Pitt County Family Development Corporation. Inc.

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Pitt County Family Development
Pitt County Family Development
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HBCU College Fair
Posted on November 13, 2022 at 7:25 PM |
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The HBCU Fair is an excellcent opportunity for students to talk with college recruiters and receive information that will help them to decide their career path.
Second Chance Month
Posted on March 30, 2021 at 6:55 AM |
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April is Second Chance Month. It is awesome to be given a second chance in life. Nearly all of the 2.2 million people incarcerated in the United
States will be released at some point. People who are returning to their communities after prison or jail have complex challenges and needs that
contribute to the likelihood that they may be reincarcerated.
Since 2009, more than 800 Second Chance Act grant awards have been made to government agencies and nonprofits for reentry programming
designed to provide services that can help reduce recidivism and increase public safety.
• Mental health—In a study of jail populations, researchers found rates of serious mental
disorders that are three to six times higher than those found in the general population,
affecting approximately 15 percent of men and 31 percent of women.1
• Substance use—A survey by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) found that about
half of people in state and federal prisons had substance use disorders.2
In a separate
study of prison and jail populations, BJS found that more than 70 percent of the people
with mental illnesses also had co-occurring substance use disorders.3
• Housing and homelessness—A national survey found that 15 percent of people
incarcerated in jail had been homeless in the year before incarceration—up to 11 times
more than the estimate for the general U.S. adult population.4
Of all people entering prisons
and jails, those with mental illnesses are twice as likely to have been homeless.5
• Education and employment—Two out of five people incarcerated in prison or jail lack a
high school diploma or its equivalent.6
Employment rates and earning histories of people in
prisons and jails are often low as a result of limited education, physical and mental health
problems, or other challenges; the stigma of having a criminal record and having been out of
the workforce often exacerbate these challenges after release.7
• Children and families—Approximately 2.7 million children in the United States have a
parent who is incarcerated.8
© 2021 The Council of State Governments. All Rights Reserved.
Women at the Table
Posted on March 26, 2021 at 5:40 AM |
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As we close out Women History month, it is a time of reflections. It is a time to highlight the role of women and why it is important to have women at the table. Women bring a different perspective with regards to war and peace, and so forth.
Women’s voices and experiences are necessary.
The consistent lack of female representation across government agencies, negotiating tables, and panels of experts suggests that women’s participation is still undervalued. In reality, security and female participation are intertwined. In the world’s conflict zones, for example, women experience the indirect effects of war differently than men: poverty, disease, and the breakdown of law and order disproportionately impact women.
Research shows that women have access to different information and community networks than men do, giving them a unique perspective on a society’s problems and needs. But in spite of these realities, fewer than 20% of peace agreements from the last two decades referenced women at all!
- Women’s participation results in more peaceful, just, and prosperous societies.
The active involvement of women in peace and security decisions results in less war, fairer societies, and more profitable economies. Research shows that women broaden security agendas, including prioritizing key elements like education, healthcare, and access to basic necessities that might otherwise be overlooked.
Women’s social and political participation also reduces the risk of conflict: one study found that higher female political participation can reduce the risk of war breaking out as well as government-initiated political violence. As if that wasn’t enough to get more women involved in security decision making, research shows that communities are better off financially when women have more active roles in society.
- Women have deep history and expertise in peace and security issues (and are leading the way now!).
Women’s peace activism has a long history, but one of the first international efforts took place over 100 years ago in 1915 when more than 1,200 women from around the world gathered at The Hague. The International Congress of Women gathered to talk about how they could advocate for peace and end World War I. Since then, women’s groups like Women Strike for Peace and Women’s Action for New Directions have organized and educated women from all over the world to advocate for a more just and peaceful world. Women have led the charge toward peace over the past several decades, creating cultural and policy change in multiple areas; from increasing women’s participation in peace processes to reducing the risk of nuclear war.
The evidence is abundant: empowered and engaged women are key to creating a productive and peaceful society. Reflecting on the facts makes women’s leadership and participation an obvious priority. Though we only covered five important reasons why women should be at the table where decisions are made, there are clearly many more. When it comes to peace and security, leveraging the skills and perspectives of women is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. What will you do to put women at the tables of power?
- The table should reflect the society it represents.
Decisions that determine the future course of a community, region, or country should be made by the people it will effect. Guess what? That includes women. Women make up 49.6% of the world population; they are involved at every level of society, and yet are rarely included at the tables where decisions are made. For example, women made up only 2% of mediators in peace agreements over the past 18 years. Research shows that groups that mirror the communities they represent are more productive and successful. Without the representation and active participation of women, security decisions will not be truly comprehensive and are less likely to last.
- Diversity advances change and innovation.
Women — all women, especially women from diverse and marginalized communities — bring unique perspectives to the table that help make security decisions that are more informed and nuanced. Strong national security comes from anticipating a variety of threats, and a team that is inclusive and diverse is better positioned to identify a broad range of scenarios.
Research shows that diverse organizations achieve greater innovation and group performance — in fact, diverse groups often outperform experts! Another study demonstrates that high gender and racial diversity improves decision making and fosters creativity. Diverse groups are better able to respond to challenges and change. When it comes to national security, diversity must be a priority. Shifting away from national security decision makers who are homogeneous in appearance and opinion will help develop strong, collective security policy.
https://www.wand.org/post/2018/07/25/5-reasons-why...
It's All About our ABC's
Posted on September 1, 2020 at 11:15 PM |
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It's All About Attitude! Let us work on our ABC’s Attitude and Behavior Challenge us to be our best self. Merriam Webster defines attitude, behavior and challenge in the following way: Attitude
is a
settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something,
typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior. Behavior
is the way
in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others. A Challenge is something that puts you to the test —
like standing up for oneself. As one looks at goals and direction for their career path, one must be disciplined in their ABC's. We are challenged to stay focused. Our attitude and behavior can be the thing to get us far. While one's skills may be up to any task, but if your attitude and behavior turns customers, management or anyone that stand in the way of your mobility, it's time to adjust your ABC's. Start with being respectful, listen to those you are in conversation with, be patient rather than being quick to take offense. Be mindful of your tone when you communicate with others. Always make eye contact when having a conversation or assisting others. The challenge is to be authentic while correcting yourself to be approachable in your interaction with others. The goal is to obtain success by using your ABC's. |
Zoom Etiquette
Posted on August 8, 2020 at 6:26 PM |
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Pitt County Community Resources
Posted on June 24, 2020 at 7:25 AM |
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Pitt County Community Resources Pitt County families can receive government grants, free debt help or cash aid, and other forms of support. Students can get free back to school supplies and there are gasoline vouchers, free daycare programs, and even Christmas toys for kids. Try contacting the Salvation Army at 252-756-3388. This non-profit charity organization from time to time will have limited funding available to help people pay certain everyday expenses. They may be able to provide funds for paying rent, utility and energy bills, housing expenses, provide food, and much more. Contact them to see if they have funding. There is also free stuff, including Christmas toys, jackets, and back to school supplies. Another option for people in need is the local community action agency. Martin County Community Action, Inc. Also covers the area of Greenville and Pitt County. The agency can be reached at (252) 792-7111. A sampling of some of the assistance programs they offer are below. Find more details on assistance from MCAI. The agency receives federal government funds as part of the Community Services Block Grant. These government funds are collected, utilized and the distributed to those in need by the Community Action agency, and the goal is to provide a wide array of resources, services, grants for paying bills and assistance.
Pitt County Department of Social Services processes and can refer families to a number of programs. Most are government funded, such as Medicaid or SNAP food stamps. Get information on low income housing, section 8, and also the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program . The county assists those who are homeless or at risk of eviction and can help people apply for rent and utilities from LIHEAP and other sources. Grants can help keep the power or lights on, and pay both winter heating and summer cooling bills. 1717 West 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27834-1696, dial (252) 902-1110, or find more details on public aid in Pitt County. Ayden Christian Church provides medications, utility bill assistance, and rental assistance to those qualified families facing an eviction. The church is at 462 Second Street. Telephone - (252) 746-3555. Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Advocates help the sick, elderly and disabled among others. There is information on grant programs, welfare, employment, and general self-sufficiency. They even help with apply for benefits, and find how disability advocate help with SSI applications. Hope of Glory Ministries provides material goods. This can include free food, gently used clothes, household goods, and hygiene products to individuals in need. Address is 402 West 10th Street, Greenville, NC 27834. Dial (252) 321-6857 for intake. SSVF is for veterans and their families only. Family Endeavors, Inc., runs it for Pitt County. All housing assistance is based on need. They offer government grants to pay a mortgage or rent payment, budgeting counseling, and bus fares. SSVF also coordinates rapid rehousing, in which funds (or loans) are used to pay for moving costs, a security deposit, lease application fees or other costs. Many other costs may also be paid by SSVF, and it also gives veterans counseling. Call 910-459-4320. Low income, section 8 subsidized apartments are always in high demand. There is often a waiting list in place, but low income families and those in poverty can learn how to apply. It is long term rent help. Read more on the section 8 application process. Pitt County clothing banks offer free household goods and supplies to qualified low income and families facing poverty. Some of the assistance is provided by churches and some of it by other non-profits that also operate in the region. Free clothes, Christmas gifts or toys, winter coats, school uniforms or supplies and other household items may be distributed. More on free clothing centers and school supplies in Pitt County. Medical care and clinics in Pitt County Oakmont Baptist Church Community Clinic is a sponsored health clinic/center for the Pitt County community. It is only operating one day per month. Call for hours and more information on the medical care, prescriptions needed, and more details. (252) 756-1245. Greenville Shelter Community Clinic is a free health center operated by Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Basic medical care is available to the uninsured, poor, and Pitt County residents that have no other resources available to them. It is a free walk in clinic for residents. 1600 Chestnut Street, Greenville, NC 27834. Call (252) 758-9244 for intake. Sunday Fountain Clinic at Grimesland is a non-profit that relies on volunteers from the community. Doctors, dentists, nurses, medical students, grad students, undergrads, and others all contribute. Screenings, check ups, and referrals to specialist care are all available, as needed. Phone number is (252) 744-2938. James D. Bernstein Community Health Center uses a sliding fee scale to provide medical services on a reduced rate, to those that qualify for assistance with their health care costs. Also, on-site pharmacy also issues prescription medicines at reduced cost to the income qualified clients. 261 Belvoir Highway, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, (252) 695-6352, or click prescription medication programs. Pitt County Public Health Department can provide government sponsored and affiliated care. Examples include Medicaid applications, AIDS/HIV Prevention Counseling, Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment, Influenza Control, and more. Call the Greenville office at (252) 902-2305. Free food from distribution centers While regional food banks will do their best to not turn anyone away from receiving help, the fact is that resources in Pitt County are limited. The centers will tend to focus on children from low income families and senior citizens. Some of the main locations are as follows. Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church is located in Greenville. The phone number is (252) 752-3101. Meals, canned goods, and maybe items like a blanket or clothing may be offered. First Born Community Development Center mostly focuses on children, single parents, and newborns. The main number is (252) 758-6147. Several other non-profit pantries and programs are in the region. More on food pantries in Pitt County. |
Social Media: Friend or Foe?
Posted on October 1, 2011 at 1:19 PM |
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Social Media:
Friend or Foe? I decided to search my name on the web and I was surprise about the
information that was out there. It is
giving me an opportunity to assess what I should keep in the public domain or
reserve some information for private/personal friends to see. Technology has created a means for people to
sit at home and be connected to millions of people with the click and send bottom. We can now share our feelings and frustrations
about family, friends, co-workers, relationships, and a night out with the
girls or guys, your imagination is the limit. As we sit typing and clicking, sometimes
we might even dramatize an event or a mood.
For example, “I need a drink after dealing with my boss today.” “I am going to kill myself if I get another
call from my Ex.” Or “I have been up all night doing my thing; I do not know
how I am going to get through the day.” So
the question is would you want potential employers to get to know you through
social media? Would you want to lose a potential roommate because they or their
parents have searched the web and found questionable information about you? Think about ways you can build an online
profile that will help you obtain a job, advance your goals in other areas of
your life, rather than causing a door to be slam! What can be done to clean up potential problems on social media sites? 1. Check out what’s
on your site. Is it painting a true and
responsible picture of you? 2.
Material you just want your friends to see should be
set up with privacy settings. 3.
If you have pictures of a “wild night” of partying, beers
drinking, etc., remove them from the public domain. 4.
Remove posts of a “personal nature” from the public
domain. 5.
Be careful of who you “friend”, especially clients,
students, or business customers. 6.
Remember, we are linked-in to the world through our
friends! Do we want others to know we have friends with a questionable past? Therefore, using a search engine such as Yahoo, Google, Bing yourself,
assess your information, is it the find of profile you want potential business
associates, employers, and people you have intimate relationship to make of
you. |
Coping with unemployment and the stress of it all
Posted on September 3, 2011 at 12:05 PM |
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Coping with unemployment and the stress of it all
The unemployment rate is hanging around nine and a half percent. This figure is even higher in minority communities. It’s normal to feel scared, lost, depressed and anger after losing a job.The stress of job loss and
unemployment can take a toll on your health. It is important
to take care of yourself. It means looking after your physical
and emotional needs and managing your stress level. Helpguide.org listed several tips to managing a healthy lifestyle while looking for another job: Tips
for managing unemployment stress:
Remember you can get through this tough time by taking care of yourself, reaching out
to family, friends, co-workers, social media and focusing on your goals. Losing your job can also be an
opportunity to reexamine your life, rethink your career goals, and
rediscover what truly makes you happy. So relax, release, rejoice in brighter days ahead! |
Done the Time, Paid for the Crime, Can’t Find a JOB! Ouch!
Posted on February 5, 2011 at 4:37 PM |
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You have served your time, learned
from your mistake and now you are trying to find a job. Yet, ever where you go you cannot find a job. At this point you are at a folk in the road. You have options, although you are not
feeling it right now. You can turn to
the right and keeping looking for a job, or you can turn to the left and make
some quick money that possibly might land you back in jail. Your decision is a measure of your
character. How you handle life challenges is a measure of how successful you will be. A prescription for success is
perseverance, hard work, faith in yourself and in a higher power, dealing
honestly with people, and producing quality work. Finding a Job:
Completing the Application and then Interview
Process:
No one said it will be easy. You will have many setbacks, but if you stick
to your job search, you will eventually land a job. Then work diligently and continue to strive for
advancements. Following these steps, you
will be off and running! |