HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-27-2002 - 8i 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 27, 2002
Action Agen a
Item No.
SUBJECT: Contract for Faith Community Coordinator
DEPARTMENT: Social Services PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nancy Coston, ext 2800
Contract with Morgan and Associates
Endeavors Article TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To approve the continuation of a contract with Morgan and Associates for the
development of partnerships with various faith communities focusing on improved job retention
for Work First participants.
BACKGROUND: After five years, welfare reform continues to be an emotional and highly
debated topic. One constant in the debate on welfare reform has been that government alone
cannot help families achieve economic self-sufficiency. The work of faith-based or religious
groups is critical to program success. The contributions of the faith community in reaching out
to vulnerable families and encouraging them to make the transition have been applauded on
the federal, state, and local levels.
Orange County has contracted with Morgan and Associates since July 1999. Based on
recommendations from the Welfare Reform Task Force, Orange County contracted for a Faith
Community Coordinator. The Department of Social Services currently contracts with Morgan
and Associates to develop awareness and partnerships in the religious community that support
Work First families as they move from welfare to work. This contract has been successful in
engaging local faith organizations to support the individuals in the agency's work programs.
Counties have duplicated the model used in Orange County across the state and some material
was used by Project Jubilee to develop the Families First Program.
Winnie Morgan, Program Coordinator, works tirelessly. She has developed 10 faith-based
teams who are matched with families to provide moral support, assist in job search activities,
tutor children, and provide transportation. Through this initiative, the faith community has
provided a coordinated response to 53 families with varied and complex problems. Ms. Morgan
and the team remain in contact with families after they transition off welfare, providing an
extremely important support system for these families. She has developed a clothing closet for
families needing job-appropriate clothing, recruits sponsors for summer camp annually, and has
identified eight individuals to donate cars to a Work First family. Ms. Morgan's
z
accomplishments are numerous and the value of the services provided by the volunteers far
exceeds the amount funds in the contract. As additional information, an article regarding this
program from the Endeavors publication is also attached to this abstract.
The Social Services Board has reviewed this contract and is recommending that the Board of
Commissioners approve $25,000 for Morgan and Associates for Fiscal Year 2002-2003.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The funds for this contract will be paid as part of the County Work First
Block Grant.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board accept the
recommendation of the Social Services Board to approve the contract with Morgan and
Associates and authorize the Chair to sign.
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Page 1 of 6
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES
PURCHASE CONTRACT
ID# 68099
This Contract is entered into between the Orange County Department of Social
Services and Morgan and Associates the Provider identified on Attachment A. This contract
shall consist of form DSS-2497, and Attachment A(DSS-1292). This contract shall be in
effect from 7/1/2002 to 6/30/2003.
The Department will purchase specific services from the Provider as set forth in the
Contract in order to make optimal use of the facilities, staff and programs of the Provider.
This Contract is subject to the provisions of all applicable Federal regulations and State
policies.
Subject to its other provisions,the terms of this contract shall be in effect to and from
the dates specified on Attachment A.
SECTION I: RESPONSIBILITIES
A. The Department will:
1. Determine client eligibility for service(s) in accordance with Federal and
State regulations; and
2. Inform the Provider on Form DSS-1360 concerning the eligibility of each
individual for the service,the period of time for which services are authorized,
and any changes in the individual's eligibility status; and
3. Reimburse the Provider for service(s)purchased as described in Attachment A
of this Contract for eligible clients; and
4. Keep the Provider informed of any alterations in and/or to the regulations
governing the service program; and
S. Accept fiscal responsibility for deviations from the terms of this Contract as a
result of acts of the Department or any of its officers,employees, agents or
representatives.
B. The Provider will:
1. Provide service(s)as specified in Attachment A of this Contract in accordance
with applicable standards for the service(s); and
2. Furnish information to the Department as required to support the full cost of
service(s)provided pursuant to this Contract; and
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Page 2 of 6
3. Comply with all State licensing standards, all applicable accrediting standards and
any other standards or criteria established by the Division of Social Services to
assure quality of services; and
4. Restrict the use or disclosure of information obtained in connection with the
administration of North Carolina's programs for the provision of services
concerning applicants for and recipients of those services to purpose directly
connected with the administration of the service program; and
5. Comply with the terms of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and all
requirements imposed by or pursuant to the regulations of the Department of
Health and Human Services issued pursuant to that Section,which prohibit
discrimination against handicapped persons in employment and in the operation
of programs and activities receiving Federal funds; and
6. Comply with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all requirements
imposed by or pursuant to the regulations of the Department of Health and Human
Services issued pursuant to that Title; and
7. Accept fiscal responsibility for deviations from the terms of this Contract as a
Result of acts of the Provider or any of its officers, employees, agents or
representatives.
SECTION II: RESPONSIBILITY FOR LIABILITIES
Each party hereto agrees to be responsible for its own liabilities and that of its officers,
employees, agents, or representative arising out of this Contract.
SECTION III: TREATMENT OF ASSETS
Treatment of assets acquired under this Contract shall be subject to the following:
A. Ownership of property purchased by the Provider under the terms of this Contract or
which reimbursement by the Department is based upon the actual purchase cost of the
property shall immediately vest with the Department of Human Resources upon such
reimbursement.
B. The North Carolina Department of Human Resources shall have no claim to property
purchased by the Provider under the terms of this Contract for which reimbursement by
the Department is based upon approved depreciation schedule or use allowance.
C. The Provider shall maintain and administer in accordance with sound business practice a
program for the maintenance,repair,protection and preservation of property purchased
under the terms of this Contract to assure its continued availability.
D. Property purchase under the terms of this Contract shall be used only for the performance
of this Contract.
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Page 3 of 6
SECTION IV: RECORDS AND REPORTS
A. The Provider agrees to maintain client records which date and document, in accordance
with established policy,the service delivered for the individual, a valid authorization for
service,programs records, documents and other evidence which reflect program
operations.
B. The Provider agrees to famish information to the Department, as requested, to support
provision of service(s)pursuant to this Contract and the full cost of the service; and
submit changes, as needed or required,in this Contract,Attachment A or approved
supporting information for review and approval by the Department.
C. The Provider agrees to maintain books,records,documents and other evidence and
accounting procedures which reflect all direct and indirect costs expended under this
Contract. A current,complete inventory of all equipment purchased under the terns of
this Contract must be kept.
D. The Provider agrees to retain all books, records and other documents relevant to this
Contract for three years after final payment or until all audits continued beyond this period
are completed. Federal auditors and any persons authorized by the Division of Social
Services or the Department shall have the right to examine any of these materials. In
records produced under this Contract will be turned over to the Department.
SECTION V: SUBCONTRACTING
The Provider shall not subcontract any of the work contemplated under this Contract without
obtaining prior written approval from the Department. Any approved subcontract shall be
subject to all conditions of this Contract. The Provider shall be responsible for the
performance of any subcontractor.
SECTION VI: MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT
The Provider certifies that the funds to be used under this Contract do not replace or supplant,
in any way,Federal, State or local funds for already existing services..
SECTION VII: MONITORING AND EVALUATION
A. The Provider agrees to participate in program, fiscal and administrative monitoring or
audits,making records an staff time available to Federal, State and county staff.
B. The Provider agrees to take necessary steps for corrective action, as negotiated within a
corrective action plan, for any items found to be out of compliance with Federal and State
laws,regulations, standards and/or terms of this Contract.
6 ,
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Page 4 of 6
SECTI N VIII: AMENDIN G THE CONTRACT
This contract in whole or in any part may be amended at any time:
A. By the Department in the event that such amendment is necessary to comply with
applicable laws,regulations,policies and standards; and by mutual consent of both parties.
B. Each party to this contract will notify the other immediately in writing if an amendment
becomes necessary due to alterations in the activities described in Attachment A or for
any other reason.
SECTION D(: TERMINATION
A. This contract, in whole or in any part,may be canceled at any time:
1. By any party,with cause,upon at least 30 days notice, in writing, and delivered by
registered mail with return receipt requested or in person,or
2. By the Department in the event reimbursement to the Department is not available
and/or continued at an aggregate level sufficient to allow for the purchase of the
indicated quantity of service. The obligations of each party shall be terminated to the
extent specified in the notice of termination,immediately upon receipt of the notice of
termination from the Department,or
3. By the Department in the event that the Division of Social Services/Department
determines that the Provider is in violation of any or all of the terms of this Contract.
The obligations of each party shall be terminated to the extent specified in the notice
of termination immediately upon receipt of the notice from the Department,or
4. By mutual consent of all parties.
B. In the event of termination in part, all parties shall continue the performance of this
Contract to the extent not terminated.
C. If this Contract is terminated, in whole or in part,the Provider may be required to deliver
and transfer Title or assignment of interest to the Division of Social Services or dispose of
any property specifically produced or acquired for the performance of such part of this
Contract as has been terminated,and the Provider shall,upon the direction of the Division
of Social Services,prdtect and preserve property in the possession of the Provider in
which the Division of Social Services has an interest.
D. After receipt of a notice of termination, and except as otherwise directed by the
Department, the Provider shall cease work under the Contract on the date, an to the
extent specified,in the notice of termination. The Department shall pay the Provider the
agreed upon amount for the delivery of services under the terms of this Contract up to the
effective date of termination. Reimbursement shall not be made for equipment or supplies
purchased after the notice of termination is received except as approved by the
Department.
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Page 5 of 6
E. Waiver of any default shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent default.
Waiver of breach of any provision of the Contract shall not be deemed to be a waiver of
any other subsequent breach and shall not be construed to be a modification of the terms
of this Contract unless stated to be such in writing, signed by an authorized representative
of the Department and attached to the Contract.
SECTION X: CONCLUSION
It is expressly understood an agreed that the services provided to eligible clients pursuant to
this Contract shall consist exclusively of those services specified in the attached program
description incorporated into this Contract as Attachment A.
It is further understood and agreed that the provision of services pursuant to this Contract
shall be subject to the limitations and conditions contained in the laws. regulations,
guidelines and plans cited in this Contact, and that this Contract is subject to renegotiations or
revision to meet any new or revised rules,regulations,or policies that may be issued by the
Department of Health and Human Services, or the North Carolina Social Services
Commission, or the Department of Human Resources and that are communicated to the
Provider.
PROVIDER DEPARTMENT
Morgan and Associates Orange County Department of Social Services
By: Winnie Morgan By: Nancy Coston
Title: Title:
Date: Date:
This Agreement has been preaudited in the manner required by the local Government Budget
and Fiscal Control Act.
ATTEST:
Orange County Finance Officer
Signature:
Date:
Chair. Orange County Board of County Commissioners
Signature:
Date:
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Page 6 of 6
SECTION XI: CERTIFICATION
The Orange County Board of Social Services supports and authorizes this performance based
contract with Morgan and Associates to develop faith partnerships,match Work First families
with faith teams, conduct quarterly training, and function as liaison between the faith
community and the Orange County Department of Social Services.
Dorothy Gamble,Chair
Orange County Board of Social Services
0
9
' ATTACHMENT A
State of North Carolina
Division of Social Services
Contract Application Page 1 of 7
I. Contract Summary
A. This agreement is between the Orange County Department of Social
Services(hereinafter referred to as the"Department" e Morgan and Associates
(heretofore and hereinafter referred to as the"Provider").
B. This agreement shall be in effect from 7/1/2002 to 6/30/2003
C. Services to be Provided:
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Number of Number of Units Definition of
Service Service Code Persons Served of Service Unit of Service
Supportive
Services 554 10 10 1 person
20 hours per
week for 50
weeks for a
maximum
reimbursement
of$25,000
Any additional services should be listed in III. - Service Program Description
D. Area to be Served: Orange County
10
State of North Carolina `
Division of Social Services
Contract Application Page 2 of 7
E. Contract Identification:
1. Provider
a. Name of Contract Administrator: Winnie Morgan
Tel. # : _(919) 732-1524
b. Name of Program Contact Person: same as above
Tel. #:
c. Program Name,Location and Mailing Address: Morgan and Associates
d. Additional Service Delivery Sites:
e. Status : ( )Public ( )Private,non-profit
( )Private, for Profit(X) Individual
f. Provider Contract ID#:
2. County Department of Social Services
a. Name of Contract Administrator: Nancy Coston
Tel. # : (919),732-8181
b. Name of Services Program Contact Person: Gwendolyn Price
Tel. #: (919)732-8181
c. Address of Cognty Department of Social Services:
Pn RnxR1R1
Hillsborough_NC 27278
rr
State of North Carolina
Division of Social Services
Contract Application Page 3 of 7
H. Fiscal Provisions
A. Amount of Reimbursement:
Reimbursement under the terms of this agreement will be limited to a maximum of
$ 25,000 TOTAL=$ SSBG+$ IV-B +$ RAP+
$ State+$ County+$ Other(identify): TANF
(Optional : County funds consist of$ for and$
(funding source)
for )
B. Method of Reimbursement:
1. For Purchase Contract(DSS-2497) Total and Unit Cost:
(X) a. Reimbursement will be made in accordance with the current budget approved by
the Department and on file with both parties. The amount of reimbursement will be
based on allowable expenditures made in behalf of eligible clients, determined in a
accordance with acceptable cost allocation methods. The Provider will report all
expenditures made under the terms of the contract.
( ) b. Reimbursement will be made at a unit cost rate of S per unit of
reimbursement delivered to eligible clients for an estimated number of
units. The Provider will document total expenditures made under the terms of the
contract to the Department within thirty days after the termination of this contract,
or as instructed by the Department. Reimbursement which exceeds actual allowable
cost will be adjusted to actual allowable cost.
2. For Vendor Agreements(DSS-2252)Fixed Rate
Reimbursement will be based on:
O a. a standard fixed rate or
( ) b. an individual fixed rate.
c. Reimbursement will be made at a fixed rate of$ per unit of
(define) for as estimated number of units.
Reimbursement will be based on the actual number of units delivered whether over
or under the estimated number. If multiple components are being purchased,
additional rates and units can be identified as follows:
tz
State of North Carolina
Division of Social Services
Contract Application Page 4 of 7
C. Reimbursement Reporting:
1. Expenditures
The Provider will report expenditures monthly in accordance with policy set forth by
the Controller's Offices,Division of Social Services, issued via the Fiscal Manual.
Expenditures are to be reported on the DSS Administrative Cost Report(Form DSS-
1571,Part III). Reports are to be submitted to the Department by the fifth working
day of the month following the month in which services were delivered. The
Department will reimburse the Provider monthly, usually by check,upon receipt of a
completed and correctly filed report.
2. Reporting for the Statewide Services Information System(SIS)
In addition to the Administrative Cost Report(DSS-1571,Part III),the Provider will
submit to the Department the Monthly Report of Service Delivery(DSS Form 1571,
Part M. This should be submitted along with the Administrative Cost Report by the
fifth working day of the month following the month in which services were delivered.
The units reported in Column 12 of the 1571 Part IV are the units of service defined in
Column 5 of I.C. of this Attachment. Service definition and reporting instructions are
found in Family Services Manual,Volume VI, Chapter IV.
D. Audit Requirements
The Provider shall be responsible for compliance with the audit requirements of
Department of Health and Human Services federal regulation 45 CFR Part 74,
Administration of Grants,or State Administrative Procedures Manual for Federal Block
Grant Funds,whichever is applicable. These regulations stipulate that an annual audit be
performed for the fiscal year in which contract funds were received.
p Y
M 1. NA
Private,non-profit if amount of reimbursement received is under$ 1,000;private,
for profit or individual
O 2. (Applicable to Private,Non-Profit Providers if reimb. $1,000 or over)
An annual audit is to be performed in accordance with OMB Circular A-110 by an
"independent auditor." Independent auditor"means either: (a)a state government
auditor from the Department of Human Resources or the Department of
Administration, Office to the State Auditor; or(b) a certified public accountant.
Upon completion of the audit, a copy of the audit report must be forwarded to the
county department of social services.
13
` State of North Carolina
Division of Social Services
Contract Application
Page 5 of 7
O 3. (Applicable to Public Hospitals, Colleges, and Universities)
The annual audit must be performed in accordance with OMB Circular A-110.
It is not necessary for the institution to program audits performed separately
from an all-inclusive single audit which entails all revenues and expenditures
of the public agency. However, it is the responsibility of the contractor to
insure that the contract program is included in the institution's single annual
audit.
A copy of the audit report must be provided to the County department of
Social Services upon completion of the annual audit.
( ) 4. (Applicable to State or Local Government Agencies)
An annual audit is to be performed in accordance with OMB Circular A-128
by
an independent auditor.Upon completion of the audit, a copy of the audit
report must be forwarded to the county Department of Social Services.
E. Client Fees for Service
(X) 1. No fees will be charged to individuals determined to be eligible for services by
the department of social services.
( ) 2. The service(s)under contract with the Provider are services for which a client
fee may be assessed. Policy regarding the assessment and collection of fees is
contained in Family Services Manual,Volume VI,Chapter III. If a client is to
to be chugged a fee,the department will inform the Provider of the amount of
fee to be charged and of any subsequent changes by way of the Purchase of
Service Referral and Authorization(DSS Form 1360). The Provider will
establish a plan with the client for collecting the fee on at least a monthly basis;
and when fees are not paid within ten days of the due date,will bill the client
in writing and send a copy of the bill to the Department. NO OTHER FEES
FOR SERVICES MAY BE CHARGED TO THE CLIENT. Client fees are to
be reported on the Monthly Report of Service Delivery(DSS Form 1571,Part
IV).
F. Management of the Funding/Matching Share Requirement
( ) 1. A cash transfer of the matching share will be made to the county department of
social services in accordance with the terms specified in the Donation
Agreement(DSS-1319).
14
State of North Carolina
Division of Social Services
Contract Application Page 6 of 7
( ) 2. The provider certifies through the contract budget attached to this contract that
the matching share in available. Further, it is agreed that the provider will
report all program costs incurred each month relating to this contract on the
DSS-1571. However,reimbursement will be limited to the federal/state
financial participation rate.
(X) 3. The county department of social services is providing the match.
G. Provider Fees(For Purchase Contracts Only)
(N/A) 1. The Provider agrees to pay the Department/Division up to
$ Administrative Fee as payment in full for the
administration of the contract. The amount of the fee is five percent of the
matching share contributed by the Provider.
(N/A) 2. The Provider agrees to pay the Department up to$ Certification Fee
as payment in full for the determination and certification of client
eligibility. The amount of the fee is five percent of the matching share
contributed by the Provider.
Monitoring and Certification Fees,when applicable, will be deducted from the
amount to be reimbursed.
15
State of North Carolina
Division of Social Services
Contract Application Page 7 of 7
III. Service Program Description
Purpose:
To coordinate resources and services with the faith community in Orange County in
cooperation with DSS and to assist Work First clients in becoming self—sufficient. As a result
of welfare reform families are moving off the welfare rolls. It is imperative that our
community rise to the challenge of assisting families as they lose benefits.
Objectives:
Winnie Morgan will coordinate faith community involvement with DSS. Coordinating the
faith community and building collaboration with DSS is a major job,which takes dedicated
staff.
• Compile a comprehensive list of churches in Orange County
• Establish a faith based advisory group
• Develop a quarterly newsletter
• Supervise and coordinate the development of faith based activities in collaboration with
staff
• Create a resource packet for faith community
• Provide training for faith based teams
• Create opportunities for teams to share experiences
Performance Measures:
• Develop a Faith Partnership with 10 churches
• Match 10 Work First families with the faith community in as Adopt-A-Family Model
• Conduct quarterly training sessions for faith based teams
• Work with teams around problem solving and appropriate intervention strategies
i
Paul Dagys
Winnie Morgan (center),
Work First faith-involve-
i
d
coordinator
e .
;support advise and ;'
ilies who have been
on Work First-Here,
she talks with Phyliciah,
Diggs . e .
• . . . .
HowJ jn July 1996, "welfare" was declared eral public-assistance law places a 60-month
1 dead in North Carolina, and "Work lifetime limit on each adult's receipt of
First"was born.The mandate followed benefits.In some cases the state may grant
national welfare reform:economic assistance hardship extensions of both limits.
Work First w�not an entitlement for needy families as More than five years later,the number of
it had been for more than 30 years.Counties North Carolinians cashing monthly assis-
would spend public-assistance money to tance checks has certainly dropped—from
help families go to work more than 120,000 in January 1995 to
Working help achieve these goals' North Carolina about 51,500 in December 2001. But it's
• requires each county to develop a plan for still too early to tell whether Work First is
moving families into work. Counties get really a success,says Dean Duncan,clinical
limited flexibility in how they implement associate professor of social work The true
COmmunity groups their plans and spend their public assistance test,he says,will be how well families fare
money, though each county must provide after they leave the program.
are stepping up basic services such as child care.And money Other Carolina researchers are equally
must be spent on families whose income reluctant to proclaim Work First§ success
as the first waves
is 200 percent of the poverty level or less or failure.Instead,says Phil Cooke,profes-
of as
pig workers and who have children under the age of 18. sor of social work, they are telling a story
pg With this autonomy comes responsibility about how welfare reform has played out
leave the welfare rolls. for meeting goals such as having 50 percent in North Carolina.These researchers and
of clients working at least part time. some social workers agree that Work First
The new laws also placed time limits has spurred counties to find new ways of
bAngela S on public assistance for the first time. in helping clients become self-sufficient. But
y n g Spivey y North Carolina, any adult who has been scarce resources make it harder to help
on assistance for 24 consecutive months some of the toughest cases—those who,for
must leave Work First and may not receive instance,have only a sixdr-grade education
assistance again for three years.And the fed- or have never held a job.
30 endeavors
County control profit organizations, businesses, and other and whether or not they return to assistance
Cooke and Dell Wright, professor of community members. "There's no ques- rolls after leaving. The researchers also
political science, lead a team of Carolina tion that welfare reform has resulted in track how Work First participants fare at
doctoral students as well as researchers from communities participating much more in getting jobs.
11 other UNC-system institutions conduct- welfare issues than before,"Cooke says. Duncan is careful with his statistics. He
ing case studies of 25 North Carolina coun- Gilmore and Winnie Morgan, Work uses and posts to the project web site only
ties. The "Tracking County Responses to First faith-involvement coordinator for numbers that have been reconciled for the
Welfare Reform"study also includes surveys Orange County, agree that community whole month.These final counts can differ
of more than 400 county commissioners, cooperation has been crucial. "We didn't by as much as 2,000 from the first-of-the-
county managers, social service directors, have the resources in place when Work First month numbers that sometimes end up in
and social service board chairs from all 100 was first implemented,"Morgan says,"but local newspapers,he says.
counties. Cooke believes that the expert- now we do." Community organizations in Though statistics aren't everything,they
ences of these "policy implementers" can the county have worked with DSS to provide can form a partial picture.Duncan updates
be instructive for national policymakers such services as a car-donation program, the web site monthly, and caseworkers can
because North Carolina's county-centered G.E.D.classes,and clothing closets. use it to generate reports and track trends
system is unique, in each county. Tim Rhodes, program
In the case studies, many respondents By the numbers administrator at the Buncombe County
said that Work First has shifted the nature Dean Duncan tells the story of welfare Department of Social Services, says he's
of county caseworkers jobs from simply reform using numbers. He and colleagues using the web site to evaluate a pilot project
determining eligibility for cash benefits to are tracking everyone who has received in his county. "We wouldn't have access to
helping clients solve problems and find jobs. public assistance in North Carolina since this data any other way,"Rhodes says.
Robert Gilmore, Work First supervisor 1995,using statistics from North Carolina's The statistics do show some positive
for Orange County, echoes that opinion. Department of Health and Human Ser- trends. Contrary to the popular image of
"The counties were given a chance to be as vices, Division of Social Services. Data "welfare moms," most families in North
creative as possible in providing resources to include the number of families entering the Carolina do not stay on public assistance for
help clients move forward," Gilmore says. program,how long they stay on assistance, long periods of time. The average length
"Work First has caused us to rethink of stay is six to eight months.And,the
the way we do business." longer a family stays off Work First,
Some new ways of doing business: i�e ., the more likely it is that the family
Durham Countys Department of Social will remain independent. "If you can
Services(DSS)contracts with the city's stay off for more than three months,
chamber of commerce, supporting a theres a very good chance that you're
full-time"job developer"position.This not going to come back onto the pro
person organized several job fairs at gram at all,"Duncan says.
Durham's DSS offices in 2000, leading r The statewide caseload continually
to jobs for more than 100 Work First dropped from 1995 to December 2000.
recipients. This partnership between From December 2000 to December
the Durham DSS and chamber of com- \ 2001,it showed a slight increase-639
merce has been a model for the state, people. Duncan says that this increase
according to the Durham case-study reflects a drop in the number of people
author Rebecca Winders of North leaving the caseload. "My guess is,
Carolina Central University. • •' because of the economy, they're just
Lack of transportation to and from not finding the jobs out there.But that
work is a constant problem, especially is just a guess."
for clients who live in rural areas. '• ' ' The number of new clients coming
Gilmore notes that some of his clients onto assistance has not increased but has
are in their thirties or forties and have ,, remained steady, Duncan says. Some
never driven a car. This year Orange families avoid full-time monthly assis-
County spent part of its discretionary �; _ + tance by using a Work First program
money on adult driving classes, and I that provides lump-sum emergency
about 32 women have received their payments.Currently,about a thousand
licenses so far.In Caldwell County,the cases each month receive these pay-
DSS bought a Job Search Van" and y menu,known as benefit diversion.
hired a driver to take clients to and f "The average monthly assistance
from work check is relatively low, around two
To increase services, many counties hundred sixty or two hundred eighty
have worked more closely with non- dollars a month for a family," Duncan
endeavors 31
says. But a car repair such as a timing belt provide a clue. In a given year, about 70 respondents were working at least part time.
or brake job can run$400 or more.A lump percent of those people will earn money The average wage was$8 an hour.
payment of$600 to$1,000 can take care of from work sometime in the next year."We Some findings were unique to the Cha-
such an urgent need and allow the head of a don't know what happens to those who don't tham study, Rather than using formal
Emily to continue to work.This approach have earnings," Duncan says. "We suspect day care, 80 percent of respondents used
contrasts with the old federal program, that a certain proportion are working in neighbors or relatives who could accom-
Aid to Families with Dependent Children, the underground economy—doing things modate their evening and weekend work
which gave clients full benefits or nothing. like babysitting or repairing cars or running schedules. "That may not be the best
errands for somebody." child care, but that's child care for them,"
Running out of time Studies from other states show that Dobelstein says. "We don't have good
At the end of 2001, Duncan's numbers people still struggle after leaving public information at all about the day care that is
warned of an unprecedented event-213 assistance.In 1999 the National Conference being provided in this informal network"
people were scheduled to have their of State Legislatures published a summary Dobelstein also finds it striking that
monthly checks stop for good.These are the of studies of former welfare recipients in 19 many of the families in his study did not
first group of people in North Carolina to states. Most families said they were better use the benefits still available to them after
exhaust their benefits under the 60-month off than when they were on welfare but leaving Work First.Just 48 percent of the
federal lifetime limit. Duncan says that were struggling to get by. Lack of child respondents took advantage of the earned
many of these clients may qualify for dis- care and transportation continue to be income tax credit, while only 10 percent
ability payments or supplemental security obstacles to working. About half of the used mental health or social services.
income. And 37 of them have received former recipients have a job or earn some "People in this low-income group don't
hardship extensions and are still receiving money from work, most earning between tend to use the formal services very much,"
Work First assistance. Duncan's team will $5.50 and$8 an hour. Dobelstein says. "It's a universal problem
be able to keep tracking most of these clients Andrew Dobelstein professor of social that social welfare elfare a encies are facing.
because they'll still receive Medicaid and work, found similar patterns in a survey of Services do not substitute for food on the
food stamps.But it's not clear how most of 58 former Work First clients in Chatham table. One reason, perhaps, why people
these families will make ends meet. County, a study he led through his non- in the Chatham County study did not
Families who have left Work First on profit organization, the Conference on use services could be that compared with
their own or through the 24-month limit Poverty.Seventy-six percent of the Chatham increased income from working,the services
had little appeal to these people."
e k o No one claims that Work First is perfect.
_ In the case study of Buncombe County,
one social services worker said that while
Work First helps more people find jobs,
a many of those jobs will not move people out
r, ,.wP otm A sets(DSS) 6' of poverty. "A person with aninth-grade
tram ch s :. ge "
.,ynr 'lw education can get a job, but they cannot
�r:"
rlientrbgalarly"` become self-sufficient" the worker said.
r,+st �� ' Bien[toto Jbb'', Another added that more money is needed
P'm ay.
oa gateproblems; to help people overcome obstacles that
01"" ,; .Y E s wont go away overnight such as mental
$ {�aotncome woman illness or substance-abuse problems.
"m;jcee hg 74 sldils�whddAi But right now resources are limited for
�enroijed ; z nets t, 5 v
" ,,„p �ty;tpartts�mne3ob,! the basics such as day care. For instance,
"den wr0" fiE: been suppornng her in Orange County there were about 300
"r Bnt people on a waiting list for child-care sub-
y { „pa k k f} T ". d a,She�regwred to ' sidies in early 2002,according to Gilmore.
w 1. e ;, ffil W 0 Commer 'al da "Welfare reform was and is an experi-
wres e chifir t� rs ehe r ed before we"ren4 available ment"Cooke says.For many, the welfare-
" a7 ate + , �. r
To top riff"she eotil�n4 reach fier.,fadkbackup, her'srster, because her sisters reform experiment has only just begun.
phone service bad beid t&off"
So the woman staged wreh her eluldrea o�Nears pa�{And she got fired .: You can visit the web site of Dsrncan'r prajert
4Unforttmaraely;`itYthewoinanretnrDstoWo ltFirst heryearofself-sitffcienrywonV, at btip://srw.zene.edu/warkfrrst, and the
be counted as s sneaess on3the Work Fpst"report card"ache statisucs'will sunplq; site of Cooke and Wright's prajea at limp:
show one more er"soaaddedtothe`caselaad'" sa y t, sir;s ap ter;•; www.unc.edu/depts/welfare% Dobeistein's
Morgan says;'"To have worloed with"this woman and have brought her due far thee beak The 1996 Federal Welfare Reform in
mjlaye '
North Carolina was pub/bbed in May 2002
-,. i - '' " % •.L. i'" ,,' ., .M by Edwin Mellen Prw.
32 endeavors