Bold Vision & Best Practice: Community Action Moving Forward

Bold Vision & Best Practice: Community Action Moving Forward 2012 Southern New England Community Action Conference September 27-28, 2012 Providence Hilton Providence, RI CAFCA.org MASSCAP.org RICommunityAction.org

Thursday, September 27, 2012 Conference Check-in (8:30-10 AM) Morning Sessions (Please note the specific workshop times.) Promising and Best Practices in Workforce Development (Workforce Development Track) 9-11:30 AM Patricia Pelletier, MASSCAP A struggling economy means targeted, effective workforce development is more important than ever. Leaders in the field will share their approaches and stories of success to inform and inspire more of this vital work. Joe Carbone, President and CEO of The WorkPlace, Inc. will present his organization s Platform to Employment program, which has been featured on CBS s 60 Minutes. Cheryl Amey, Chief Planning Officer and former Workforce Development Director at Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI) will share how CTI extends resources and builds capacity by leveraging partnerships to provide job readiness supports for high-risk populations. Suzanne Domestico, Senior Program Representative, and Gwenn Weiser, Director of the Green Jobs Academy, at South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) will share how SMOC s Green Jobs Academy model builds lasting employer relationships in weatherization and energy conservation. A Crash Course on Weatherization, Healthy Homes, & Housing Rehabilitation (Wx Plus Health Track) 9-10:15 AM Ellen Tohn, Tohn Environmental Strategies This session is designed for Weatherization and other energy efficiency service providers to learn about healthy housing issues and strategies to integrate Healthy Homes improvements into home energy upgrades. This approach creates healthy and energy efficient homes through repairs, successful referrals, and client education. Participants will be introduced to some fundamentals of the new DOE 2011 Weatherization Health and Safety Guidance and related EPA protocols and engage in interactive sessions to diagnose and solve health hazards. Participants will also identify health resources and services that can enhance energy upgrades. Essentials in Promoting Effective CAA Financial Oversight (Governance Track) 9:30-11:30 AM Tammy A.K. Glivinski, Glivinski and Associates, Inc., and Jonathan G. Sloane, Sloane Partners, LLC. This workshop will equip CAA board members to exercise their responsibilities to oversee and protect the corporation s financial integrity and assets. Topics will include board fiduciary responsibilities; areas of potential vulnerability; and risk assessment, mitigation, and monitoring policies and procedures. Skills in reading and understanding financial reports will be strengthened within a policy environment focused on competence, controls, and communication. Innovative Fundraising Strategies (Administration Track) 9:30-11:30 AM Christine Sieber, ABCD (Boston, MA) Does your CAA have a strategic fundraising plan? What works in today s competitive environment? Join us in this strategic fundraising workshop! Learn about the basic approaches, how to develop a strategic fundraising plan, whether special events are right for your organization, and the legal issues around fundraising activities. Integrating Financial Literacy with Head Start: A Pilot Snapshot and Review (Administration Track) 9:30-11:30 AM Kathleen McDermott, MOC (Fitchburg, MA) Massachusetts has developed an innovative approach to incorporate financial education into the alreadycomprehensive Head Start model. Community Action leaders who spearheaded the effort will present their findings and recommendations. The Federal Perspective and Funding Opportunities (Wx Plus Health Track) 10:30-11:45 AM Ruth Ann Norton, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative Government agencies have promoted Healthy Homes for years and continue to develop innovative programming to encourage home health and safety. This session will share the progress taking place at the federal level by DOE, HUD, CDC, and EPA.

Thursday, September 27, 2011 (continued) Luncheon Speakers (11:45 AM - 1:30 PM, followed by a break) Greetings The Honorable Lincoln Chafee, Governor, State of Rhode Island The Honorable Gina M. Raimondo, General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island Sandra M. Powell, Director, Rhode Island Department of Human Services Jenae Bjelland, Director of Healthy Homes, NASCSP Jeannie Chaffin, Director, Office of Community Services, ACF, U.S. DHHS Plenary Remarks David Bradley, Executive Director, NCAF Afternoon Workshops A (1:45-3:15 PM) Characteristics of Excellence in CAA Governance (Governance Track) Eleanor Evans, CAPLAW, and Bill Hunter, NIQCA This session will examine current challenges facing CAAs (and the board s role in meeting those challenges), key CAA board responsibilities, strategic board recruitment, and strategies to ensure that the board functions effectively. Using New and Traditional Media to Tell the CAA Story (Administration Track) Susan Kooperstein, ABCD (Boston); Laura Crimaldi, Boston.com; Adrienne Lavidor-Berman, Boston Globe and Boston.com Community Action Agencies have stories to tell that impact economic and social policy and affect the lives and communities of millions of lowincome Americans. How best to get the word out in a constantly evolving communications world? Public relations experts will highlight approaches to working with today s media, and media representatives will discuss how coverage decisions are made and where they look for stories. Afternoon Workshops B (3:30-5 PM) Strategic Alliances (Administration Track) Tom McLaughlin, McLaughlin Associates, and Eleanor Evans, CAPLAW This workshop will frame a model for considering potential strategic organizational relationships; factors which promote or undermine building effective relationships; and key legal considerations. Facilitated Meeting Debriefing & Wrap Up (Wx Plus Health Track) Jenae Bjelland, NASCSP, Ruth Ann Norton, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative; Ellen Tohn, Tohn Environmental Strategies Community-Based Facilitated Meetings (Wx Plus Health Track) Jenae Bjelland, NASCSP; Ruth Ann Norton, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative; Ellen Tohn, Tohn Environmental Strategies Participants will meet and begin talking about new ideas for successful partnerships between weatherization and Healthy Homes programs. Facilitators will answer questions and work with participants to identify possible areas of common ground and the benefits of collaboration. Job Readiness for Hard to Serve Populations (Workforce Development Track) Deborah Grace, North Shore CAP (Peabody, MA), and Patricia Pelletier, MASSCAP This session will highlight an effective job readiness/ employability development model piloted by three MA CAAs and replicated by others. Elements will include key partners and assessment tools to measure job readiness, and fun and engaging lessons to integrate into many programs, including Adult Basic Education, HPRP, asset development, and more. Wx Plus Health Track participants will reconvene to share the plans and ideas they have generated during small group discussions, and facilitators will summarize key ideas and action steps. Strategies for Improving Board Participation, Performance, and Effectiveness (Governance Track) Susan Nicholl, Institute for Nonprofit Development A CAA s board plays a vital role, yet every board can experience periodic challenges. This session will address proven, real-world approaches to promote consistent, successful board engagement. Dinner and Evening on Your Own... Enjoy Providence!

Conference Check-in (7-8 AM) Breakfast Speakers (8 AM) Friday, September 28, 2012 Greetings The Honorable Angel Taveras, Mayor, City of Providence, RI Plenary Remarks Mary Ann Higgins, Regional Administrator, Region I, ACF, U.S. DHHS Jeannie Chaffin, Director, Office of Community Services, ACF, U.S. DHHS Dr. Ralph da Costa Nunez, President, Institute for Children, Poverty & Homelessness Morning Sessions (10 AM - 12 PM) Lessons Learned: Advice Forged in the Crucible of Crisis (Administration Track) Christian Dame, Non-Profit Transitions, and Karen Frederick, CTI (Lowell, MA) Crises have a way of focusing our attention. This session will provide participants with information about how CAAs have addressed crises and challenges and offer lessons and roadmaps to help CAA staff and boards assess and address crises and challenges and emerge stronger. Applying ROMA Principles for Implementation: Compliance vs. Best Practice (Administration Track) Marlo Greponne, HRA-NB (New Britain, CT) During this session, participants will review the basic principles of ROMA, engage in a dialogue comparing compliance to best practice, and work collaboratively to identify areas within ROMA which are more conducive toward one or the other. See how strengthening your agency s ROMA implementation can promote risk management. Preserving the CAA s Institutional Memory (Governance Track) Owen Heiserman, Meliora Partners Board member s time and expertise commitments should be reciprocated with availability of a clear, consistent, and well-organized record of the board s decisions. Workshop participants will evaluate their own board s institutional memory practices. Specific examples will be presented and discussed for documentation of meetings; terms, officers, and committee assignments; and member selection documentation. Promising Practices for an Integrated Approach (Wx Plus Health Track) Kathleen McDermott, MOC (Fitchburg, MA); Michael Gurecka, NOI (Waterbury, CT); Ellen Tohn, Tohn Environmental Strategies; Amy McLean Salls, National Center for Healthy Housing; Ruth Ann Norton, Beth Bingham, and Gary Bliss, National Green & Healthy Homes Initiative Pioneering programs throughout the nation have already formed partnerships between energy efficiency and Healthy Homes programs using a variety of funding sources and approaches. A panel of experts will discuss their experiences and best practices in forming and ensuring the success of these innovative collaborations. The Affordable Care Act and Community Action (Administration Track) Jennifer Infurna, U.S. DHHS Region I; Claire Muray, Tri-CAP (Malden, MA); Elena Nicolella, RI Department of Human Services The Affordable Care Act the health care law gives families and individuals important new benefits and the security they need so that they can lead healthier, more productive lives. This interactive workshop will provide an overview of the ACA, provide information about how states are proceeding with implementation activities, and offer an opportunity to hear about and discuss the role Community Action Agencies can play in reaching out to clients and program participants and connecting them to health care as a result of ACA.

Friday, September 28, 2012 (continued) Luncheon Plenary and Closing (12-2 PM) Greetings U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) U.S. Representative James R. Langevin (D-RI) U.S. Representative David Cicilline (D-RI) Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed, State of Rhode Island Plenary Remarks Robert Egger, Founder and President, DC Central Kitchen CAFCA, MASSCAP, and RICAA sincerely thank The Conference Planning Committee & Everyone who presented and participated! Special thanks to our Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) partners, including: Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Connecticut Department of Social Services Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development Rhode Island Department of Human Services National Association for State Community Services Programs Many thanks to our corporate sponsor, Mutual of America.

The Community Action Agencies (CAAs) of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island Connecticut Action for Bridgeport Community Development, Inc. (ABCD) Bridgeport, CT www.abcd.org Access Community Action Agency, Inc. (Access) Willimantic, CT www.accessagency.org Bristol Community Organization, Inc. (BCO) Bristol, CT www.bcoct.org Community Action Agency of New Haven, Inc. (CAANH) New Haven, CT www.caanh.net Community Action Committee of Danbury, Inc. (CACD) Danbury, CT www.cacd-caa.org Community Renewal Team, Inc. (CRT) Hartford, CT www.crtct.org CTE, Inc. (CTE) Stamford, CT www.ctecap.org Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. (HRA-NB) New Britain, CT www.hranbct.org New Opportunities, Inc. (NOI) Waterbury, CT www.newoppinc.org Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now, Inc. (NEON) Norwalk, CT www.neoncaa.org TEAM, Inc. (TEAM) Derby, CT www.teaminc.org Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Inc. (TVCCA) Jewett City, CT www.tvcca.org Massachusetts Action for Boston Community Development, Inc. (ABCD) Boston, MA www.bostonabcd.org/ Action, Inc. Gloucester, MA http://actioninc.org/ Berkshire Community Action Council, Inc. (BCAC) Pittsfield, MA www.bcacinc.org Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee, Inc. (CEOC) Cambridge, MA www.ceoccambridge.org/ Citizens for Citizens, Inc. (CFC) Fall River, MA http://cfcinc.org/ Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc. (CAAS) Somerville, MA www.caasomerville.org/ Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands, Inc. (CACCI) Hyannis, MA www.cacci.cc/ Community Action, Inc. (CAI) Haverhill, MA www.communityactioninc.org/ Community Action! of Franklin, Hampshire, and North Quabbin Greenfield, MA www.communityaction.us/ Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI) Lowell, MA www.comteam.org Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. (GLCAC) Lawrence, MA www.glcac.org Lynn Economic Opportunity, Inc. (LEO) Lynn, MA www.leoinc.org Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc. (MOC) Fitchburg, MA www.mocinc.org/ North Shore Community Action Program, Inc. (NSCAP) Peabody, MA www.northshorecap.org/ People Acting in Community Endeavors, Inc. (PACE) New Bedford, MA www.paceinfo.org Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc. (QCAP) Quincy, MA www.qcap.org Self-Help, Inc. Avon, MA www.selfhelpinc.org South Middlesex Opportunity Council, Inc. (SMOC) Framingham, MA www.smoc.org South Shore Community Action Council, Inc. (SSCAC) Plymouth, MA www.sscac.org Springfield Partners for Community Action, Inc. Springfield, MA www.springfieldpartnersinc.com Tri-City Community Action Program, Inc. (Tri-CAP) Malden, MA www.tri-cap.org Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. (VOC) Holyoke, MA www.valleyopp.com Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. (WCAC) Worcester, MA www.wcac.net Rhode Island Blackstone Valley Community Action Program (BVCAP) Pawtucket, RI www.bvcap.org Comprehensive Community Action (CCAP) Cranston, RI www.comcap.org Eastbay Community Action (EBCAP) Newport, RI www.ebcap.org Family Resources Community Action (Family Resources) Woonsocket, RI www.famresri.org Providence Community Action Program (ProCAP) Providence, RI www.procapri.org South County Community Action Agency (SCCA) Wakefield, RI www.sccainc.org Tri-Town Community Action Agency (Tri-Town) Johnston, RI www.tri-town.org Westbay Community Action Partnership (Westbay) Warwick, RI www.westbaycap.org Community Action Programs Inter-City, Inc. (CAPIC) Chelsea, MA www.capicinc.org/