colusa, glenn& trinity community action partnershipthe strengthsfinder training has been adopted...

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Colusa, Glenn, & Trinity Community Action Partnership 2010 Annual Report

Colusa, Glenn& Trinity

Community action partnership

2010 Annual Report

Uniting Forces for a Better Future

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Uniting Forces for a Better Future…

The theme for this year’s annual report, Uniting Forces for a Better Future, is very appropriate as we progress into the next decade of the 21st century. As funding priorities at the state and federal levels shift direction, we must strive to maintain the quality of services to our communities. We believe that long-term success in that endeavor will be achieved through our work to strengthen our ties with the community and improving collaboration within the tri-county area. These strategies will help our agency to sustain the CAP’s ability to provide a comprehensive array of services to better the lives of our residents. In response to current economic and social changes, the CAP will continue to work collaboratively with its partners. The CAP will adopt a regional approach to service provision and funds-seeking and work to streamline governmental processes to improve efficiency in its operations. Over the past year it has become increasingly clear that interagency alliances and cooperative work efforts are a key element in the CAP’s ability to sustain existing services over the long-term. The CAP will pursue the development of innovative approaches to service provision, expanding the scope of its activities in underserved areas and discovering new methods of reaching people in our communities. As an example, the CAP launched the development of a transitional housing facility in Glenn County for victims of domestic violence in 2010. The CAP is also exploring social networking avenues as a way of connecting with populations that are technically proficient, such as youth. The CAP perseveres in promoting its visibility in the eyes and minds of the public through its ongoing efforts to rebrand itself as a stand-alone entity, disassociating itself from the potential stigma of service delivery through a governmental organization. Rebranding will help communities in the tri-county area realize the numerous benefits that community action brings and encourage citizen involvement in assisting others who may be less fortunate. We applaud the Board of Directors for their ongoing commitment to the CAP and thank each member for their willingness to brave the journey down a road of uncertainty. The support of the CAP Board is essential in promoting the growth of community action in our tri-county area and by working together, Board, agency and community alike, we will conquer challenges and overcome obstacles to better assist the people we serve. Each day we face new challenges to the provision of public service and from those challenges come new opportunities to improve the quality and scope of services to our communities. The CAP will continue to strengthen our relationships with our partners in public service, navigating new funding streams and bringing the reality of a better future to our constituents.

Scott Gruendl, Director

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COMMUNITY ACTION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Category I – Elected Officials Denise Carter, Board of Supervisor, District 5 – Colusa County

Mark Marshall, Board of Supervisor, District 3 – Colusa County

Mike Murray, Board of Supervisor, District 4 – Glenn County

Steve Soeth, Board of Supervisor, District 3 – Glenn County

Judy Morris, Board of Supervisor, District 2 – Trinity County

Howard Freeman, Board of Supervisor, District 4 – Trinity County

Category II – Representatives of Economically Disadvantaged Edward Rios, Migrant Advocacy – Colusa County

Minnie Lawrence, Former County Provider & Advocate for Senior Citizens – Colusa County

Debbie Moutter, Orland Family Parent Board – Glenn County

Rev. Philip Zabell, Glenn Communities Working Together – Glenn County

Al Schroeder, Hayfork Community Center Volunteer & Employee – Trinity County

Rev. Geraldine King, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church – Trinity County

Category III – Representatives of Private Enterprise Lora Ceccon, One Stop Employment Resource Center – Colusa County

Elizabeth Kelly, Health & Human Services – Colusa County

John Minniear, Former County Housing Manager, Licensed Contractor – Glenn County

Joanne Overton, Former Board of Supervisor, Current Business Owner – Glenn County

Sandy Bechtold, Licensed Real Estate Agent & Office Manager, Cell Tower Project Lead – Trinity County

Linda Wright, Health & Human Services – Trinity County

Donna Dennis, Health & Human Services – Colusa County

Departures in 2010 Beth Meyerson, Category III – Colusa County; Original term dates: 12/2009-6/2010 & Departed 7/2010 Kay Sharpe, Category III – Colusa County; Term dates: 3/2008 & Departed 2/2010 Jack Lawrence, Category III – Colusa County; Term dates: 4/2001- 6/2010

THE PROMISE OF COMMUNITY ACTION

Community Action changes people’s lives,

embodies the spirit of hope, improves

communities, and makes America a better

place to live. We care about the entire

community, and we are dedicated to helping

people help themselves and each other.

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Continuous Improvement

As we plan for the future, we have made a strong commitment to focus on continuous improvement throughout the agency. Management staff have been grouped into three teams and are tasked with specific areas of agency management:

Leadership Team: Agency Culture and Leadership

Systems Efficiency and Effectiveness (SEE): Systems and Process

Improvement

Innovation & Development: Program Focus; Strategic Planning

The teams are guided by a formal document, which outlines the roles of the teams, their purpose, and objectives. Team membership is arranged to promote cross-unit relationships, build on strengths, and break silos. The teams gather twice a month or more frequently to report on progress and to disseminate the teams’ work agency-wide. Each team has an assigned executive sponsor, which allows executive policy to be clarified and provides the opportunity for the team to make timely recommendations to change policy.

Along with continuous improvement led by the management team, the majority of employees have participated in StrengthsFinders, which focuses on the individual strengths of employees. This training has paved the way for a strengths-based organization. The StrengthsFinder training allowed staff to determine their top strengths and how their talents can be applied in their everyday jobs. By focusing on staff strengths and talents, staff are more likely to be engaged and in turn enhance the agency’s overall service delivery system.

The StrengthsFinder training has been adopted and embraced by staff in an effort to improve the overall culture of the agency. An HRA team has been formed to provide additional trainings to new employees and ensure their talents are known and maximized in their jobs.

StrengthsFinder training sessions have made positive impacts on the overall agency culture. Staff have responded and embraced the concept of a strengths-based approach to the extent that the agency aims to capitalize on the strengths and talents of employees on a daily basis.

The following are statements provided by HRA staff in regard to the StrengthsFinder trainings:

“Great investment of time and in agency employees. Made me feel valued and proud to be part of such a caring organization!”

“Makes a new employee feel so welcome and part of something”

“Best training I have attended in many years!”

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Description of the core CSBG ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) activities

Green Build Project The Green Build project operated in conjunction with the agency’s LIHEAP, DOE, and PG&E Energy Partners programs. The project paired trainees with experienced staff to gain basic construction skills. Participants were selected from Colusa and Glenn Counties. This project specifically linked the ARRA training funds available from WIA programs, in cooperation with community colleges, and with TANF ECF funds to complete the project. Homes eligible for improvement were located in Colusa, Glenn, and Trinity counties. Food Sustainability & Safety Net Private/Public partnerships were strengthened when addressing the need for food services; access to local farm produce in agricultural counties was increased through partnerships and grassroots involvement and food stamp program participation was maximized. Five (5) community organizations strengthened their ability to respond to community needs. Four (4) new program designs and partnerships were developed or enhanced to address food sustainability. Community Gardens and Food Project Partners:

Unity in Recovery

Grindstone Rancheria

Glenn Communities Working Together

Hyampom Food For Folks Soup Kitchen

Adopt–a-Family/Adopt-an-Elder 2010

Once again the AAF/AAE program was organized and carried out by a group of dedicated volunteers, most of who work for the Glenn County HRA. This program was created to provide holiday gifts for the children of families who are in extreme financial hardship or have recently been faced with a catastrophic event in their lives, and for elders of the community who are need of comfort and cheer during this time of year.

In the fall, referrals for families and individuals were submitted by local agencies and community members, and a call went out to the community for sponsors desiring to “adopt” a child or an elder during the holiday season. The children and elders were then selected and matched with a sponsor; each child and elder generated a “wish list.” On the morning of December 17th, sponsors delivered their items to Willows Memorial Hall, and the families arrived in the afternoon to pick up the gifts and goodies for their children that were lovingly and generously provided by their sponsor. Volunteers visited elders in their homes to deliver their gifts, providing a bit of care and companionship as well.

The AAF/AAE Committee would like to express their deep gratitude to the 55 sponsors who enthusiastically answered the call, and to all of the many volunteers that assisted with this effort. We are proud to announce that 38 elders and 243 children were served through this program in 2010!

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2010 CSBG Delegate Awards

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds were awarded to organizations in Colusa and Trinity Counties to address needs within their communities. CSBG funds help to create opportunities for low-income individuals, families and communities to increase economic security, safety, and/or self-sufficiency. The following agencies were provided funding in 2010:

County Delegate Award Comments

Colusa Colusa Unified School District

$2,000 These dollars supported the Colusa High School Challenge Day annual event. Challenge Day is a one-day high school campus workshop that

aims towards preventing bullying in school settings.

Colusa Family Action

Centers of Colusa County

$2,000 The center served low income residents with safety net services (emergency shelter and food vouchers). With these funds the center served 162 households in 2010.

Colusa Colusa County

Transit $3,500

These dollars supported low income residents with out of town

medical transports; 52 individuals received out of county transport.

Colusa Williams

Ministerial Association

$2,500

The association served low income residents with safety net services in the area of Emergency Shelter (motel vouchers), Emergency fuel, and food vouchers. The association assisted 10 households with food assistance, and 14 families received shelter assistance in the form of motel.

Trinity Human

Resource Network

$8,000

HRN used these funds to serve low income residents with safety net

services in the area of utility assistance, dry goods, and emergency

shelter. With these funds we served 107 families were served in

2010.

Trinity Douglas City Soup Kitchen

$2,000

These dollars provided low income residents with safety net services

in the area of Emergency Shelter (motel vouchers), Emergency fuel,

and food vouchers. This year, approx 125 meals were served a week,

resulting in over 6,000 meals to local residents.

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Changing Lives in 2010

The Colusa, Glenn, Trinity Community Action Partnership (CGTCAP) has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of families and individuals. With the help of CGTCAP resources, we can change lives and assist those in need. The following success stories remind us of our purpose and the importance of the work we do for families in our local communities.

With the help of the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), a local couple received rental assistance and moved into an apartment after living in their van. Their children were living with their grandmother and their youngest son was in Child Protective Services custody. Fortunately the children are now back at home with their parents. The family successfully completed the short-term rental assistance program, and has moved into the 4-18 month program. Each month they work closely with a case manager and a credit counselor through Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP). Their goal is to reduce their credit debt and to obtain a good job to support their family. The wife/mother of the household has enrolled in college this fall to further her education and help reach their goals, and is working hard to move towards self-sufficiency for the family.

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In Trinity County, the weatherization crew had assessed a home and had plans to replace a water heater that was non-operational. The client did not have much to say during the assessment or while the work was being performed. But when the work was done, the client said to the crew member, “Thank you! I have not had hot water in more than two years.” The crew member was stunned, but kept his composure and just replied, “Hey that’s why we are here! We want your house to be efficient and want you to be safe and cozy.” It was amazing to know that the client never complained nor wished for hot water and just became content without it. Fortunately, the weatherization crew served this client and made a positive impact to his life in a way that may not have been possible without the help of Community Action.

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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families-Employment Contingency Funds Subsidized Employment Program (TANF ECF)

Community Action contracted with the Glenn County Social Services to operate the TANF ECF Subsidized Employment Program which began in December, 2009 and ended September 3, 2010. During this period of time, fifty (50) employers, both public and private, participated in the program by hiring one hundred and seven (107) Glenn County individuals. More than $1.3 million dollars in wages went directly into the pocketbooks of CalWORKs and qualifying needy families. In addition, employers were afforded the opportunity to take risks in business expansion during a period of time when Glenn County’s unemployment rate average was 16.7%, 38% above the state average. The average wage for those who worked at a public sector worksite was $11.14 per hour and those at a private sector worksite was $14.28 per hour. This extremely effective program resulted in permanent hires, furthering the positive impact that the program has had on the local economy. 56% of the new-hires remained employed after the TANF ECF Subsidized Employment Program ended, with a majority of these jobs in the private sector.

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Some of our Accomplishments in 2010…

Housing & Community

Services

•103 households received Emergency Shelter or Transitional Housing

•239 families secured safe housing

•$577,161 paid in Section 8 rental assistance

•$183,010 utilized for Homelessness Prevention & Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP) & Federal Emergency Shelter Grant (FESG )

•4,311 individuals received Emergency Food

•1,186 families avoided utility termination or fuel crisis through energy support

•$210,952 in payments made for Housing Energy Assistance

•342 Families/Individuals helped by the Volunteers in Tax Assistance (VITA)

•$298,826 in total dollars brought to households through VITA

•145 Individuals increased their ability to manage income

•8,250 Volunteer hours were given in 2010

Weatherization

• 483 Households received weatherization services to reduce energy and heating fuel consumption

• $631,200 in improvements to decrease energy and heating fuel consumption

• 780 households received energy education and conservation techniques

Employment

• 99 unemployed people obtained a job

• 102 demonstrated a measurable increase in skills/competencies required for employment

• 45 achieved “living wage” employment and benefits

•50 Glenn County employers benefited from the Emergency Contingency Funds (ECF) program

•75 ECF employees were placed in private businesses with average wages of $14.28/hour

•32 ECF employees were placed in the public sector with average wages of $11.14/hour

•61 of the total ECF employees remained employed upon the end of the program 9/3/10.

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SOURCE OF FUNDS

FEDERAL FUNDSDEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES $2,341,277 35.0%

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY $251,472 3.8%

HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT $1,965,404 29.4%

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR $872,116 13.0%

EMERGENCY FOOD & SHELTER PROGRAM $10,556 0.2%

FEDERAL EMERGENCY SHELTER PROGRAM $98,091 1.5%

VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT (VOCA) $191,241 2.9%

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES $0 0.0%

$5,730,157

STATE FUNDSOFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES $58,589 0.9%

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES-SGF $210,997 3.2%

EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM $0 0.0%

$269,586

LOCAL FUNDSCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT $17,901 0.3%

RE-USE FUNDS

CONTRACT SERVICES $159,732 2.4%

COUNTY/CITY FUNDED PROGRAMS $961 0.0%

$178,594

PRIVATE FUNDSPRIVATE SECTOR $475,936 7.1%

FUNDS FROM NON-PROFITS, AND UNITED WAY $41,514 0.6%

$517,450____________

TOTAL SOURCE OF FUNDS $6,695,787 100%

The following tables show a comprehensive breakdown of the 2010 funding sources and

destinations. The majority of funds come from the Federal government, in the form of

allocated programs. State, local, and private sector funding are also utilized as available.

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Weatherization 15%

Emergency Shelter/Housing

24%

Housing Rehab 4%

Fuel Assistance 14%

Youth Programs 7%

Employment & Training

22%

Community Services

11%

Food Bank 1%

Other 2%

1. WEATHERIZATION (WX) $1,004,091 15%

2. EMERGENCY SHELTER/HOUSING (EH) $1,575,154 24%

3. HOUSING REHABILITATION (HR) $271,497 4%

5. FUEL/UTILITY ASSISTANCE (FA) $964,658 14%

6. YOUTH PROGRAMS (YP) $448,158 7%

7. EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING (ET) $1,493,156 22%

8. COMMUNITY SERVICES (CS) $737,218 11%

9. FOOD BANKS/NUTRITION PROG (FB) $42,123 1%

10. OTHER (SERVICE & VEHICLE DEPTS) $159,732 2%

$6,695,787 100%

In 2010, there were many vital areas served with CGTCAP funding. The largest portion of funding (24%)

went to Emergency Shelter and Housing, as Colusa, Glenn and Trinity Counties to assist households hit

hard by the economic recession.

Other major areas of funding include Employment and Training (22%), Weatherization (15%), and Fuel

Assistance (14%), reflecting the broad-based approach the CGTCAP takes in improving the well-being of

communities throughout the north state.

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0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

DIRECT SERVICES PROGRAM SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

43.2%

48.8%

8.0%

Resource Usage

DIRECT SERVICES

• Energy/HEAP Payments

• Emergency Services Vouchers

• Food

• Delegate Agencies/Contract Services

• Rehabilitation and Weatherization Funds

• Employment and Training

• Section 8 Vouchers

PROGRAM SERVICES

• Program Staff Salaries

• Case Management

• Program Intake Assessments

• Supportive Costs

ADMINISTRATION

• Accounting

• Audit

• Insurance

• Salaries

• Legal Costs

Resource usage in 2010 is indicated as components of three primary categories:

Direct Services, Program Services, and Administration.

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COMMUNITY PARTNERS 2010

Local, Public, & Private Non-Profit Butte-Glenn Community College District Butte-Glenn United Way Catalyst Women’s Advocates, Inc. City of Orland City of Willows Colusa County Board of Supervisors Colusa County Literacy Colusa County Office of Education Colusa County Health & Human Services Colusa County One-Stop Partnership Colusa County Transit Colusa Unified School District Community Housing & Credit Counseling CSU, Chico Research Foundation Far Northern Regional Center First Five of Glenn & Colusa County Family Resource Center – Arbuckle & Williams Glenn County Board of Supervisors Glenn County Department of Finance Glenn County District Attorney’s Office Glenn County Health Services Glenn County Literacy Program Glenn County Office of Education Glenn County Probation Department Glenn County Planning & Public Works Glenn County Sheriff’s Department Grindstone Rancheria Hamilton City Unified School District Human Response Network (HRN) Hyampom Food for Folks Soup Kitchen Lassen County Family Services Northern California Employment Network Northern Valley Catholic Social Services Orland Police Department Orland Unified School District Passages Adult Services Rape Crisis Intervention Sierra County High Sierra Family Services Tehama County Community Action Agency Trinity County Board of Supervisors Trinity County Health & Human Services Willows Police Department Willows Recreation Department Willows Unified School District Lassen, Plumas & Sierra Counties

Community Adult Multi-Disciplinary Team A Hand Up Agency Arbuckle United Methodist Church California Youth Connection Cal Works Implementation Council Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council Children’s Multi-Disciplinary Team Citizens in Action Colusa County Chamber of Commerce Colusa County Interagency Council Colusa Impact Community Development Services Drug Court Collaborative Families Reaching Families Familias Unidas Families Building Interest Foster Parent Association – Glenn County Glenn Communities Working Together Glenn County 4-H Cooperative Extension Glenn County Child & Family Resource Network Glenn County Local Childcare Planning Council Glenn Family Violence Prevention Council Golden State Risk Management Juvenile Justice Council Lassen County Cross Roads Ministerial Latino Youth Coalition Northern Valley Indian Health Orland Ministerial Association Pacific Gas & Electric Plumas County Crisis Intervention & Resource Ctr Richard Heath & Associates Starting Over Strong Tri-Counties Bank 3 Core Trinity County Chamber of Commerce Trinity County Development Corporation Trinity County Health Care Task Force Umpqua Bank Unity in Recovery Volunteers in Police Service Westside Domestic Violence Shelter WIB / North Central Counties Consortium Willows Ministerial Association Williams Ministerial Association Youth Employment Services Collaborative

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Our Priority is Family Self-Sufficiency

Mission Statement

To promote the success and safety of

individuals, families, and communities

through responsible and effective administration of public services.

Vision

Individuals, Families, and Communities: Successful, Safe, and Strong

Program Offices:

Human Resource Agency

604 E. Walker Street

Orland, CA 95963 530.865.6129

Partner Offices:

Colusa Health & Human Services

251 E. Webster Street, Colusa, CA

530.458.0250

Human Response Network

111 Mountain View Street, Weaverville, CA

530.623.2024

Human Resource Agency – Administration & Program Offices

420 E. Laurel Street, Willows, CA 95988 530.934.6510

Find out more information about us at: www.cgtcap.org

PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY ACTION

We Open Doors and Lead the Way

We Turn Hope Into Reality

We Empathize

We Treat People with Respect

We Say “Yes,” Finding Some Way to Help

We Give a Voice to Those in Need

We Mirror the Diversity of Our Communities through Our Local

Boards…

Bill Wathen, Housing Rehabilitation and Weatherization (530-934-1468)

David Allee, Business and Employment Services (530-934-1453)

Lucy Hernandez, Housing and Community Services (530-934-1452)

Korri VonSeggern, Fiscal (530-934-1461)

Christine Zoppi, Deputy Director (530-934-1458)

Scott Gruendl, Director (530-934-1413)

http://www.cgtcap.org/

colusa, glenn& trinity community action partnershipthe strengthsfinder training has been adopted...

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