1 / 15

Introduction

jaden
Download Presentation

Introduction

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

    1. Introduction

    2. Northwest Region (Region 7) Bienville Caddo Bossier Claiborne DeSoto Jackson Lincoln Red River Union Webster

    3. Northwest Region Parishes Represented: Bienville Caddo Bossier Claiborne DeSoto Jackson Lincoln Red River Union Webster Poverty Rate 34% 26% 17% 31% 30% 25% 27% 36% 24% 26% Good Afternoon. My name is Terri Brock, Executive Director for the Regional Homeless Continuum of Care H.O.P.E., and I have the pleasure of presenting the report for the Northwest Region. The Northwest Region includes ten parishes represented on the slide. Community Conversations were held in each parish and the average attendance was around 40. Turnout by private citizens was not as high as anticipated, but an excellent diversity of public, private and faith-based community service programs were widely represented. We were very pleased by the participation of some of the local officials as well as state legislators who took the time to attend the conversations in their areas. This indicates a commitment to be involved as we move forward to find and implement solutions to poverty in our state. Each parishs poverty rate is displayed on the slide. These percentages are based on the estimated population as of July 2003 and those at 125% of the Poverty Level. The average regional poverty rate is 27.6%, compared to the State poverty rate of 17.5%, reflecting a 1.6% increase between the years 2003-2003. (Ref. The Annual Social and Economic Supplement to the Current Population Survey (CPS ASEC) released August 2004. Good Afternoon. My name is Terri Brock, Executive Director for the Regional Homeless Continuum of Care H.O.P.E., and I have the pleasure of presenting the report for the Northwest Region. The Northwest Region includes ten parishes represented on the slide. Community Conversations were held in each parish and the average attendance was around 40. Turnout by private citizens was not as high as anticipated, but an excellent diversity of public, private and faith-based community service programs were widely represented. We were very pleased by the participation of some of the local officials as well as state legislators who took the time to attend the conversations in their areas. This indicates a commitment to be involved as we move forward to find and implement solutions to poverty in our state. Each parishs poverty rate is displayed on the slide. These percentages are based on the estimated population as of July 2003 and those at 125% of the Poverty Level. The average regional poverty rate is 27.6%, compared to the State poverty rate of 17.5%, reflecting a 1.6% increase between the years 2003-2003. (Ref. The Annual Social and Economic Supplement to the Current Population Survey (CPS ASEC) released August 2004.

    4. Organizers & Regional Team Members Bossier Housing Authority Chambers of Commerce: Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce DPSC/Probation & Parole Department of Education Jackson Parish Library Bienville Parish School Board, Claiborne Parish School Board, DeSoto Parish School Board, Lincoln Parish School Board, Red River Parish School Board, Webster Parish School Board, Minden High School DSS/OFS LDOL The state departments, community services agencies, local municipalities, school boards, schools, chambers of commerce, and private businesses on this slide represent the people who worked tirelessly to organize the parish Community Conversations. Despite time constraints and multiple local, parish and regional responsibilities, we all came together for a common goal to make the Community Conversations a reality. Outstanding recognition and thanks are warranted for my fellow Regional Team Members: Veda Emerson, DSS/OFS, Jacques Lasseigne, LDOL, Kathryn Spears, DPSC/Probation & Parole, and Tina Kendrick, DOE, without whom our regions Community Conversations would not have been possible. The entire Northwest team was wonderful in their dedication to this project and the spirit of cooperation and teamwork. A heartfelt thanks to each of them.The state departments, community services agencies, local municipalities, school boards, schools, chambers of commerce, and private businesses on this slide represent the people who worked tirelessly to organize the parish Community Conversations. Despite time constraints and multiple local, parish and regional responsibilities, we all came together for a common goal to make the Community Conversations a reality. Outstanding recognition and thanks are warranted for my fellow Regional Team Members: Veda Emerson, DSS/OFS, Jacques Lasseigne, LDOL, Kathryn Spears, DPSC/Probation & Parole, and Tina Kendrick, DOE, without whom our regions Community Conversations would not have been possible. The entire Northwest team was wonderful in their dedication to this project and the spirit of cooperation and teamwork. A heartfelt thanks to each of them.

    5. Organizers & Regional Team Members LSU AG CENTER LSU-Shreveport Louisiana Tech University Local Businesses: AEP/SWEPCO, Brookshires Grocery, Wal-Mart, Bank 0f Ringgold, Claiborne Electric Cooperative, Freds Department Store, Kays Grocery (Jonesboro), Bossier Tribune, Union Parish Gazette, The Shreveport Times Local Municipalities; Bienville Parish Police Jury, City of Arcadia, City of Bossier, Claiborne Parish Police Jury, City of Farmerville, and the Farmerville Mayors Office Regional Homeless Continuum of Care H.O.P.E. for the Homeless Louisiana Rehabilitation Services

    6. Priority Community Conversation Issue Areas There were four Priority Issues that were discussed: Enhancing Education, Enhancing Employment & Economic Development, Enhancing Community Assets and Enhancing Family Assets. From these Poverty Priority Issues the Parishes broke into groups and selected two Poverty Priority Issues they would like to address. The overall consensus from the Parishes in the Acadiana Region centered around Enhancing Education and Enhancing Employment & Economic Development. The other two Poverty Priority Issues were also of concern. The next slides will display the Parish Issues and Solutions to these four Poverty Priority Issues.There were four Priority Issues that were discussed: Enhancing Education, Enhancing Employment & Economic Development, Enhancing Community Assets and Enhancing Family Assets. From these Poverty Priority Issues the Parishes broke into groups and selected two Poverty Priority Issues they would like to address. The overall consensus from the Parishes in the Acadiana Region centered around Enhancing Education and Enhancing Employment & Economic Development. The other two Poverty Priority Issues were also of concern. The next slides will display the Parish Issues and Solutions to these four Poverty Priority Issues.

    7. Education Issues Drop-out Rate Lack of Experienced Adult Education Instructors Gaps in Early Childhood to Adult Services In the majority of the meetings, the top two poverty solution areas chosen were Enhancing Education and Enhancing Employment & Econ. Development. In one parish (Plaquemines) and one of three breakout groups in St. Tammany, Enhancing Community Assets was chosen as the second solution area on which to focus. This slide represents a summary of the Education priority issues the attendees chose to target in their discussions to find solutions. Many of the issues were similar in each parish. Under education, Increasing the literacy levels of students and adults was high on the list as well as early education and life skills training. In the majority of the meetings, the top two poverty solution areas chosen were Enhancing Education and Enhancing Employment & Econ. Development. In one parish (Plaquemines) and one of three breakout groups in St. Tammany, Enhancing Community Assets was chosen as the second solution area on which to focus. This slide represents a summary of the Education priority issues the attendees chose to target in their discussions to find solutions. Many of the issues were similar in each parish. Under education, Increasing the literacy levels of students and adults was high on the list as well as early education and life skills training.

    8. Education Solutions Establish local cooperative education coalitions to include mentoring, tutoring, and Instructors Bureau Provide alternate educational environments to include virtual and satellite classrooms Provide public transportation vouchers for access to alternate educational environments Increase public information and education of existing educational programs and options Expand Early Intervention and Pre-K programs to involve parents Enhance options and resources for nontraditional students Develop Parent Training to include Independent Living , Life Skills, Parenting, Literacy, and GED Curriculum Encourage Incentives through T.O.P.S. Qualification Increase awareness of predatory lending, credit counseling, banking, home ownership, affordable nutritional meal planning, and family health care. Broaden prevention of addictive disorders to include substance abuse, gambling, and pornography in order to encourage mental and emotional health.

    9. Employment and Economic Development Issues Public transportation to employment with a living wage Economic development efforts for rural communities Workforce skills and support resources Under Employment & Economic development, training for the local workforce for available jobs in the community was an issue consistent across the region as well as a dual path curriculum in high schools to prepare non-college students for a career. Under Employment & Economic development, training for the local workforce for available jobs in the community was an issue consistent across the region as well as a dual path curriculum in high schools to prepare non-college students for a career.

    10. Employment and Economic Development Solutions Expand public transportation for job access to include alternate routes and non-traditional shifts and hours Expand employment training, job readiness training, and employment options to include portable credentials and entrepreneurial models through a community-wide network or brokerage Develop current, community-based market strategies and surveys of resources to result in creative and cooperative new business incentives Develop local business train the trainer networks, mentorship programs, and supported employment services to include vocational training, traditional and non-traditional childcare and transportation services, as well as incentives and/or service vouchers

    11. Community Assets Issues Lack of Supportive Housing Programs, i.e., group homes, transitional homes, addictive disorder and juvenile corrections rehabilitation Neighborhood initiatives that include public/private/faith-based integrated/collaborative community efforts addressing education, employment, and social services Under community assets, recreation and Public Transportation was a high priority as well as other services needed in Plaquemines parish. Under community assets, recreation and Public Transportation was a high priority as well as other services needed in Plaquemines parish.

    12. Community Assets Solutions Develop abandoned, adjudicated properties for supportive housing options, to include educational and job training facilities Develop and coordinate community transportation resources for educational, vocational, and supportive housing options Establish local community coalitions to address cooperative education, economic development, and improved social equity strategies Expanded local commitment and utilization of community 211 Information & Referral Network to respond to community needs Increased public awareness of community resources, educational and employment opportunities through a community bulletin board with broad-based commitment from public, private, and faith-based partners

    13. Potential Challenges to Implementation Historically based apathy & indifference Systems bureaucracy Public Awareness Community capacity for change (leadership) Resource development Dedicated or recurring funding Common goals/agenda for community Local/parish/state/federal support Equitable commitment across public/private/faith-based community Commitment of time for effectual change Ownership of Community Values vs. Individual Values/Priorities Forward focused vs. past accountability for blame Perception vs. reality As we know, when planning for a new initiative is being conducted, identifying potential challenges to implementation is a critical step in the process. Having the foresight to identify the challenges enables one to begin to find ways to prevent or overcome the challenges. This slide shows the potential challenges identified by all of the parishes and many were repeated. To first accept that our individual quality of life is critically impacted by the community we live in, then recognizing that the community we live in is the direct result of corporate individual commitment to its quality. Each of us represent our community, and to do nothing we are choosing its current state of being. To bring about lasting and effectual change we must commit to join our neighbors, regardless of their social, economic, religious or cultural differences to improve our community. The key is to realize that were all in this together as stated in the vision statement, everyone has a role to play. We have to keep the common goal at the forefront. Working together to make a difference!As we know, when planning for a new initiative is being conducted, identifying potential challenges to implementation is a critical step in the process. Having the foresight to identify the challenges enables one to begin to find ways to prevent or overcome the challenges. This slide shows the potential challenges identified by all of the parishes and many were repeated. To first accept that our individual quality of life is critically impacted by the community we live in, then recognizing that the community we live in is the direct result of corporate individual commitment to its quality. Each of us represent our community, and to do nothing we are choosing its current state of being. To bring about lasting and effectual change we must commit to join our neighbors, regardless of their social, economic, religious or cultural differences to improve our community. The key is to realize that were all in this together as stated in the vision statement, everyone has a role to play. We have to keep the common goal at the forefront. Working together to make a difference!

    14. Opportunities to Leverage Existing Resources Private citizen empowerment Existing collaborative community partnerships Local Government leadership Local Business commitment for growth Communication with State Government offices regarding level of local commitment School Boards/Technical Colleges/Universities/Faith-based Collaboratives Business Groups/Chambers Available Funding Available resources i.e. buildings Some of the key participants and resource requirements are listed on this slide. As stated earlier, everyone is a part of the solution and input is needed from everyone at every level: private citizens, government, the business community, & our education systems. We must also tap into resources that already exist, which include funding sources, resources and community collaborations for cooperation and support. Some of the key participants and resource requirements are listed on this slide. As stated earlier, everyone is a part of the solution and input is needed from everyone at every level: private citizens, government, the business community, & our education systems. We must also tap into resources that already exist, which include funding sources, resources and community collaborations for cooperation and support.

    15. S.T.O.P. Action Steps (Solutions to Overcome Poverty) Form parish-wide Solutions to Poverty Coalition Advertise for community involvement Local government Officials/Schools/Colleges State Department Representatives Chamber/Business Groups Private citizens Neighborhood/Faith-based Groups and Churches Invite community conversation attendees Use Priority Issues/Solutions as basis for developing a plan and establishing goals Form sub-committees to address issues/solution Continue dialogue and efforts to reach goals So one might ask, Whats next??? Listed here are some action steps as we move forward with this initiative. The community conversations were a start to a long-term process. Poverty cannot be solved overnight. However, taking the first steps is important. A parish wide coalition has to be developed with everyone invited to the table. Once convened, the information gathered at the community conversations should be used as a spring board to begin the solution process. As each parish determines its priorities, sub-committees will be formed to address specific issues and to develop the solution process. Ongoing and effective communication must be maintained for success in reaching our goals. This wraps up the Southeast Report. The feedback from the community conversation participants was overwhelming positive and many were excited about the Governors initiative and appreciated the opportunity to have their voice heard. As we all know, the fight against poverty has been going on for a long time, as far back as 40 years with LB Johnsons great society programs. We are optimistic that our fight will be won in the foreseeable future with the commitment and cooperation of everyone. Thank you.So one might ask, Whats next??? Listed here are some action steps as we move forward with this initiative. The community conversations were a start to a long-term process. Poverty cannot be solved overnight. However, taking the first steps is important. A parish wide coalition has to be developed with everyone invited to the table. Once convened, the information gathered at the community conversations should be used as a spring board to begin the solution process. As each parish determines its priorities, sub-committees will be formed to address specific issues and to develop the solution process. Ongoing and effective communication must be maintained for success in reaching our goals. This wraps up the Southeast Report. The feedback from the community conversation participants was overwhelming positive and many were excited about the Governors initiative and appreciated the opportunity to have their voice heard. As we all know, the fight against poverty has been going on for a long time, as far back as 40 years with LB Johnsons great society programs. We are optimistic that our fight will be won in the foreseeable future with the commitment and cooperation of everyone. Thank you.

More Related