HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-16-2022 MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
May 16,2022
THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON MONDAY: May 16, 2022 virtually
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Garavaglia, Jamezetta Bedford, Jane Garrett,
Oscar Fleming and Ann Wilkerson
GUEST: None
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Coston, Director; Lindsey Shewmaker, Human Services Manager; Sharron Hinton,
Human Services Manager; Caraina Edwards, Career Center Manager; Kim Lassiter-Fisher, Adult Services
Supervisor; and Crystal Mitchell, Human Services Manager.
I. Call to Order and Introductions
DSS Chair, Pat Garavaglia, called the meeting to order at 4:03 pm.
II. Board Comments
None.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. Agenda Changes
None.
V. Action Items
On a motion by Pat Garavaglia, the Board approved the minutes of April 18, 2022. Jamezetta Bedford
seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent.
VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision
1. Skills Development Center Groundbreaking
Caraina Edwards discussed the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Skills Development Center
and library in Carrboro. Ms. Edwards shared pictures of the event.
2. Adult Guardianship
Kim Lassiter-Fisher, the Adult Services Supervisor, presented an overview of adult guardianship.
Guardianship is a mandated services for DSS. It is covered under General Statute 35A. The Clerk
of Court in North Carolina decides who the most appropriate guardian is for an adult adjudicated as
incompetent and in need of a guardian. This adjudication takes away a person's right to decide
where to live, where to get medical care, voting, driving, and other rights. It does not change their
behavior. Family is always the first choice for guardianship when appropriate. Sometimes DSS is
the best guardian for a person.
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MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
May 16,2022
At Social Services, staff look at people holistically to figure out what type of assistance a person
may need. They perform a comprehensive assessment to see if the person is capable of making
their own choices. Guardianship is generally a last resort.
3. Budget Update
Nancy Coston updated the Board on the status of the budget. There are two time-limited positions
that were approved prior to the budget. The human services work session will be held this Thursday
evening.
4. Foster Care Appreciation Month
May is National Foster Care Month. Part of this month is appreciating foster parents. The agency is
holding a drive through appreciation event this afternoon in Hillsborough for the approximately 60
foster parents in Orange County. Every family will get a gift card to Sheetz, cookies, and other
goodies. Some families will also receive an Amazon gift card.
5. Director's Report
The agency currently has 26 vacancies.
By the end of May, clients who received assistance through the Low-Income Energy Assistance
Program will receive a supplement paid to their utility provider.
Staff are working on options for the Work Force Board realignment. Decisions will need to be made
by December as changes will go into effect in January, 2023.
VII. Announcements
Ann Wilkerson moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:58 pm. Jane Garrett seconded the motion. The motion was
carried without dissent.
Submitted by:
Nancy Coston, DSS Director
Pat Garavaglia, Chair
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