New York State Community Action Association
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NYSCAA newsletter - October 2020
See newsletter for full story on each of these items
From NYSCAA CEO
Welcome to Renee Hungerford as the new Executive Director for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. Also, information on keynote speakers for NYSCAA’s Professional Development Conference being held over three days: December 1, 3 & 8.
MYTH: Benefits and assistance programs are available to too many people and are too generous.
FACT: Qualifications to receive services are exceedingly narrow, and exclude many in need.
The current Federal Government's proposed budget reflects an all-to-common talking point, that the poor take advantage of generous public assistance, and thus should be the targets of further restrictions and regulations. Testimony at the truth commission consistently demonstrated the opposite. Speakers frequently addressed the challenges of navigating various social service systems and highlighted the insufficiency of these systems at meeting their needs. Qualifications to receive services are exceedingly narrow, and exclude many in need. People working in social services and those receiving services expressed concerns about the inadequacy of available assistance – see newsletter for full article.
Read more from the Truth Commission on Poverty in New York State about common U.S. poverty myths that are present around the country.
Reconnect and Recharge: NYSCAA & NYSWDA's Virtual Annual Conference, Dec. 1, 3 & 8
This year’s conference will feature over 35 speakers and more than 31 sessions. Registration deadline is November 23 and includes access to all sessions, networking events, raffles and exhibitors!
VIDEO: Community Action Agencies Shine Light During Dark Times
NYSCAA has created a short video showcasing the incredible work that Community Action Agencies in New York have been doing for their communities since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other items
- The Official Health Plan Marketplace Webinar being hosted by NYSCAA on Nov. 10 from NY Dept. of Health
- VIDEO: Community Action Agencies Shine Light During Dark Times – NYSCAA has created a short video showcasing the incredible work that Community Action Agencies in New York have been doing for their communities since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- NYSCAA Resources on COVID-19: State and federal resources and tech resources
- CAPC of Jefferson County packed over 250 boxes of food that were distributed to Senior citizen assisted living homes…
- Community Action Programs Cayuga/Seneca partnered with Cayuga Community College's Criminal Justice Program to help in the fight to end domestic violence. They created the 2020 Pinwheel Garden to represent the victims of intimate partner violence…
- Pro Action of Steuben and Yates is one of two CAAs highlighted in CAPLAW’s case studies focused on the ability of CAAs to respond to unique challenges and effectively govern themselves during difficult times. These case studies highlight the examples of two CAAs, and how each relied on good governance practices and communication to navigate complex challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020 Census Response Rate Map
As people responded to the 2020 Census online, by phone or by mail, the Census Bureau updated the map daily to reflect the percentage of households that self-respond online, by phone or by mail after being invited to do so. The rate reflects the three response modes combined and for online alone.
- CAPLAW Survey: Low-Income Sector Recruitment and Elections During COVID-19
- New Section 4 of CAPLAW’s Tools for Top-Notch CAAs: A Practical Approach to Governance and Financial Excellence
- Covid ActNow – America's COVID Warning System based on 5 key indicators to determine risk levels for 50 states and 3,000+ counties
- From NY State of Health (NY official health plan marketplace): (1) Special Enrollment Period Extended through 12/31 and (2) COVID Alert NY App
- Household Pulse Survey from the U.S. Census designed to deploy quickly and efficiently, collecting data to measure household experiences during the coronavirus pandemic. Data will be disseminated in near real-time to inform federal and state response and recovery planning.
- NYSCAA’s Online Learning Library for Community Action: Free online learning for NY CAA staff or board members
See newsletter for listings