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 News from the Mecklenburg County
Department of Social Services |
May 2010 |
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 Greetings!
May is Older Americans Month, a celebration that honors the legacies and ongoing contributions of older Americans and supports them as they enter the next stage in life. This year's theme, Age Strong! Live Long!, recognizes the diversity and vitality of today's older Americans who have lived through wars and hard times as well as periods of unprecedented prosperity.
Mecklenburg County has more than 114,000 citizens aged 60 or older. DSS social workers and staff, along with our community partners who serve them every day, are committed to providing them opportunities to stay engaged in the community, be active and vibrant, and age in their own homes with dignity and health.
We serve Mecklenburg's older and disabled adults in a number of ways, whether it be helping them get to medical appointments and to the pharmacy; giving them opportunities to be social and active; or protecting them from abuse, neglect and exploitation. We offer respite and support to caregivers and grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Our community social workers provide case management services at sites throughout the County as well as to nontraditional customers, such as homeless and indigent customers. They also coordinate home services, such as in-home aide, adult daycare and home-delivered meals. The Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners demonstrated their commitment to protecting and serving our senior population by declaring May as Older Americans Month in Mecklenburg County during its meeting on May 5. Read the proclamation here. The annual commemoration of Older Americans Month is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of older citizens and join them in providing services and support that empower the elderly. May each of us honor, protect and engage the older adults in our lives and remind them of the indelible mark they have made in history. All the best, Rodney Adams Services for Adults Division Director |
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Davida Kinsey (right) shows SCNP participant Anna Bennett how to play Wii bowling as Willie Mae Easton looks on. Wii is a fun way for seniors to keep their bodies active and their minds sharp.
Program spotlight: Senior Citizens Nutrition Program
"It is surprisingly easy for adults to become isolated after their children leave the house and they retire," said Sylvia Paro, Program Manager for SCNP. "We give them an outlet to socialize, play and keep their minds and bodies active."
In addition to providing meals at congregate sites, SCNP also delivers meals to homebound customers and provides supplemental meals to those who are under medical supervision.
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Partner spotlight: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Centers
Charlotte Mecklenburg Senior Centers, Inc. (CMSC) is a nonprofit organization that exists to enrich the lives of seniors through programs and services that will improve their health and wellness, decrease their loneliness and isolation, and provide social, economic and educational opportunities.
CMSC provides health and wellness programs that range from Jazzercise and aerobic line dancing to fall prevention and yoga. Educational and social opportunities include classes in Spanish, computers, will and medical directivess and others. A Retired Senior Volunteer Program trains and places more than 400 seniors in 60 different agency locations throughout the County, and a Senior Employment Program provides on-the-job training, placement and support to more than 90 low-income seniors.
CMSC hosts DSS Congregate Meal sites at its Tyvola and Shamrock Centers, while Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation hosts CMSC for an exercise program for seniors at the Bette Rae Thomas Rec Center.
Together, CMSC and Mecklenburg County help seniors live longer, stronger, happier and more independently.
For more information call (704) 522-6222 or visit the CMSC Web site. |
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Vulnerable and Elder Abuse Awareness Month
May 10-June 20, 2010
In 1973, the State of North Carolina was the first state in the nation to enact an elder abuse law. Two years later, North Carolina made Adult Protective Services (APS) a mandated service to protect seniors and disabled adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Vulnerable and Elder Abuse Awareness Month was created to focus on educating the public on how they can prevent it. It runs from Mother's Day to Father's Day to reinforce the spirit of respecting and valuing not just our parents, but all vulnerable adults.
Since 2007, the State reports a 20 percent increase in reports of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation. In Mecklenburg County, there was a 19 percent increase in reports and a 52 percent increase in the number of reports that were screened in for assessment. Yet it is estimated that adult abuse, neglect and exploitation is grossly under reported due to the reluctance of adults to report their situation and the lack of awareness about what adult abuse, neglect and exploitation really is.
What can you do to help?
- Understand that everyone is mandated to report adult abuse, neglect and exploitation when they see it. You can report by calling 704-336-CARE (704-336-2273).
- Know what adult abuse, neglect and exploitation (ANE) looks like. Only 2 to 3 percent of the confirmed cases physical abuse. Roughly 8 percent is exploitation of the person's assets, usually by a family member, power of attorney or trusted friend who misuses the victim's money for their own gain. Surprisingly, 87 percent is neglect, and most of that is self-neglect by people who no longer understand or have the ability to meet their own basic needs.
- Learn more about the signs of abuse, neglect and exploitation on our Web site.
- Talk to your friends and family about their plans. Make sure they know how to take their medication, whether or not it is still safe to drive or use the stove, and know where their money is going. Know who to call or how to help when they can no longer help themselves.
- Understand that APS is not just for seniors. One third of those who received services in our county are under the age of 60.
- Join us in wearing a purple ribbon June 1-20 to show your support for our seniors and adults with disabilities. Contact us to request ribbons for yourself and your organization.
If you suspect an older or disabled adult is being abused, neglected or exploited, call the CARE line at 704-336-CARE (704-336-2273). The line is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
 May is National Foster Care Month
Change a life. Foster a child.
Right now, there are about about 850 children in DSS custody. Through no fault of their own, they were separated from their families because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. These children need temporary homes until they can return to their biolgical families. Our greatest needs are for African American children, age 11 and older, sibling groups and children with disabilities and other special needs. May is National Foster Care Month. DSS and Mecklenburg County Public Service & Information teamed up to launch an outreach campaign designed to increase awareness about foster care and to encourage adults in our community to consider becoming foster parents.
The campaign includes a 50-foot banner on the Courthouse parking deck in uptown, 30-second PSAs that are running on various cable channels and print materials that are being distributed at churches and community events.
If you are interested in fostering, you can get more information by attending our next Orientation on Tuesday, May 25 at Charlotte East, 5800 Executive Center Drive. The Orientation begins at 6:30 p.m. and runs around 90 minutes. Call 704-336-KIDS (704-336-5437) or visit our Web site to learn more about foster care.
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DSS dashboard
A snapshot of demand for our services in April
Public Assistance
* 14,104 total visits to DSS's two locations
* 52,606 total calls answered by the Customer Service Center
* 6,606 applications for Medicaid/North Carolina Health Choice
* 883 applications for Work First
* 5,169 applications for Food & Nutrition Services (food stamps)
Child Protective Services and Foster Care
* 1,342 children were involved in completed investigations of abuse/neglect
* Allegations were substantiated for 180 (13.4 percent) children
* 664 children were served in their homes in an effort to keep those children
out of foster care
* 36 children entered foster care
* 12 children left foster care |
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Digital signage at DSS - submissions wanted!
DSS has developed digital signage for both our Billingsley Road and Freedom Drive locations. Its purpose is to provide our customers with valuable information about the services we provide while they are waiting in our lobbies, with topics ranging from safe sleep to gun safety.
We want to make this opportunity available to all of our partners. Please share any upcoming community events or awareness campaigns you would like to share with our customers.
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 Opportunity Project off to strong start
The Opportunity Project Coalition has identified more than 700 eligible applicants at March's Application Fairs and 301 Work First/job-ready candidates. That's a grand total of more than 1,000 qualified candidates for the program. So far, DSS and its job-training partners had 154 participating employers requesting 496 job placements!
The Opportunity Project matches TANF-eligible residents with jobs funded by federal stimulus grant dollars. Almost 1,250 residents have been deemed eligible so far, creating a large pool of candidates from which employers can choose. Jobs that employers need filled include child care assistants, certified nursing assistants, teachers, warehousing associates, customer service representatives and administrative assistants.
What jobs do you need to have filled? Call The Opportunity Project hotline at 704-353-1550 or visit the Web site to learn more.
Interested residents may be screened for The Opportunity Project eligibility at DSS's Billingsley Road and Freedom Drive locations Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
 Harry Jones talks budget
County Manager Harry Jones is planning another round of appearances at community gatherings to discuss the FY11 budget and how budget cuts will affect the community. If you would like to invite Mr. Jones to speak at one of your gatherings,call Brian Gott at 704-621-1808 or submit a speaker request form. |
| Last chance to apply for grants!
First in Families of Mecklenburg County has announced grant funds available for developmental disabilities and mental health. But time is running out to apply!
These grants are targeted twoard critical needs: rent, mortgage and utilities. Consumers must live in Mecklenburg County, have a net annual household income less than $65,000 and have visited Crisis Assistance for help.
Applications MUST be processed by May 31! Call First in Families at 704-536-6661 or visit their Web site. |
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Our Mission
To provide economic and social services to sustain and/or improve the quality of life for Mecklenburg County citizens.
Our Vision
To be an involved and recongized leader in human services, valued by our stakeholders because of our needs-based customer focus in the delivery of services. We will help create a resilient community by proactively investing in our employees, operations and services, and by developing impactful relationships for the benefit of our customers. |
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Hours & Locations
CONTACT US
(704) 336-3000
Hours
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m. - noon
Locations
Kuralt Centre
301 Billingsley Road
Chapin Hall @ Valerie C. Woodard Center
3205 Freedom Drive |
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DSS Satellite Locations 
Thursdays
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Carolinas Healthcare System, Access Program
9 a.m. - noon
1st & 3rd Wednesday
9 a.m. - noon
or 2nd & 4th Wednesday
1-4 p.m.
1st & 3rd Tuesday
1-4 p.m.
1st Monday
Thursdays
10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
1st & 3rd Monday
Solomon House
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Thursdays
9 a.m. - noon
Fridays
9 a.m. - noon
Tuesdays
9 a.m. - noon
1st & 3rd Wednesday
2 - 6 p.m.
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A publication of
Mecklenburg County
Department of Social Services | |
| Upcoming Events |
Custody Advocacy Program (CAP) Training
When: Monday, May 24, 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Details: CAP of the Council for Children's Rights advocates in family court for the best interests of children in high-conflict custody litigation cases in which parental conflict and other issues are, or can be, in the way of the best interests of the children. Contact Mary at 704-372-7961 for more information.
FY11 Public Budget Hearing
When: Thursday, May 27 @ 6 p.m.
Where: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 East 4th Street
Details: It's your chance to weigh in on the FY11 budget to the County Manager and Board of County Commissioners. Sign up to speak.
Fun in the Sun!
When: Sunday, June 13 @ 3 p.m.
12th Congressional District Grants Conference
When: June 28, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Catawba College Center for the Environment Building
Details: This conference is designed to provide local government agencies, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations with a detailed breakdown of the grant acquisition process. The Conference will provide information on the programs offered by federal agencies, the intricacies of the application process and tools for locating and researching federal funding opportunities. This year's conference will have a "Green Initiatives Theme," so agencies will also share any funding resources that may fit into the "Green Initiative" category. Participation in the conference is limited to the first 150 individuals who respond and no more than two representatives per organization.
Registration: Contact Tamara Stinson at 704-344-9950
May Public Calendar
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