HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-11-2022 MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
July 11,2022
THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON TUESDAY: July 11, 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: Lindsey Shewmaker, Human Services Manager; Sharron Hinton, Human Services
Manager; and Crystal Mitchell, Human Services Manager.
I. Call to Order and Introductions
DSS Chair, Pat Garavaglia, called the meeting to order at 4:02 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 June 21, 2022. Jamezetta Bedford
seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent.
VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision
1. Energy Outreach Plan
Lindsey Shewmaker provided an overview of the Energy Outreach Plan for the agency. Access to
this energy funding can be accessed by applying online. She explained any unspent money goes to
assist families who previously applied; the payment goes directly to the energy provider. Lindsey
further explained outreach efforts to include direct mailings to residents ages 65 and up,
communication with childcare centers to target households with children ages birth to 5. The Board
was asked for input on any additional outreach ideas. Pat Garavaglia suggested social media and
the local Spanish radio station. Jamezetta Bedford asked if there is coordination with Department of
Aging. Lindsey explained there is as Sharron Hinton has two social workers located in this
Department. Oscar Fleming suggested outreach through Orange Congregations in Mission, Smart
Start, and El Centro. Lindsey Shewmaker thanked the Board for the feedback and will incorporate
their suggestions into the plan. Jamezetta Bedford made a motion for the Board to accept the plan
pending the above changes being made; Oscar Fleming seconded the motion. The motion carried
without dissent. Board Chair, Pat Garavaglia, will sign off on the finalized plan.
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MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
July 11,2022
2. Public Health Emergency Related Updates
Lindsey Shewmaker informed the Board that the public health waivers have been extended through
the end of September 2022. There will be a 90 day window to end the benefit for Medicaid and the
same is expected for Food and Nutrition Services which means the impact on families will start in
January 2023.
3. Initial Equity Data Findings
Lindsey Shewmaker presented some of the initial equity data for Orange County, compiled by using
data sources from Carolina Demography and Census data. There are five categories of indicators
to include: Economic Opportunity, Education, Neighborhoods and Infrastructure, Civic Life, and
Public Health.
Ann Wilkerson asked a question about the timeframe of the educational data. Lindsey Shewmaker
commented 2019 school data was utilized due to the known impact of COVID on education starting
in 2020. The rest of the data subsets fall in a 2016-2020 band. Jane Garett asked if the data can be
broken into Title I versus Non-Title I school data. Lindsey Shewmaker commented it cannot at this
time but she believes this could happen. Oscar Fleming asked what would DSS do with this data.
Lindsey Shewmaker explained this data was collected as part of the GARE work and not for DSS
specifically. Examination and action plan of this data is not entirely an Orange County responsibility.
This will help GARE narrow their focus and develop a targeted focus for moving forward. Sharron
Hinton explained GARE is a multijurisdictional group and they are waiting to see this data. Lindsey
Shewmaker commented DSS facilitated this data work to support GARE; it is not a DSS project.
Jamezetta Bedford remarked that the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) had a retreat in
June and discussed beginning strategic planning in September. BOCC wanted to use GARE data
to direct their planning. She noted the timing is helpful.
4. Director's Report
Lindsey Shewmaker, Sharron Hinton, and Crystal Mitchell provided the board an update on staff
vacancies. Lindsey Shewmaker advised there is no update for the Board on the status of the
Orange Works space that is currently closed off.
VII. Announcements
Oscar Fleming moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:45 pm. Ann Wilkerson seconded the motion. The motion
was carried without dissent.
Submitted by:
Nancy Coston, DSS Director
Pat Garavaglia, Chair
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