MCAA Action News Volume III, issue 12
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Transcript of MCAA Action News Volume III, issue 12
AprilApril——September 2012September 2012
Volume 3, Issue 12 Volume 3, Issue 12
MCAAMCAA AAction Newsction News
A Spotlight Update on MCAA Management Academy The idea of the Management Academy was born out of the goal of providing MCAA staff with the opportunity to develop the skill sets needed to move into management posi ons within the agency. Now, MCAA is pleased to announce the Management Academy, a year long training program available to employees who are interested learning more about the leadership and management of a non‐profit organiza on. (con nued page 7)
Meet The Family SelfMeet The Family Self Sufficiency ProgramSufficiency Program
SEE PAGE 2SEE PAGE 2
Mortgage Problems? Are you or do you know of someone in trouble with their Mortgage payments? Have you been ignoring those le er and calls? Are you considering paying a lawyer for advice on what to do? Do you believe no one can help you? Before you give up all hope consider contac ng us first. MCAA is a FREE HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency and has been for over 35 years. (See page 5)
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Helping People. Changing Lives.Helping People. Changing Lives.
Anniversaries & New Hires ........................... 11 & 12 Board Member Spotlight ........................................ 4 Congratula ons .................................................... 10 Dual Language Learning ......................................... 1 Family Self Sufficiency Program ............................. 2 Spotlight—Management Academy ........................ 1 Head Start Events ................................................... 9 Head Start Readiness ............................................. 9 HUD Housing Counseling ........................................ 5 Save The Date ....................................................... 12 Start Your Own Business .................................. 5 & 6 What is The HIPPY Curriculum ............................... 3
Want to open a business & need help getting it
started... SEE PAGE 5 & 6
Dual Language Learning: What Does it Take? By Claudia Glover In the winter of 2005‐2006, the Office of Head Start (OHS) conducted a review of program needs with respect to serving young dual language learners, ages birth to five years. Dual language learn‐ers are children learning two (or more) languages at the same me, as well as those learning a second language while con nuing to develop their first (or home) language. (See page 6)
MCAA Gives Manatee County Kids a Head Start Head Start’s Voluntary Pre‐Kindergarten (VPK) Program has purchased a new curriculum that will be used to prepare children for kindergarten. This new curriculum is called The Inves gator Club and uses children’s natural curiosity of the world to explore and learn new things. (See page 9)
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Meet The Family Self Sufficiency Program By June DeBaun The Family Self Sufficiency Program welcomes new Family Development Caseworker Verna Garvin. Verna originally came to MCAA thru Experience Works. She filled the role of front desk recep onist, moved into a LIHEAP Caseworker posi on and most recently worked in the Weatheriza on Program. Verna will now be working with low income students who are in a endance at Manatee Technical Ins tute, State College of Florida, and University of South Florida. She will provide mentoring, emo onal and economic support to her clients as they proceed with their educa onal goals plan. Welcome Verna! We are happy to have you here! The FSS Program also has a strong presence in Hardee and Desoto Coun es. MCAA is very fortunate to have Family Development Specialist Shujwana Lamy represen ng MCAA in these coun es. Shujwana is also a Cer fied HUD counselor, and, provides budget counseling to Hardee and Desoto County residents. She has also worked as a LIHEAP Caseworker for our Hardee County LIHEAP contract. Shujwana works with students from Travis Career Ins tute, South Florida Community College and Desoto Adult Con nuing Educa on. Thank you Shujwana for being part of our team! The Family Self Sufficiency Program currently has openings . All applicants must be: over 18, a high school graduate or possess a state approved GED, currently in or about to enter an educa onal process, fall into the program’s low‐income guidelines, and work 20 hours per week. A er the ini al applica on process, qualified clients are interviewed by the FSS Review Commi ee. The FSS program seeks clients who are goal oriented, and, whom possess the ability and determina on to succeed. Goals must be realis c and marketable for today’s employment picture. This is a strength based program that is designed to support, empower, and guide families towards self‐sufficiency. For further informa on on the Family Self Sufficiency program and how you or someone you know might par cipate contact June at 941‐827‐0188 x7804.
Learn more about Manatee Community Ac on Agency and the programs we offer by visi ng our website at
June DeBaun
Shujwana Lamy
Verna Garvin
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What is The HIPPY Curriculum By Toni Bloise HIPPY is a acronym for Home Instruc on for Parents of Preschool and Youngsters. This program can be categorized in several ways: A parent involvement program A preschool readiness program A community development program We considered those statements because HIPPY empowers parents to view themselves as their children’s first teacher. It is a developmentally appropriate early childhood program that helps parents teach their three, four and five‐year old child. HIPPY helps parents create experiences for their children that lays the founda on for success in school, in their life, and later in the community and society. The HIPPY curriculum is a fun tool for children and parents to learn and develop school readiness skills helping children to get ready to be successful in school. HIPPY’s implementa on is a contribu on to community development. The HIPPY curriculum is a primary, cogni vely‐based program which focuses on
language development, problem solving and perceptual discrimina on skills. HIPPY is not a mail‐order kit. It is a structured home‐community model focused on parent/child‐centered learning. The HIPPY curriculum deals with daily ac vi es that are appropriate for child development and easy to use. They are wri en in a clear format to provide guidance for parents and a learning experience for children working together in their own home. Those ac vi es helps the child to develop skills and concepts involving reading, wri ng, drawing, listening, talking, singing, playing games, puppetry, cooking etc.
In 2011‐2012 HIPPY served 75 children from Manatee County with a gradua on ceremony on May 25. We look forward to teaching addi onal families in 2012‐2013. For further informa on on the HIPPY program and how you or someone you know might par cipate contact Toni at 941‐827‐0188 x7740.
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Follow us on Twi er at @Manatee_CAA
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MCAA In a Nutshell…
Manatee Community Ac on Agency, Inc. is a non‐profit, private corpora on organized in 1968. We serve Manatee, DeSoto, Charlo e and Hardee coun es, with limited services in Sarasota and Charlo e Coun es. MCAA has federal, state and local grants and contracts totaling approximately $12 million so that we may assist low‐income families and guide them to become self‐sufficient. There is a Board of Directors consis ng of 15 members selected from government, low‐income families and private local businesses. There is 160 staff, including 10 administra ve staff. The majority of programs at MCAA are directed to provide quality services to children and their families. Our programs include Early Head Start and Head Start, Family Support Services, VPK, HIPPY, Healthy Families, LIHEAP, Micro‐Enterprise Development, Weatheriza on, and mortgage counseling.
Board Member Spotlight
Jose Aguirre There are many non‐profit agen‐
cies worthy of your me here in Manatee County. Why did you choose MCAA? I decided to join this agency because I believed that it is one of the few non‐profit organiza ons that truly cared about people. Using tools and resources MCAA helps to get them out of poverty and achieve their dreams.
What is the greatest reward of being a Board Director for MCAA?
To me the greatest reward is being able to see the smiling face of a child or listening to a tes mony from someone who has become successful. Every person ma ers and to be able to help one person that will later on help others is the whole purpose of belonging to MCAA.
What is the greatest challenge of being a Board Director for MCAA?
It is my first me joining a non profit organiza on therefore proving to be very difficult to measure up to the standards of those who have been part of this for many years. At the same me it is an enriching experience, not only professionally but personally.
Where do you see MCAA being in 5‐10 years?
I believe this agency will provide quality services and more coverage for the people of Manatee County. This will be seen as a well known sustainable place to come for help and advice. In 5‐10 years MCAA will become the model for other organiza ons not only in the state of Florida but at the na onal level.
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Mortgage Problems? By Rick DiGiorgio Are you or do you know of someone in trouble with their Mortgage payments? Have you been ignoring those le ers and calls? Are you considering paying a lawyer for advice on what to do? MCAA is just a phone call away and we might be able to help you with one of the new programs just out. MCAA is a FREE HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency and has been for over 35 years. Just this past month we have been able to assist 6 clients in ge ng a Trail Modifica on with their Bank or Mortgage Company, one Client has qualified for one of the new programs in which she is in a Trail Mod and if she makes all 3 payments on me she will be ge ng a Principal Reduc on, along with reducing her interest rate from 9.55% to 3.3% for the balance of the loan. The Principal Reduc on Program is ONLY for non GSA loans (loans that are not insured by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, and VA). Also the Hardest Hit Program has been extended and now clients can get help for 12 months. MCAA is s ll offering a FREE Foreclosure Clinic on the second Monday of every month at our 302 Manatee Avenue loca on in room 306 star ng at 6:00 pm. You can also visit us on the web at www.manateecaa.org click “Programs”, then “Housing Counseling”. If you would like more informa on or to schedule an appointment call Rick at 941‐757‐1166, op on 1
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Dual Language Learning: What Does it Take? (continued from page 1) The goal of this review was to determine what Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, and American Indian Alaska Na ve Head Start programs needed in terms of knowledge, skills, and resources to address these challenges and maximize opportuni es as they support dual language learners in learning English and in con nuing to develop their home language. Head Start regula ons affirm the value of suppor ng children in learning two (or more) languages, the importance of reaching out to families from diverse linguis c and cultural backgrounds, and the link among culture, language, and learning. Both the Head Start Act as amended in 1998 and the related Head Start Program Performance Standards clearly speak to the need to support children in the acquisi on of language including English and the home language. Furthermore, the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 emphasizes improving outreach and increasing enrollment and quality of services to children and families, par cularly in communi es that have experienced a large increase in speakers of languages other than English (LOTE). Head Start has engaged in a number of ac vi es to support English learners and their families by providing an environment of acceptance that supports and respects gender, ethnicity and family composi on, working with public school systems to facilitate the transi on of children learning two languages, working with parents to help in the con nued support of the home language. “Office of Head Start” Suppor ng Language Development for Children Who are Dual Language Learners in Head Start and Early Head Start. www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov For more informa on on dual language learning contact Claudia at 941‐750‐6667 x7015.
Want to Start Your Own Business? By Bob Terry MCAA in partnership with Suncoast Community Capital Corpora on, is providing training and funding to individuals
who would like to start or improve their own business. The program is called the Micro Enterprise Development (MED) Program and is open to individuals: In Manatee County Who have a total household income at the poverty level or less The MED Program involves one‐to‐one or group training on the various elements to a successful business, the prepara on of an individual Business Plan, and the availability of loan funds to start you on your way to self‐sufficiency.
For more informa on contact Bob at 941‐827‐0188 x7905
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A Spotlight Update on MCAA Management Academy MCAA is pleased to announce the Management Academy, a year long training program available to employees who are interested in learning more about the leadership and management of a non‐profit organiza on. A variety of topics will be covered including: Community Ac on History and Philosophy , the History of Community Ac on and MCAA,
Mission and Vision and Strategic Plan.
Agency Structure, Leadership and Governance including the Role of the Board of Directors and Organiza onal Structure.
Administra on and Management including Communica on, Decision Making, Conflict Resolu on, Employee Mo va on, Time Management, and more.
Financial Management including Financial Regula ons and Ethics, Budget Development and Management, Financial Policies and Procedures, and more.
Human Resources Management including Employee Policies and Procedures, Selec ng Staff, Employee Evalua ons, Progressive Supervision, and more.
Informa on Technology including Data Systems, Data Integrity and Confiden ality, and more.
Performance, Outcomes and Accountability including Na onal Performance Indicators and more.
Interested? Come to an Orienta on! MCAA will host an orienta on on Thursday, October 18th to discuss the Management Academy and to answer your ques ons. The mee ng will begin at 5:30 pm and last about an hour. It will be located in the 3rd floor MCAA Board Room at 302 Manatee Avenue.
Management Academy Q & A and How To Sign Up You have ques ons about MCAAMA and we have answers What is the Management Academy? The Management Academy is a training program designed for individuals who are interested in learning more about the leadership and management of a non‐profit organiza on. Who will teach the Management Academy classes? The Academy will be taught by the MCAA Execu ve Director, Leadership Team members and other guest speakers. (Con nued next page)
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Management Academy Q & A and How To Sign Up (continued from page 7) Who is Eligible? The Academy is open to MCAA employees who exhibit an interest in acquiring addi onal knowledge and skills in management and leadership. The Academy is also available to employees of other Community Ac on Agencies and local non‐profit organiza ons based on classroom availability. Is there a cost to enroll in the Management Academy? There is no cost for MCAA employees. A fee for individuals outside of the organiza on is being considered. How is the Academy structured? The Academy will be structured into 24 sessions of which 50% will be held during regular work hours and 50% will be held a er work hours. Classes are planned with the adult learner in mind, and will be a combina on of lecture, group ac vi es and individual ac vi es. Will I be compensated for a ending? The Academy is designed to be a voluntary training program that will enhance your work skills, and should be regarded as an investment in you. Paid release me will be provided for sessions conducted during regular work hours when possible. Sessions conducted a er work hours will not be compensated by MCAA. May I only a end the sessions conducted during paid release me? You will be expected to seriously consider the benefits of the training for your personal growth and thus make a commitment to par cipate in all classes upon enrollment. If I complete the Management Academy, will I have priority for an open management posi on within the Agency? The training received through the Academy will demonstrate increased knowledge in management which will be taken into considera on when applying for an open posi on with MCAA. How long is the Management Academy? It is expected that the Academy will last one year. It is structured for 24 sessions held every other week, and each session is planned for 2 to 2.5 hours. Will there be homework? You may be asked to read an ar cle, or research a topic, but for the most part there will be negligible homework. When will the Academy be conducted? The Academy is tenta vely scheduled for the first and third Tuesday of each month, for twelve months, beginning January 15, 2013 . Some adjustment in the schedule may be necessary due to agency holidays. A full calendar will be provided with the enrollment applica on to be distributed in October 2012. How do I apply? In October you will find an applica on on the MCAA intranet. You will be asked to submit the applica on, along with approval for par cipa on from your supervisor by the deadline iden fied on the applica on. Interested? MCAA will host an orienta on on Thursday, October 18th at 5:30pm in the MCAA Board Room to discuss the Management Academy and answer ques ons. The mee ng will last about an hour.
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School Readiness By Kim Stephey
Head Start’s Voluntary Pre‐Kindergarten (VPK) Program has purchased a new curriculum that will be used to prepare children for kindergarten. This new curriculum is called the Inves gator Club and uses children’s natural curiosity of the world to explore and learn new things. “Purposeful inquiry, the heart of The Inves gator Club, challenges children to use their senses, to ask ques ons, and to find the answers in a suppor ve, language‐and literacy‐rich environment.” This new learning system is organized into ten domains of learning: language development, literacy, mathema cs, science, crea ve arts, social and emo onal development, approaches to learning, physical health and development social studies, and technology. Head Start Summer VPK staff was trained on the new curriculum and are now using it in their summer VPK classes. The theme for summer classes is “Summer Camp”. Each morning children sit around a “camp fire” and learn what new and exci ng things they will be exploring that day. During the day children are engaged in many ac vi es that improve their school readiness skills. Then at the end of the day, they all meet around the “camp fire” again to recap the day’s events. During Head Start’s annual pre‐service training, Fall VPK teaching staff will be trained in the new curriculum so that it can be used in conjunc on with the Crea ve Curriculum in Fall VPK classes. If you would like more informa on call Susan at 941‐750‐6667 x7002
Head Start Events By Kim Stephey End of the Year Celebra on Head Start celebrated the end of the year with its 3rd Annual End of the Year Picnic at GT Bray Park in Bradenton on June 6th. The event was a huge success; parents and children enjoyed games, cra s, and great food. Thank you to the Head Start Kitchen Staff, Maintenance Staff, Teaching Staff, Advocate Staff and Administra on Staff for all their hard work. And a special thank you to Kim Fischer, Nutri on Specialist, for coordina ng the event. (Con nued next page)
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Congratulations Congratula ons to Sharon Stewart, a Head Start Family Advocate, for earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and to Janice Baity, a Head Start Teacher, for earning her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Educa on. Great job ladies!!!
Head Start Events (continued from page 9) Transi on Programs As the Head Start year was coming to an end, many classes were busy preparing for their end of the year transi on programs. Children were able to showcase some of the things they learned during the year by singing and dancing in front of their families. Congratula ons to all the transi oning children and best of luck to them during their educa onal journeys.
Donations Appreciated By Kim Stephey Head Start/Early Head Start is looking for dona ons for the new school year. Items needed are: drawing paper, construc on paper, large crayons, glue, children’s scissors, washable markers, age appropriate books, and any other school items that can be used in the classroom. Because Head Start/Early Head Start is a not for profit organiza on, all items donated can be used as a tax deduc on. Please feel free to contact us at 941‐750‐6667 x7000 for more informa on .
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ANNIVERSARIES March thru September 2012 MCAA Thanks you for all that you do as well and the service and commitment you have given through the years. “The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” ~Vince Lombardi (In order of start date)
Head Start Gordon, Barbara A. 32 years
Head Start Du ng, Ann L. 31 years
Head Start Williams, Albertha 31 years
Healthy Families Lindsay, Marla L. 28 years
LIHEAP Rhodes, Vanessa 26 years
Head Start Morris, Saadia K. 23 years
Head Start Or z, Ida L. 19 years
Admin Desan s, Anthony J. 16 years
Head Start Washington, Marvin L. 16 years
Catch Schole, Gerald K. 15 years
Head Start Herron, Ann L. 14 years
Head Start Efinger, Dane e P. 14 years
000050 Schoenherr, Susan M. 14 years
Head Start Dailey, Ereka 14 years
Head Start Morland, Clorita D. 14 years
Head Start Or z, Nelida O. 13 years
Hippy Bloise, Antonia 11 years
Head Start Senechal, Kari L. 10 years
Head Start Blumenthal, Roberta M. 10 years
Whole Child Zavala, Maria V. 9 years
Family Self‐Sufficiency Debaun, June P. 8 years
LIHEAP Sheehan, Theresa A. 8 years
Head Start Glover, Maria‐Claudia 8 years
Head Start Sanders, Neacy 7 years
Head Start Ortega Or z, Juana E. 6 years
Head Start Charles, Chrislande 6 years
Head Start Vazquez, Awilda 6 years
LIHEAP Vela, Angela G. 6 years
Head Start Beyer, Alexandra L. 6 years
Head Start Rico, Marta M. 6 years
Head Start Whi ng, Karen C. 6 years
Head Start Francois, Ruth 6 years
Head Start Cruz, Amneris 6 years
Head Start Johnson, Olivia E. 6 years
Head Start Bejar, Vincent 5 years
Head Start Lewis‐Gowen, Alicia 5 years
Head Start Amill‐Diaz, Vickie M. 5 years
Head Start Fischer, Kim L. 5 years
Head Start Morris, Shatorra N. 5 years
Head Start Allen, Rose M 5 years
Head Start Lazar, Helen C 5 years
Head Start Hinton, Phanta J. 4 years
USDA Plaia, Peter J. 4 years
Admin Ellington, Linda 4 years
Head Start Patreka, Kathy A. 4 years
Head Start Williams, Lenita E. 4 years
Head Start Evins, Letha J. 4 years
Hippy Romero, Anny N. 4 years
Admin Pa en, Barbara 4 years
Head Start Aguilera, Luz N. 4 years
Head Start Burney, Natasha L. 3 years
Head Start Yancy, Doris 3 years
Head Start Armstead, Charve a D 3 years
Head Start Gilbert, Donielle R. 3 years
Head Start Johnson, Kiara S 3 years
Head Start Live, Karena 3 years
Family Self‐Sufficiency Garvin, Verna 2 Years
Head Start Randall, Ashley S. 2 Years
Head Start Miller, Ryan W 2 Years
Head Start Brown, Karynne J. 2 years
Head Start Sanders, Jennine M. 2 years
Head Start Onley, Markeem L. 1 year
Healthy Families Roberts, Hannah E 1 year
Head Start Bing, Jamie L 1 year
Head Start Buckine, Fairy Bell 1 year
Head Start Hall, Danielle M 1 year
Healthy Families Freeman, Nicole 1 year
Head Start James, Daniel L 1 year
Healthy Families Holland, Tashia R. 1 year
CSBG Delgado, Lidia E 1 year
Healthy Families Ramos, Victoria E 1 year
Head Start Cartagena, Elba I 1 year
Head Start Colborn, Sabrina M. 1 year
Head Start Baquedano, Patricia M 1 year
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NEW FACES March thru September 2012 MCAA welcomes the many new faces that have joined our family. (In order of start Date)
Head Start Vargas, Crystal
Head Start Howard, Chris ne E.
Head Start Mays, Gail
Head Start Gilbert, Damen L.
Head Start Estevez, Omahara L
Head Start Mays, Tiki K
Head Start Gowen Jr., Daniel J.
USDA Bloise, Luis D.
Hippy Gillum, Kersten L.
Head Start Dale‐Ladran, Kris e A.
Head Start McKenzie, Pamela A.
Head Start Ruiz‐Soto, Madeline
Head Start Haines, Bri any L.
Head Start Lindsey, Kawanda L.
Head Start Oxford, Andrea L.
Head Start Farraro, Glorangely
Head Start Nova, Jacquelinne E.
Head Start Mitchell, Monique R.
Head Start Wainwright, Cynthia D.
SAVE THE DATE Here are a few dates to put on your personal calendar… Friday, October 12—Manatee Public Schools will be closed
Thursday, October 18 at 5:30pm, in the 3rd floor MCAA Board Room—
Management Academy orientation
Monday, October 22—Manatee Public Schools will be closed Wednesday, October 31, in the MCAA 3rd floor break room—2nd annual pumpkin carving contest and pot luck lunch. Costumes are encouraged but not required. This is open to all MCAA employees! Details will be forthcoming!
November 19 thru 23—Manatee Public Schools will be closed
December 24 thru 31—Manatee Public Schools will be closed
“Cap’n” Tony DeSan s
Follow us on Facebook by friending Manatee Community Ac on Agency
Follow us on Twi er at @Manatee_CAA