HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-20-2023 MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
November 20,2023
THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON MONDAY: November 20, 2023 at
Hillsborough Commons.
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Oscar Fleming, Pat Garavaglia, Ann Wilkerson, and
Jamezetta Bedford.
GUEST: None
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS ABSENT: Jane Garrett
STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Coston, Social Services Director; Lindsey Shewmaker, Human Services Manager;
Crystal Mitchell, Human Services Manager; and Sharron Hinton, Human Services Manager.
I. Call to Order and Introductions
DSS Vice Chair, Oscar Fleming, called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm.
II. Board Comments
Pat Garavaglia asked for an update on the Board vacancy.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. Agenda Changes
Oscar Fleming asked if NC Pre-K could be addressed under the Director's Report.
V. Action Items
On a motion by Pat Garavaglia, the Board approved the minutes of October 16, 2023. Ann Wilkerson
seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent.
VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision
1. Medicaid Update
Nancy Coston gave the Board an update on Medicaid expansion. The State is working with CMS on
waivers to alleviate some of the work requirements on recertifications.
Lindsey Shewmaker gave an update on what staff are doing to prepare for December 1 s'. Staff have
been hired and are being trained and there are contingency plans in the event a lot of people come
to the agency to apply.
2. Building/Space Issues
Nancy Coston informed the Board that there was a sprinkler issue in Hillsborough Commons
resulting in water damage to walls and flooring. The damage will not be repaired until after the
holiday program is finished.
1
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
November 20,2023
Southern Human Services is now open for normal operations. Housing department staff have
moved into Southern and Europa to share space.
3. Holiday Planning
Sharron Hinton updated the Board on the holiday programs. Community supporters have donated
turkeys and Thanksgiving meals and social work staff have been identifying families to receive the
meals.
Sponsorship drop-off is the 41"-61" of December. There are 70 adults, 156 children in child welfare
and 135 children in other social work programs being sponsored at this point. There will continue to
be people added to sponsor lists and there has been a lot of community support for sponsorship.
The Toy Chest will be held December 711-911 from 10a-6p each day. There are 1,500 children
registered for the event so far.
4. Director's Report
There is a lot going on at the agency and we are spending a lot of time on filling vacancies.
Oscar Fleming noted that he is trying to figure out all of the types of funding available for NC PreK.
Nancy Coston responded that staff have run lists of children who receive Medicaid and are not
connected to an early education program and plan to reach out to identify barriers for these
families. Ms. Coston suggested that this be put on December's agenda for more information.
Jamezetta Bedford announced that this will be her last board meeting. She will be cycling off next
month.
VII. Announcements
Ann Wilkerson moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:13 pm. Pat Garavaglia seconded the motion. The motion
was carried without dissent.
Submitted by:
Nancy Coston, DSS Director
Oscar Fleming, Vice-Chair
2