churches through the Interfaith Council to coordinate their services to those in need
•Develop a broadly inclusive universal community resources “catalog”, website and contact centers; i.e. a Clearinghouse
•Supplement volunteer-run programs with part-time trained staff
•Support the expansion of broadband communication as a resource for on-line learning and job searching and sharing of community resources. Along with this is the need for more technical training to new or minimally experienced users of the Internet.
•Expand the Youth Summer Jobs Program to include those needing to develop more consistent work ethics. This should be operated year-round and be supported by prospective employers.
mjw & dla
3/22/10
VISIONS would like to thank those organizations that hosted a conversation group, Macedonia Baptist Church in Heathsville, Trinity Episcopal Church in Lancaster, the Lancaster Community Library in Kilmarnock, and White Stone Church of the Nazarene in White Stone.
The Lancaster group presented last. Their suggestions were extremely well thought-out and detailed, so I'll be posting them one at a time over the next few days.
One group suggested a publication cataloging resources available in the Northern Neck. This would be used as a guide by churches and other organizations to direct individuals to these resources based on their needs.
Another group proposed a centralized food bank warehouse in the Northern Neck that would support existing food banks. It would provide food to area food banks at very little cost, organize food drives, and help with basic logistics for running a food bank (dry goods and cold storage). This Food Bank Warehouse would provide food to individuals on a referral basis, but its primary function is to support new and existing food banks.
A third group would like to see the organization of a panel/community conversation made up of individuals who have come out of poverty and a comprehensive report of the results.
Dave Alberts and Marilyn Warren co-facilitated a Community Conversation in Kilmarnock. Dave presented their report. It is posted here in its entirety.
VISION
We are a caring, compassionate, diverse community working together to build hope and prosperity for all.
ISSUE
Each of the many organizations in the Northern Neck serves a clientele segment but sometimes competes or overlaps with other organizations or efforts. These varied individual efforts of organizations need to come together to better coordinate and extend their services.
IDEAS
•Support the efforts of the churches through the Interfaith Council to coordinate their services to those in need
•Develop a broadly inclusive universal community resources “catalog”, website and contact centers; i.e. a Clearinghouse
•Supplement volunteer-run programs with part-time trained staff
•Support the expansion of broadband communication as a resource for on-line learning and job searching and sharing of community resources. Along with this is the need for more technical training to new or minimally experienced users of the Internet.
•Expand the Youth Summer Jobs Program to include those needing to develop more consistent work ethics. This should be operated year-round and be supported by prospective employers.
mjw & dla
3/22/10
VISIONS would like to thank those organizations that hosted a conversation group, Macedonia Baptist Church in Heathsville, Trinity Episcopal Church in Lancaster, the Lancaster Community Library in Kilmarnock, and White Stone Church of the Nazarene in White Stone.
The Lancaster group presented last. Their suggestions were extremely well thought-out and detailed, so I'll be posting them one at a time over the next few days.
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