1. family and parenting
2. children

Carolina Community Actions, Inc.
2012-2013 Annual Report
Carolina Community Actions, Inc.
Administrative Office
138 Oakland Avenue
Rock Hill, SC 29730
www.carolinacommunityactions.org
Mission Statement
Carolina Community Actions, Inc. (CCA, Inc.) is a private non-profit corporation whose
mission is to promote eligible individuals and families by forming partnerships which will
provide a systematic reduction of the causes and conditions of poverty.
Dear Friends and Supporters:
It is an honor to serve as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Carolina Community Actions, Inc., where we
promote self-sufficiency through our programs and services.
Over the next few months our nation will mark the 50th anniversary of the event that helped pave the road to
opportunity for millions of Americans living in poverty. On January 8, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced
his “War on Poverty by introducing legislation that would expand the federal government’s role in poverty
reduction efforts.
Since 1965, Carolina Community Actions, Inc. has been established as the local Community Action Agency and
the driving force to combat poverty in the Piedmont region of South Carolina. CCA identifies customer and
community needs and structures relevant programs fitted to the local economy while promoting self-sufficiency
and independence for the families we serve. Our services range from educating children to helping a family in
need of utility assistance to preventing homelessness.
CCA continues to make great strides to fulfill the mission to promote self-reliance as well as provide invaluable
assistance that positively impacts those who need us most. We are very grateful for the support we receive from
our five-county service communities. We are a trusted source of help for working families and retirees trying to
remain independent in hard times.
It is a pleasure to serve on Carolina Community Actions, Inc. Board of Directors with my fellow volunteer board
members, supportive community partners and dedicated staff. This report to the community outlines CCA’s
achievements for 2012-13 and illustrates how we are taking action to defeat poverty and erase its devastating
effects from our region through education and empowerment.
David Boone,
Board Chair
1
Finance Department
FY 2012-13
CCA’s fiscal operations are managed and maintained to the highest standards of accountability, complying with
laws, regulations and provisions of the agency’s various funding sources. Annual audits are performed in compliance
with generally accepted government auditing standards and circular A-133 of the Executive Office of the President,
Office of Management and Budget. The financial statements are submitted to all sources funding CCA.
The majority of CCA’s funding is by federal awards, some of which passes through the state. CCA’s overall
administrative cost was 7.5%
Cash expenditures in 2013 totaled $9,878,140 and benefited the target population, but were also returned to
the local economy in terms of goods and services purchased, jobs generated, and taxes paid. Since such funding
is considered to turn over at least three times in the community, CCA is responsible for generating in excess of
$30,000,000 in 2013.
The Finance staff maintains, manages, disburses and monitors the agency’s revenues in accordance with applicable
laws, regulations and CCA’s Financial Policy & Procedures Manual. Carolina Community Actions, Inc. is required
to generate and use matching funds and/or in-kind contributions to comply with grant requirements for federally
funded programs. The non-federal matching cash may be volunteer time, occupancy space, equipment, supplies,
materials, food and clothing from private sources. These contributions are vital to the operation of programs at
CCA. Volunteers are an important source of in-kind contributions and a key factor in the successful operation
of the agency’s various programs. Many volunteers donated their personal resources of time and talents providing
services that valued $55,518.24.
The non-federal match received in 2013 totaled $2,049,558. These significant contributions allowed CCA to
meet the requested non-federal share of the program budgets. More importantly, however, were the invaluable
service and opportunities these contributions provided for our customers.
2012-13 Distribution of CCA Funding
Head Start
5,484,334
32.3
539,292
3.1
LIHEAP
4,459,340
26.3
Weatherization ARRA
3,620,115
21.3
CSBG
896,865
5.3
Weatherization
977,246
5.8
USDA
688,574
4.1
Workforce Investment Act
300,000
1.8
Early Head Start
$16,965,766
13
3.1%
4.1%
1.8%
5.3%
5.8%
21.3%
32.3%
Greeting Friends and Community Action:
For nearly 50 years, long before the recent economic challenges, Carolina Community Actions, Inc. has been at
the forefront of providing high-impact programs that assist low-wealth individuals, families and neighborhoods
achieve self-sufficiency. It gives me great pleasure to present and highlight the agency’s 2012-13 Annual Report,
which includes our many accomplishments and outcomes.
CCA provides invaluable assistance that positively impacts those who need us most in the piedmont region. In
South Carolina, CCA, Inc. is the local Community Action Agency for Chester, Fairfield, Lancaster, Union and York
counties.
From providing early childhood education to helping a family in need of utility assistance, to preventing
homelessness, CCA is designed to mobilize and build capacity for a better quality of life in low-wealth
neighborhoods. CCA serves families whose annual incomes are at or below poverty levels as defined by federal
guidelines. Services are based on need and available resources, without regard to race, color, creed or gender.
The mission of CCA is to promote eligible individuals and families by forming partnerships, which will provide a
systematic reduction of the causes and conditions or poverty. We are dedicated to maximizing resources and
coordinating efforts with community partners to EMBRACE PEOPLE by equipping them with the tools they need
to CHANGE their LIVES.
CCA’s supportive board of directors, staff, community stake-holders and volunteers recognize the commitment
and significant difference CCA makes in the counties it serves.The dedicated staff is the engine that propels hope
in the lives of our customers and promotes a reputation of caring, fairness and making a positive difference in
our communities. Their support in partnership with numerous public officials, private organizations and individuals
of goodwill is very much appreciated.
CCA, Inc. accepts the challenge to continue the “War on Poverty; by seeking additional opportunities to deliver
customer-focused services that have a greater impact on the community we serve. CCA is greatful to all who
support our continuing efforts.
26.3%
Walter Kellogg,
Executive Director
100%
2
2012 Board of Directors
Chester James
Cloud Azilee
Hill Burley
McDaniel
Davida Schultz
Union
Edith Foster
Sonya Glenn
Lewis Jeter
Pamela Sloss
Fairfield
John Peoples
York
Dan Ballou
Dr.Wendy Balough
Brother David Boone
Fred Garrison
Charlotte Hallberg
Denise Lowry
Melvin McCullough
Ginger Waiters
Lancaster
Timothy Cureton
Karla Garris
Joe Hegler
Elaine J. McKinney
2012-13 Head Start Policy Council
Parents and Community Representatives
Chester County
Jeffrey Price
Cassandra McCree
Lancaster County
Iris Rose
Union County
Phyllis Jennings
Shanen Scott
York County
Trulisa Baker
Derrick Chisholm
Alicia Littlejoin
Community Representatives
Lisa Baker
Karla Garris
Mr. James Quinn
Sonya Robinson
Bradley Taylor
The CSBG American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA): This program provided five (5) components to assist
individuals and enable their households to become self-sufficient:
1) Emergency • 2) Employment • 3) Healthcare • 4) Housing • 5) Nutrition
Weatherization
Assistance
Program
(WAP): The Weatherization Program has been in
existence since 1976 and its mission is to reduce
energy cost to low-income persons using a wholehouse approach to improve the Energy efficiency
of the home. Weatherization specialists use state of
the art diagnostic equipment to reduce energy
cost and improve the comfort and indoor quality
of the home while ensuring the health and safety
of the household. In 2013, 124 dwellings were made
energy efficient through this program.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
Program (LIHEAP): Authorized by Title XXVI
Insulating the floor under the home via crawlspace is one of our
of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981.
priority measures to make the home more energy efficient.
The LIHEAP Program operates from January 1
through December 31. This program is designed to
help low income households meet their home heating and cooling needs and increase energy self-sufficiency, and
thereby reduce the vulnerability resulting from energy needs.
Once the minimum income eligibility criteria is established, priority is then given to vulnerable households;
particularly those that use a large portion of their income to pay for their home energy needs. Vulnerable
households include those households with members who are elderly, disabled, households with children age 5 or
younger and households with income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Levels. Services were provided
on both an emergency basis and on a direct assistance (non-emergency)
basis. In 2013, a total of 4,539 individuals were served of which 1,518 were
senior adults 60 (sixty) and older and 951 were disabled.
HVAC and Air Conditioners: To assist vulnerable households to
sustain extreme winter and summer heat, HVAC and air conditioner units
were installed. The agency coordinated proper procurement, installation
and client education on the usage of each service.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA): CCA has collaborated with
Catawba Regional Council of Governments to provide training and
supportive activities for workforce development for out-of-school youth.
The program provided job readiness, pre-employment training and other
supportive services to 62 youth in Chester, Lancaster and York counties.
WIA student,Titi Layo received the STAR award during the annual youth forum
sponsored Catawba Regional Council of Governments.
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12
OTHER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
CSBG funds the core activities of CCA, which allows the agency to combat the central causes of poverty in the
five-county service area: Chester, Fairfield, Lancaster, Union and York. CCA uses this flexible funding for it’s Family
Assessment Program designed to assist unemployed adults.
Case Management - The program is designed to assist socio-economically challenged adults in becoming self-sufficient
thereby improving their quality of life. If individuals have a desire, willingness and commitment to improving their current
situation, several opportunities are available. This program provides a support mechanism that help individuals to obtain
education beyond high school or prepare individuals to become marketable in the work place. During 2013, 106 individuals
received assistance through this activity.
Carolina Community Actions, Inc. (CCA)
Head Start/Early Head Start
Parent, Family, and Community
Engagement
CCA has a long history of partnering with families to achieve family goals and lasting positive change for
children and families. As we build continuous learning and improvement into everyday operations, HS and EHS
staff works strategically to measure progress on family outcomes. Families come to HS/EHS with a range of
perspectives, experiences, and circumstances. Each family is different and progress toward goals will vary across
families.To obtain the outcomes, we use data to answer important questions such as:
Assistance may be available according to needs:
• Tuition
• Childcare
• Books and Supplies
• Medical
“How do we measure a family’s progress toward reaching their goals?”
“How is our program making a difference in the lives of parents and children?”
“What changes can CCA and families make to support progress toward family
outcomes?”
“How can we tell the story about how our efforts are contributing to better family
outcomes?”
General Emergency Assistance Program (GEAP): This program helps meet the emergency needs of eligible
families. The program provides rental/mortgage assistance up to a maximum of $1,000 to individuals facing immediate
evictions. In order to receive mortgage assistance, the applicant must be able to show documented proof (example
check stubs) of sustainability, which is the ability to maintain the rental/mortgage payments with the assistance of the
agency. During 2013, the agency served 188 GEAP customers.
Family related data can help staff better understand families’ perspectives, interests, and needs. It can support
staff by identifying areas where they can build their family engagement knowledge, skills and actions. Family related
data gives practical information about children and families to help them develop strategies to guide family
partnerships, teaching and learning. It also provides information about program strategies that work best for
making progress toward family outcomes. At the same time it offers families information about themselves, their
children, the program, and the community that they can use to improve their well-being and prepare their children
for school.
Youth Leadership Program (YLP) - Through a partnership
with the Youth Learning Institute, this
program
is
designed to provide income-eligible students between the ages of
10-14 with educational opportunities
focusing
on
academic, behavior and social interaction. Students who complete
the program will be able
to
describe
how
good
character will aid them in the meeting their goals and building health
relationships. Students will be able to demonstrate critical thinking
skills, decision -making and problem solving skills. In 2013, 25
students received assistance through this program.
Using data in a respectful way begins with staff’s full appreciation of each family’s beliefs, values, and cultural
backgrounds, as well as parent’s wish to become the best parents they can be. By prioritizing family input, staff
uses the data collection process to affirm that parents are the experts on their children.The partnership between
parents and HS/EHS staff is fundamental to children’s current and future success and their readiness for school.
The report that follows summarizes key data on demographics and services for children served by CCA Head
Start and Early Head Start. This is just a snapshot of services provided and not intended to inclusive of all services
provided.
Youth Leadership Employment Program – Economic Youth Leadership participants were taught basic steps to
disparities have caused a decline in employment opportunities and the Shag dance during the summer training program.
lack of job skills for low-income youth. Through Youth Leadership
Employment the participants (ages 16-18) learned independence,
responsibility and how to make right decisions. All participants (8) obtained training placement internship.
11
4
Enrollment
#HS
Total Funded Enrollment
Total Cumulative Enrollment
824
1003
% of Funded Enrollment
100
100
#EHS
% of Funded Enrollment
40
49
100
100
Ethnicity
#HS
74
929
% of Participants
7.4%
92.6%
#EHS
0
49
% of Participants
0%
100.0%
#HS
American Indian
0
Asian
3
Black of African American
817
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 2
White
143
Biracial or Multi-Racial
38
Other Race
0
Unspecified Race
0
% of Participants
0%
0.3%
81.5%
0.2%
14.3%
3.8%
0%
0%
#EHS
0
0
37
0
7
5
0
0
% of Participants
0%
0%
75.5%
0%
14.3%
10.2%
0%
0%
% of Participants
94.6%
94.6%
#EHS
48
48
% of Participants
100.0%
100.0%
1003
489
100.0%
48.8%
48
26
#HS
IEP’s
% of Participants
#EHS
IFSP’s
Hispanic or Latino Origin
Non-Hispanic or NonLatino Origin
Race
Health Services
Children with health insurance
Children with a medical home
Children with up-to-date
immunizations or all possible
immunizations to date, or exempt
Children with a dental home
#HS
949
949
100.0%
54.2%
Disabilities Services
Children with an Individualized
Education Program (IEP) or
Individualized Family Service
Plan (IFSP), indicating they were
eligible to receive special
education, early intervention,
and related services.
5
67
6.7%
5
% of Participants
10.4%
10
SUMMARY/ANALYSIS
This data indicates that the majority of children have shown positive growth in readiness skills and in process
skills in the content areas. Significant percentages are meeting or exceeding the expectations in the developmental
domains. However, within the content areas, there remain high percentages of children being assessed at the
emergent level. Percentages assessed as performing below expectations are in the 37th percentile or below,
although mathematics objectives were somewhat higher.
Children with IEPs (primarily with speech/language delays) are showing growth as well, although fewer percentages
are meeting expectations in the language domain, especially the three year olds.
APPLICATION
The Education Manager, EHS/Disabilities, Center Directors, and teachers will continue to use class profile reports
to plan ways to support ongoing learning and development for individuals as well as for groups of children. An
emphasis on all children’s individual goals will be evident in assessment notes and lesson plans. IEP goals center
on speech and communication skills, and teachers integrate those goals into their individualized planning.
An emphasis in instructional support is recommended for specific objectives in which the data is showing 25%
or more of children at below the range of expectations. Additionally, increased attention will be given to providing
for and assessing the knowledge and skills for all children within the content areas of Science and Technology, and
the Arts. The use of the program’s self assessment tools will focus on ensuring that environments and activities
are designed to support growth in these areas.
Professional development activities that have a positive impact on child outcomes will continue to include
in-service trainings focused on in depth knowledge of the development and learning objectives and the elements
of the CLASS Instructional Support domain. Additionally, teachers and assistants will use assessment data to
intentionally plan responsive curriculum weekly. The Education Manager, EHS/Disabilities Manager, and Center
Directors will continue to closely monitor the quality of the assessment data and meet with individual teachers
at each checkpoint to review how this data will be used to curriculum planning by the teaching team and with
parents.
9
Family Services
Total Number of Families
Families Who Received at Least
One Family Service
#HS
873
873
% of Participants
100%
#EHS
32
% of Participants
100%
100%
32
100%
% of Participants
1.1%
0.5%
0%
#EHS
0
0
0
% of Participants
0%
0%
0%
1.1%
5.5%
5.4%
0.1%
0%
0.3%
0.8%
0%
100.0%
0
15
15
0
0
0
0
0
32
0%
46.9%
46.9%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100.0%
0%
48.1%
0%
0
32
0
0%
100.0%
0%
Specific Services
#HS
Emergency or Crisis Intervention
10
Housing Assistance
4
Mental Health Services
0
English as a Second Language
(ESL) Training
10
Adult Education
48
Job Training
47
Substance Abuse Prevention
1
Substance Abuse Treatment
0
Child Abuse Neglect Services
3
Domestic Violence Services
7
Child Support Assistance
0
Health Education
873
Assistance to Families of
Incarcerated Individuals
0
Parenting Education
420
Relationship or Marriage Education 0
6
2012-2013 Child Outcomes Report
Carolina Community Actions, Inc. Head Start and Early Head Start
Table 1 – Head Start/Early Head Start Program Gains by Domain
During the 2012-2013 program year, CCA, Inc. Head Start and Early Head Start implemented the ongoing
observational tool,Teaching Strategies GOLD, which is specifically designed for this purpose. The tool has provided
a seamless system that is inclusive of children with disabilities, children who are English-language and dual language
learners, and children who demonstrate competencies beyond developmental expectations. Assessment can
serve many purposes including: to support learning, to identify special needs, for program evaluation and
monitoring trends, and for program program/school accountability. All of these apply to Teaching Strategies
GOLD.
Information from parents and other family members is another critical component for child assessment. Teaching
staff are in regular communication with parents and families about their children, gathering information,
assessments, and expectations in initial meetings, day-to-day conversations, parent-teacher conferences, and home
visits. While not quantified in this document, this information is used by teaching staff as they consider each
child’s development and progress, and make plans for their individualized instruction and learning.
Developmental
Domain
2013
To improve school readiness for the children served, child outcomes data is assessed to determine the overall
readiness of all children served in the CCA, Inc. Head Start and Early Head Start program and to determine staff
developmental needs. Given children’s progress, the program is able to determine areas of need and provide
professional development that is targeted to the areas of greatest need. The data report is the summation of the
program’s overall success in teaching children and supporting their gains in school readiness during the 20122013 program year. It also provides stakeholders (i.e., policymakers, parents, Policy Council, Board of Directors,
and the community) an opportunity to see the benefits of the CCA, Inc. Head Start and Early Head Start program.
This information is shared with the Head Start Policy Council, the CCA, Inc. Board of Directors, the CCA, Inc.
School Readiness Committee, and in summary on the CCA, Inc. website.
Language
% Below
% Meeting Expectations
% Exceeding Expectations
73
26
1
155
66
19
Cognitive
% Below
% Meeting Expectations
% Exceeding Expectations
73
24
3
18
67
16
This report reveals that the program needs to continue to improve its school readiness efforts in teaching
mathematics, science, and social studies. Training and support to teaching staff in these three areas is among the
program’s highest priorities during the next program year.
What Can We Learn From the Data?
Data results from the 2012-2013 program year indicate that children made considerable gains over the course
of program year. The data generated for Head Start and Early Head Start provides information on the numbers
of children, by classroom, center, and program-wide who were able to meet reasonable goals for widely held
expectations for children in their age range. This report will focus on program-wide information.
To further understand this report, it is important to recognize that teachers observed children over the course
of each assessment period as they participated in daily nursery and classroom activities: and then formally assessed
their progress on the objectives three times during the year: Fall, Winter, and Spring. The information below
presents a comparison of the baseline (Fall) with data at the end of the year (Spring); compares data for each
program, Head Start and Early Head Start. It also shows progress by area for each of the domains. Note that in
the areas of Science & Technology, Social Studies, and the Arts there is no category “Exceeding Expectations”
because The Creative Curriculum research has not enabled the establishment of expectations or criteria for
measuring gains within those areas.
7
Baseline %
Fall 2012
End of Year %
Spring 2013
Social Emotional
% Below
% Meeting Expectations
% Exceeding Expectations
77
17
6
17
59
24
Physical
% Below
% Meeting Expectations
% Exceeding Expectations
73
23
4
24
59
17
Literacy
% Below
% Meeting Expectations
% Exceeding Expectations
65
29
6
15
69
16
Developmental
Domain
Baseline %
Fall
2012
Mathematics
% Below
% Meeting Expectations
% Exceeding Expectations
End of Year %
Spring
84
11
5
32
54
13
*Science & Technology
% Emerging
53
% Meeting Expectations
47
46
54
*Social Studies
% Emerging
% Meeting Expectations
63
37
53
47
*The Arts
% Emerging
% Meeting Expectations
59
41
44
56
English Language Acquisition
% Emerging
0
% Meeting Expectations
0
% Exceeding Expectations
0
0
0
0
*Note:Teaching Strategy’s research has not enabled them to establish widely held expectations or any criteria
for measuring objectives within these areas.Therefore, those domains are assessed on whether the skills are
emerging or meeting expectations. It is the program’s expectation that for those objectives that do not have
widely held expectations that at least 80% of all children are either Emerging or Meeting Expectations. There
were no English language learners enrolled in Early Head Start this program year.
8