B061307
New Hanover County
Board of Social Services
Minutes
June 13, 2007
The New Hanover County Board of Social Services met in open session on Wednesday,
June 13, 2007 at 9:00 in the Multipurpose Room A of the New Hanover County
Department of Social Services.
ATTENDING: Frankie Roberts, Chairman; Bill Caster, Vice-Chairman; John Craig; Ann
Pitts
ALSO ATTENDING: Wanda Marino, Assistant Director; Stephanie Monteath, Assistant
to the Director
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Caster moved for approval of
the agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr. Craig and passed unanimously.
Mrs. Pitts led the invocation. Mr. Craig led the pledge of allegiance.
CONSENT AGENDA
• Mrs. Pitts moved for approval of the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Craig and passed unanimously.
INFORMATION AGENDA
Service Awards
Garrett Nicole Burroughs was recognized for 5 years of service to New Hanover County.
Melissa Cowan and Terry Smith were recognized for 10 years of service to New Hanover
County. Georgia Morris was recognized for 15 years of service to New Hanover County.
New Hires
Felicia Jones was hired as an Administrative Support Assistant. Gladys Monroe and
Patricia Larkin were hired as Social Workers.
Transfers
Marla Hubbard transferred from Prevention/At Risk Social Work to Child Protective
Services Social Work.
Promotions
® Patricia Robinson was promoted from Fiscal Support Technician to Fiscal Support
Specialist in the Business Office.
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• Food Stamp Challenge
Mr. Caster took a challenge to live on $21.00 worth of Food Stamps for a week. It was
difficult and he would like to see a presentation given on the details and guidelines for
Food Stamps participants.
SSDI
Wanda Marino gave commendation to Kari Sanders and her staff for the lowered number
of children in custody.
Mr. Caster would like to see a presentation on how the Children's Home Society works
with DSS' Foster/Adoption system.
County Budget Expenditures
There were no surprises this month. We are still waiting to see if DSS will be eligible for
Medicaid Relief.
Susan Sprenger announced that June is Elder Abuse Awareness month. Ms. Sprenger
handed out information cards and ribbons.
ACTION AGENDA
Christine McNamee explained Result 5 of Leading by Results - Community
Partnerships. DSS has partnered with agencies throughout the community to work on
extending our services beyond the walls of the agency.
Sam Lane introduced Tommy Taylor from the NC Food Bank. Mr. Taylor discussed
measures his agency is taking to increase Food Stamp participation, which includes
educating the community through the following: pre-screenings, information about
eligibility requirements, pre-stamped envelopes for applications and having information
available at the Food Pantry.
Sam Lane shared information pertaining to Cape Fear Healthy Carolinians. It was
decided that DSS will outpost a Child and Family Medicaid Worker to be shared by
Wilmington Health Access for Teens (WHAT) two days a week and Community Health
Center three days a week. WHAT and Community Health Center would pay the
difference not covered by Federal dollars. The feeling is that a lot of youth eligible for
Medicaid could be reached between those two agencies.
Carol Gray discussed Cape Fear Health Net, an insurance option for the uninsured in
New Hanover County. Through Cape Fear Health Net, Patient Navigators, Family Nurse
Practitioners, a discount pharmacy and Case Managers will be available. To be eligible a
person must be a resident of Brunswick or New Hanover County, not be covered by
• health insurance or Medicaid and have countable household income at or below 200% of
the Federal Poverty Level. A Patient Navigator should be posted in DSS in July 2007 to
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assist clients not eligible for Medicaid with procuring medical assistance and
prescriptions.
Ann Barkley introduced Don Skinner from Phoenix Employment Ministries. Mr.
Skinner noted that 20 Work First clients have found employment through his agency.
Mr. Skinner explained that 70% of Work First clients who were employed through
Phoenix Employment Ministries have remained on the job for over a year as they focus
on finding meaningful work for each person.
Kari Sanders introduced Dennis Smith, a volunteer through Guardian ad Litem. Mr.
Smith complimented DSS staff for being sincere and compassionate people who have a
positive impact in children's lives. Mr. Smith discussed the Life Guide program, geared
for children who will age-out of the Foster Care system. Many children who age-out end
up homeless or on drugs. Fifty percent of the females end up pregnant as teens. Life
Guides are a group comprised of Guardian ad Litem, DSS and YWCA who recruit and
train volunteers. Life Guides provide mentoring and support to children who have no
family and/or feel alone or undeserving of support as late teens/young adults. Ms.
Sanders explained that children in Foster Care who turn 18 do have the option of staying
in Foster Care on a voluntary basis until they are 21 as long as they are in school full
time.
Pat Jessup introduced Kirsten Atkinson of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Center in
• Wilmington. The ADR center facilitates Child and Family Team meetings for DSS. Ms.
Atkinson complimented the staff of DSS. Ms. Atkinson shared that DSS bought services
for 360 cases for the year and currently ADR center is at 405 referred cases, with no
additional charge as ADR center believes so strongly in the strength based work being
done.
Next Meeting Objectives
IV-E Waiver Update
Additional Items
Mr. Roberts moved to keep the Board Meeting dates on the second Wednesday of each
month to accommodate Bill Caster as a valued member of the Board of Social Services.
The motion was seconded by John Craig and passed unanimously. The next scheduled
meeting is therefore July 11, 2007.
As there were no items for closed session as provided in G.S. 143-318.11 the Board by
consensus adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
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• LaVaughn Nesmith
Secretary to the Board
Frankie Ro erts
Chairman
Date approved:
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B061307
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