Community Link Community Link - Lake Community Action Agency

ISSUE
I
S
S
U
MONTHLY
E
0112
JOURNAL OF
COMMUNITY
October 2011
INFORMATION
0 1 0
March
Community
Community
Link Link
Lake Community Action Agency, Inc.
2010
501 N. Bay Street
Eustis, FL 32726
MISSION STATEMENT Promote self-sufficiency by
reducing and eliminating
barriers that contribute to the
instances of poverty through a
variety of programs to improve
the standards of living
2011
Board of Directors
President
Dorothy F. Everett
Vice President
John Christian
Secretary
Charlotte Williams
Assistant Secretary
Deirdre Lewis
Treasurer
Nicie A. Parks
Parliamentarian
Leroy Lee
Member-at-Large
Robert Thielhelm
Members
Evelyn Black
Sandy Gamble
Leslie Campoine
Michael Holland
Willie Montgomery
Freda Mays
Robert Ragin
VISION STATEMENT Lake Community Action
Agency strives to become the
premier agency in building
partnerships that provide professional services to children
and families
Greetings,
This has been a busy third quarter,
as we have been faced with many challenges of sustainability for Community Services Block grant and Community Action
during these critical
economic times.
In spite of the uncertainties, we have
maintained our commitment to our mission and goals of
Helping Families and individuals to become
self-sufficient.
As we look forward to the beginning
of the new fiscal year, October 1st, and the
new year, we will be focused even more on
not only helping our families to become selfsufficient but to some degree to make the
Lake Community Action Agency selfsufficient. And the only way that this can be
accomplished is to be focused on the development of some Economic Development
Initiatives that will provide job opportunities
for the individuals and an income resource
for the Agency. With this in mind, we have
introduced an economic development plan
that will look at and clearly define the role of
LCAA. The role for LCAA will utilize those
capabilities the Agency possesses that are
not readily available to other community
agencies in this area including outreach;
family involvement and culturally specific job
readiness training. We can all agree that a
sound economic development plan and its policy considerations must include:
* Government policy
* Infrastructure Development
* Human Capital Development
LCAA will focus on human capital development
at the work force development level. LCAA is
without peer in the Bi-County Region (Lake and
Sumter) when it comes to this area of expertise
and will offer to serve as the region’s primary
tool for identifying, recruiting, training and placing the needed workforce as new businesses
enter the region. During the past year and a
half the LCAA has formed several industry cluster cohorts that are designed and has been effective in channeling work force to these industry clusters and has achieved an unprecedented
level of retention among employees it has
placed.
We will continue to strive to become the premier
agency in building partnerships that provide
professional services to children and families.
Therefore, we can sustain ourselves as a community action agency and help people to help
themselves become self-sufficient.
James H. Lowe, CCAP
Executive Director
P
THE ROMA CORNER
I hope and pray that as this issue of Lake Community Action Agency’s Newsletter reaches you, that you and yours are
safe and well. Our agency is preparing to celebrate our 45th birthday. LCAA has weathered the many storms and oppositions
that have come against us. Through the years we have been a beacon of hope for our residents. As we move and look
forward we must apply the ROMA concept of “Strategic Thinking.”
What is the Best Model for Community Action Agencies?
We Are More Than Service Providers
By: Ms. Gloria A. Boone,
National ROMA Trainer
(Traditional)
(Where We Want To Be)
PROVISION OF SERVICES MODEL
STRATEGIC THINKING MODEL
Providing services because funding is
available can distract you from a more
effective selection of services and
strategies.
Failure to link activities together to
form comprehensive set of services
and advocacy strategies may reduce
your effectiveness in helping the
families with whom you work to move
out of poverty.
Sometimes there are unintended
consequences doing the same services you always have done – enabling the continuation of poverty.
The development of strategies must be
built on a firm foundation that includes
analysis of your community assessment and agency resources.
You must be faithful to your mission
and to your “corporate identity” as an
anti-poverty agent .Ask yourself these
questions:
• What will the community be like if you
are successful in your work? How will
conditions for low
income people change?
• How can you develop stakeholder
involvement to meet the needs your
agency cannot address?
The Community Action Management Model
Strategic implies that a “strategy” has been derived. Strategy is defined as:
* The science of planning and directing movements and operations.
* Skill in managing any matter, especially by using a clever plan or system.
Once the strategy has been laid as the foundation, then strategic actions are ready to be implemented. “Strategic” is defined as:
* Of or having to do with strategy
* Showing sound planning; useful or important in strategy.
Please take a moment to review both columns. Community Action is more than service providers. Each agency is
charged to “wage war” against poverty and all of the barriers that contribute to the instances thereof. To be successful in
“war” requires “strategy.” In the war on poverty, we have to move from giving hand outs to giving hand-ups. We need to
move from the Provision of Services model (providing
services/benefits without long-term strategies) to the Strategic Thinking model where service/benefits are linked to outcomes using agency information to inform decision making.
Read the Strategic Thinking column. The key points are: inclusion of the community in agency planning (it does no
good to plan a strategy without knowing that the community needs it), being mission driven, and being an anti-poverty
agent.
Historically, community action agencies have measured services:
*The number of children attending Head Start
*The number of adults participating in Family Self Sufficiency
*The number of houses weatherized
*The number of persons receiving LIHEAP payments.
FACA ROMA for Boards: Providing the Basics to Community Action & Other Community Boards,
Trainer Manual, © F. Richmond, The Center for Applied Management Practices, Inc., April 2010.
BLESSINGS IN A BACK-PACK
Debra Galloway
Lake Community Action Agency, Inc. in partnership with the Southlake County Community Foundation and Family Christian Center
has created an awesome program to help fight hunger in Lake County Florida.
The Southlake County Community Foundation partners have organized the Blessing in a Back-Pack program connecting with local
schools to help feed our homeless children during the week-end. Lake County has a population of $2,265 homeless children and
families. The Family Christian Center in Clermont with other organizations and churches provide food for our children and families
over the week-end back packs. The back packs are given out on Friday providing non-perishable items to families with children who
are not fed while school is out. Some of our children only meals received are while they are in school; therefore this program helps to
eliminate hunger.
This program and the Summer Feeding program are working together ensuring this program to become a success. The following
schools are currently providing back-packs to their children:
LCAA Southlake Head start Center
Sawgrass Elementary
Minneola Elementary
Rimes Elementary
Clermont Elementary
Tavares Elementary
Triangle Elementary
During our last meeting with the Southlake County Community Foundation, Larry Roberts of Family Christian Center stated this year
the BACK PACK program has provided over 700 children with meals and Wal-Mart donated over 35,000 back packs which we anticipate providing to 1,000 children or more.
Lake Community Action Agency will be sponsoring a food drive in mid October to provide all donated food items to the local schools
in the Golden Triangle Area. The agency has partnered with a local Motorcycle Club (Warlocks) helping us make the difference in
our community by providing the location for this food drive.
LCAA PARTNERS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Four times a year, Lake Community Action Agency, Inc. (LCAA) partnered with The Florida Department of Children and
Families assisted with the distribution and collecting of applications for the Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing
Program (EFAHP) they have available that provides a one-time payment of up to $400 to families who were totally
without shelter or face the loss of shelter because of non-payment of rent or mortgage, In addition assist those families
who have had household disasters such as fire, flood or other accidents.
In July, it was a great success in helping around 250 families in getting assistance during their time of need..
Giving Back to The Community
August 9th-11th, Lake Community Action Agency, Inc. participated in the back to school backpack fair hosted by The
Educational Foundation of Lake County. This was the county’s 14th annual Back to School
Backpack Fair. The foundation identified students from low income families that qualify for
the free federal lunch program and provided approximately 3,500 students with backpacks,
school supplies and books. There were several agencies
that participated to provide information to the parents that
would benefit their children. The fair was held at Eustis
Middle School and Leesburg High School.
Also, on August 5th, The LCAA Weatherization Department participated in the 3rd Annual Mt. Dora Back to School Rally that was held at the
Frank Brown Sports Complex. LCAA donated around 100
school supply kits that included: pencils, paper, crayons,
pencil sharpeners, pens, etc. The event provided the school supply kits to approximately
300 children within the Mt. Dora area.
THANK YOU NOTES
I.
s o n an d
ing my upport at
lp
e
h
r
our s
you fo
Thank worried and y nswered.
a
o
s
r
e
s
y
a
a
r
w
p
I
e was a
this tim
S
Merissa
mith
Alisa,
My mother and I would like to bless you
all for your help. It’s been very hard for
me to work hard for us both. I know it’s
hard for everyone out there, but as long
as we try and pray someone will Help!
Sincerely,
James Battista Boido and Pamela Dawn
Reaves Boido
We just wanted to say how
much we appreciated your
prompt attention and kindness.
Thank you from both of us,
Thank you for
helping me
in my time of
need. May
God Bless and
keep you.
Merry & Bruce
Ms. Irma Jone
s
r an
k y o u fo
t o than help & dedit
n
a
w
Just
our
t job. Y
ciated.
excellen s greatly appre me a
o
cation w s done to my h ss to
ir
e
a
p
ic
e
e pr le
The r
fforts ar
e
r
u
o
y
thru
me.
Jones
David L ms
a
li
il
S ue W
Just because of Lake
Community Action Weatherization, I now have a
light bill for under $200. I
now have good pressure
in my hot water. Just
because, the service was
outstanding and I
appreciate your help.
I sent a card just because I thank you so
much.
Tamara Bender
I want to
thank ev
eryone w
one was
ho helped
so kind fr
me. Eve
om Land
the men
rya, Ambe
who wor
r & Sean
ked on w
am so gr
to all
eatheriz
ateful to
ing my ho
all of yo
m
e. I
u.
I whole
process w
ent so sm
pleted in
oo
thly and
2-3 days
was com
.
I look fo
rward to
a reduce
d heatin
g and a/
c bill
Jean Gia
mpietro
Alisa,
Just wanted to let you know it’s a pleasure
being able to depend on such a wonderful
person as yourself in a time when I was in need
of a helping hand. The last thing people want
to do is ask for help when needed, but if there
were more people like you asking for assistance would come with ease. Not only were
you in a marvelous mood , but always kept a
cheerful smile on every occasion I was in the
office. No matter how long of a line or the
number of times the phone rang you always
had inspirting words. Thank you again for
always having such a great attitude. No matter
how polluted your day may be or hour occupied the office is. Getting help with a smile
always makes asking for it that much easier.
THANK YOU!
Anyone can do their job. But, not everyone
can be sincere when doing it.
Kami Weeks
e me.
ou gav
y
ment,
tance y matter but m
rt
is
a
s
p
s
e
a
e
I
ly
nD
te for th such a time tter because
erizatio
a
u
th
q
a
e
e
d
W
seem a e and done in ly breathe be ve never
't
n
s
e
o
a
u
e
. Ih
an tr
ice fr
time.
you d
Thank was the serv ooler. And I c o much more lad I did this
s
g
c
ly
Not on els so much SS and have ut I am really
E
b
fe
house to SPEND L se programs
e
le
was ab vantage of th in.
ple
d
ga
t a cou
taken a say thanks a
r)
re abou
I
ontracto ou in the futu me.
C
Again,
n
o
ti
y
za
for
eatheri lso. I will call ing you did
nner (W
ryth
ba
Rick Ta a beautiful jo preciate eve
ap
again,
You did gs. I really
Thanks
in
th
r
e
rr
oth
ndra O
Ms. Sa
Head Start/Early Head Start
SOUTH LAKE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Mission Statement:
Head Start/Early Head
Start will build a
stronger community
through education; by
providing professional
and quality services
that values the lives of
children, families, and
staff.
Vision:
Where every child is
educated and every
parent is self-reliant
THEME FOR THE MONTH:
COMMUNITY HELPERS / FALL
October 2011
The parent meeting on October 4,
2011 was a great success, the
parents planned a “Fall Festival”
The guest speaker was from the
Boys & Girls Club.
October 19, 2011
The children were excited to see
the big red fire truck coming,
where the firemen talked about fire
safety, the children were able to
see and touch some of the equipment, hold and squirt the big hose.
The firemen, staff, and children
were dressed in there pink shirts
October 28, 2011
We had a great time with the children, parents, and staff at the fall
festival, although it rained the children were able to trick –or- treat
from classroom to classroom inside the building. They had their
faces painted by; Hiles Design &
Parties. We were not able to
bounce in the bounce house we
still had fun.
Dear Parents
Remember that your child must
attend school daily.
They will not need to bring any
food items to school. Your child
will receive a good balanced
breakfast, lunch, and snack everyday
Florida KidCare is the state health insurance program for uninsured children under age 19. In
includes 4 different programs: MediKids, Healthy Kids, Children’s Medical Services, and
Medicaid. When you apply for the insurance, Florida KidCare will check which program your child
may be eligible for based on age and family income.
To apply for Florida KidCare, call (888) 540-5437, apply online, or print an application and
instructions, visit www.floridakidcare.org
Knowledge is strength; building a stronger community through education.
Lake Community Action Agency Directory
Eustis Neighborhood
Service Center
Administrative Office
501 N. Bay Street
Eustis, FL 32726
Office: 352-357-5550
Service Hours
Fax: 352-483-2298
Monday—Friday
website: ww.lakecaa.org
8:00 a.m—5:00 pm
Executive Department
James H. Lowe
Executive Director
501 N. Bay Street
South Lake Citrus
Tower Center
Eustis, FL 32726
415 Citrus Tower Blvd. #105
352-357-5550
Clermont, FL 34711
Fax 352-483-2298
352-394-9878
Service Days
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
8:00 am—12:00 pm
1:00 pm—5:00 pm
Tim Bridges
Debra Galloway
Director of Program
Operations
LIHEAP Coordinator
Fax 352-394-9879
Service Days
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
10:00 am—2:00 pm
Isabel Cirilo
debrag@lakecaa.org
Community Service Specialist,
LIHEAP
Alisa Golden
isabelc@lakecaa.org
Executive Secretary
Community Service Specialist
Massiel Hernandez
Helene@lakecaa.org
alisad@lakecaa.org
CHIPRA Project Coordinator
Mary Grady
massiela@lakecaa.org
jamesl@lakecaa.org
Human Resources Director
Helen Elllis
timb@lakecaa.org
Human Resources
Head Start /
Receptionist / Intake Clerk
Administrative Assistant
Early Head Start
maryg@lakecaa.org
Finance Department
Continued
Patricia Phillip
Brandi Lefler
Finance Director
Mental Health/Disabilities
Specialist
1010 East North Blvd.
brandil@lakecaa.org
Leesburg, FL 34748
Karen Crawford
352-787-1156
Health Specialist
Fax 352-787-6318
karenc@lakecaa.org
Service Days
Kathy Little
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Nutrition Specialist
8:00 am—12:00 pm
kathyl@lakecaa.org
1:00 pm—5:00 pm
Wanda Walker
Gloria Boone
Head Start/Early Head Start
Administrative Assistant
Family Self Sufficiency
wandaw@lakecaa.org
Nationally Certified ROMA
Trainer
particiap@lakecaa.org
LaShanna Young
Financial Analyst
lashannay@lakecaa.org
Debra Marlar
Accounts Payable
debram@lakecaa.org
Head Start /
Early Head Start
Porcha Green
Head Start/Early Head
Start Director
Eleanor Moorer
eleanorm@lakecaa.org
Partners Manager
ranzert@lakecaa.org
Program Manager
Family Self-Sufficiency
Program (FSSP)
Low-Income Home
Energy Assistance
Program (LIHEAP)
Eustis, FL 32726
352-602-4488
Fax 352-602-4663
Service Days
Monday-Friday
8:00 am—12:00 pm
1:00 pm—5:00 pm
Michael Roberson
Weatherization Director
michaelr@lakecaa.org
Landa Yester
Administrative Assistant
landay@lakecaa.org
Amber Owens
Administrative Assistant
ambero@lakecaa.org
Receptionist/Intake Clerk
Ranzer Turner
Family & Community
Service Center
PROGRAMS
Early Childhood
Development Manager
1217 Huffstetler Drive #12
Leesburg Neighborhood
gloriab@lakecaa.org
porchag@lakecaa.org
Weatherization Center
Sean Walburn
Faye Powell
Housing Inspector
Community Service Specialist,
LIHEAP
seanw@lakecaa.org
fayep@lakecaa.org
Housing Inspection
A Omar Sharpe
keshiat@lakecaa.org
Community Service Specialist
Michael Mitchell
omars@lakecaa.org
Housing Inspector
Keshia Torruella
Michaelm@lakeca.org
Won’t you join us in Helping People Help Themselves?
Each year, Lake Community Action Agency, Inc. helps thousands of residents in Lake County. Our funding comes primarily from federal and state grants—and it comes
from people just like you who want to make sure that those in need receive the necessities of life most of us take for granted. Our funding sources can only go so far in our
efforts to provide services and assistance to the less privileged people we serve. Won’t you extend a hand in Helping People Help Themselves? Whether it is through volunteerism or reaching into your pocketbook to aid the less fortunate, we need you! And so do those we serve. All donations to LCAA are tax deductible as allowed by
law...something you might keep in mind as you ponder your ability to lend a hand to our less fortunate friends and neighbors. Open you heart and your pocketbook and
help us keep the good work in action. Please complete the form below and return it along with your generous contribution to LCAA, 501 N Bay St, Eustis FL 32726 or
drop by our office and let us tell you why your gift can mean so much to so many. Remember, Helping People Help Themselves is a common mission worthy of pursuing
every day of our lives. Thank you for helping us meet the challenge!
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Telephone Number
Contribution Amount $
(Thank You!)
This information will remain confidential and will not be released to other agencies or organizations. It is for internal use only.
Lake Community Action Agency, Inc.
501 North Bay Street, Eustis, Florida 32726 l 352-357-5550 l fax 357-483-2298 l www.lakecaa.org
If you would like to volunteer, make a donation, or partner with LCAA, please contact Tim Bridges (352) 357-5550 ext 236 or timb@lakecaa.org
AGENCY MISSION STATEMENT Promote self-sufficiency by reducing and eliminating barriers that contribute to the instances of poverty through a variety of programs to improve the
standards of living
LCAA VISION STATEMENT Lake Community Action Agency strives to become the premier agency in building partnerships that provide professional services to children and families
NON PROFIT ORG
U S POSTAGE
PAID
MID-FL FL
PERMIT NO.
26218
Lake Community Action Agency, Inc.
501 North Bay Street
Eustis, Florida 32726
www.lakecaa.org
LCAA
Serving Lake County
for 45 years
Toys for Children…..
Living Message Church
345 N. Hwy 27
Clermont, FL 34711
December 17, 2011
11:00 a.m.—3 p.m.
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
«AddressBlock»