Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Recovery vs Stimulus
It amuses me that it matters whether I say "stimulus" or "recovery." The word "stimulus" currently carries the burden of a failed strategy under a previous administration while "recovery" waves the banner of "change" for the new administration. Either way, it'll be nice to get something moving. From as early as last January we have been hearing about the critical need to spend recovery dollars quickly, efficiently, and with great accountability. If the money were in a CMCA account right now that's exactly what we'd be doing. Unfortunately, the downside of "recovery" funds is that it takes a heck of a lot more planning, budgeting, partnering, training, etc. than the shot-in-the-arm cashflow of a "stimulus" check that didn't even buy me the tv I'd been pining over. Check out my blog post from January 2008 to see my preference between these two hot-button words. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has the potential to meaningfully stimulate the economy. CMCA alone will be creating roughly 50 jobs directly, not to mention all of the workers and employers we'll be supporting through our programs. Community Action has always been about supporting employee retention. When you can foster stability in the home, assist with basic needs, provide high quality early education through Head Start, and train people for new jobs or increase their work skills, you're stimulating the economy by helping people work! It's exciting to think about all the opportunities we're going to see over the next two years as the recovery funds role out to communities throughout the country. New jobs, invigorated infrastructure, and a new economy based on a healthier set of economic parameters . . . now that's a stimulus I can get behind.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Director's Report - Planning for Stimulus Funds
Since we first started hearing whispers about an economic stimulus package the CMCA board and Leadership Team have been brainstorming on our involvement. The first news that dribbled in was that our Weatherization program would expand significantly. We found out shortly thereafter that it meant we would go from weatherizing roughly 140 homes per year to around 100 homes per month. Subsequent information has shed some light on additional funding for our Employment and Training program, Community Services Block Grant, Head Start and Early Head Start. We still don't have exact details nor guidance on how to access these funds but our plans are gaining some definition. Check out this link for my report to the Board of Directors on the Leadership Team's efforts to brainstorm and begin articulating a plan of action. As soon as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds are available, CMCA is ready to flood mid-Missouri with additional services and do our part to support our economy's recovery.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Quick Notes
Our 100 Man lunch in March was extrememly successful. 512 men attended across the 8 counties! This is a new record for this event!
Mernell King, Early Childhood Programs Director, has been selected for the National Head Start Association Leadership Award. She will be presented with her award at the National Head Start Association conference on May 1.
Please join Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) for a first annual, break-out fundraising event on the
If you aren't available or interested in riding, consider supporting CMCA by making a pledge to my family's contribution.
Riding Out Poverty features 4 legs of the
Leg One -
Start Time: 9:00 a.m.
Leg Two - Hartsburg to Cooper’s Landing = 10.4 miles
Start Time: 10:30 a.m.
Leg Three - Rocheport to Cooper’s Landing = 14.3 miles
Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
Leg Four - New
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
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