Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, Inc. (BROC) heard program reports and honored its volunteers in Alleghany, Ashe and Wilkes counties with a covered dish supper at the 46th annual BROC Board Meeting.

The event was held at the Senior Center in Fairplains, at the Elderly Nutrition Meal Site, with over 75 in attendance.

The BROC board of directors and staff would like to extend thanks to the Wilkes County Commissioners, United Way of Wilkes County, their partner agency, faith-based organizations, individuals, businesses and to all the other human resource agencies BROC collaborates with to meet the needs of those less fortunate. You are “Exceptional People – with Extraordinary Hearts.

Committee reports, project reports, recognition of outstanding volunteers, and election of board officers were on the agenda.

BROC, a Community Action Agency, and a partner with United Way of Wilkes County, receives operating funds from federal, state and local governments, as well as foundations, donations and local fundraising. The organization is a local private, non-profit human service agency governed by people from Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany counties. BROC collaborates with other human services agencies to meet the needs in each county to prevent duplication of services.

We Care Planning Committee - Ashe

Sylvia Miller reported on the committee. The committee is hosting “Down by the Creek” yard sale on Sept. 7. The committee’s next fund raising event will be a 50/50 raffle for Aug. 31.

We Care Planning Committee, a supportive arm of BROC in Ashe, has had a very busy year with “Down by the Creek” yard sale, peanuts sale, Christmas tree fundraiser, and “Keep the Heat On” fundraiser. They received funding for the above project also through the Ashe County Government. The Garden Seed Program was successful this year. BROC participated in “Make a Difference Day”

Annual report and programs

The BROC Board members, guests and staff received the 46th Annual Report including: the creation, mission statement, governance, activities, accomplishments, BROC Board of Directors, staff and a letter from the executive director. This book also was in memory to its first director, Elizabeth (Betty) Baker, for her tireless service in advocating for the poor and disadvantaged people in BROC’s three county service area and her many accomplishments. Miss Baker served as the agency’s executive director from January 1966 until her retirement in June 1994.

The agency’s activities and accomplishments of each program were presented by each program director.

BROC Head Start report was given by Brenda W. Roten who shared that this has been a busy year for Head Start, but it has also been a good year. The program had a total enrollment of 210 Head Start children, and contracted for 33 More at Four slots this year. Roten shared that the program had a total of 488 volunteers this year, with 186 of those volunteers being current or former parents of Head Start children. At that time, Billie Pruitt was recognized as BROC Head Start’s Parent of the Year.

The American Recovery Reinvestment Act Weatherization Assistance Program report was presented by Jim Absher, WAP coordinator.

The weatherization crews have been increasing the numbers of units, training, and monitoring visits (state and federal).

The Weatherization Assistance Program - American Recovery Reinvestment Act Weatherization Program contract period is from August 2009, to Dec. 31, 2012. The WAP-ARRA budget is $2,083,684 and the T & TA budget is $114,552 for a total program budget of $2,198,236. The program has completed 286 units. Total spent $466,723.29 just for material and labor in the three county service area.

The standard FY 2011-2012 Weatherization Assistance Program budget is $152,404. The weatherization crews have completed 13 units with materials and labor cost of $39,652.07.

Heating Appliance Repair and Replacement Program (HARRP) FY 2-11-2012 completed 29 jobs at a total cost of $87,028.28.

Community Services Block Grant OEO (CSBG) report was presented by Jessica Prevette, CSBG Program Director. The staff of Community Services Block Grant has been seeing an increase of clients due to the economic status in the three service areas and community meetings.

For the OEO Community Services Block Grant Emergency Assistance Program July 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012:

1,284 families were provided with emergency services at a total cost of $141,413.18 from other grants, private donations, faith-based organization, local resources, and businesses.

1,170 families were served with emergency services that could not be counted towards the CSBG program due to being less than $100 or an additional service at a cost of $63,137.93

$204,551.11 in funds were provided by local resources to be used in the Emergency Services Program

In the emergency food program 2,834 boxes of food were given for a total of 223,200 pounds of food given. (1,378 families were served for a total of 2,904 individuals served year to date, 33,635 pounds of food was received from Second Harvest Food Bank for a total savings to the agency of $28,895.68 year to date).

The CSBG Family Self-Sufficiency Program for the program year July 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012 provided 38 participants with 150 services to clients enrolled in the Family Self Sufficiency program, at a total cost of $34,087.85. CSBG Funds used $19,708.88 with $1,946.50 from other grants, private donations, faith-based organizations, businesses and local resources.

The BROC Elderly Nutrition Program report was given by Mary Edna Faw. The total congregate meals from July 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012 were 23,594 home delivered meals and 25,609 meals served by the four meal sites with 413 participants enrolled with average attendance of 114. The total volunteer hours for the 11 months were 7,481. The total number of volunteer miles was 49,568. The Elderly Nutrition Program received a $20,000 equipment grant from the Walmart/Meals on Wheels Association of America Building the Future Impact Grant Program. This funding for equipment included a new range for Fairplains, a new range, refrigerator milk cooler and freezer for Austin.

New Business

The Home and Community Care Block Grant for FY 2012/2013 was presented by Mary Edna Faw, Elderly Nutrition Program Director. Next year’s budget states there are four meal sites and 10 employees. The Fairplains Meal site prepares meals for Maple Springs Community Center, and Austin Community Center prepares for Temple Hill Community Center. The volunteers transfer meals in thermal containers.

The number of congregate meals to be served at meal sites is 28,650. This is an average of 115 per day for approximately 250 serving days. Approximate of number of persons served is 450 during the year.

Home Delivered meals are projected at 32,150 meals. Volunteers deliver all these meals to persons unable to prepare their own meals. This is an average of 129 with approximately 250 different people receiving the service during the year.

Housing and Home Improvement Services means assistance to older adults in obtaining maintaining and/or retaining adequate housing and basic furnishings/appliances. Specific guidelines must be met. At least four persons will be served for the year.

Total budget from Region D (state) and federal funds and local match:

Transportation $7,911 with local match of $2,888 for a total of $10,799

Congregate meals $143,700, USDA $17,190 with a local match of $40,266 for a total of $210,156

Home delivered meals $163,958, USDA $19,290 with local match of $54,512 for a total of $237,760

Housing & Home Improvement $2,010 with local match of $233 for a total of $2,243

Total Budget for BROC Elderly Nutrition Programs is $317,579 (USDA $36,480) with a total of $97,899 local match.

A motion was made by Joseph Kilby to accept the proposed budget as presented. Charlie Sink seconded the motion. Motion carried

ENP Director Mary Edna Faw presented the FY 2011/12 Home and Community Care Block Grant revision for approval by the BROC board transferring $6,750. From home delivered meals to congregate meals due to attrition late in the year.

A motion was made by Sylvia Miller to accept the budget revision as presented. Charlie Sink seconded. Motion carried.

The Financial Report was presented by Dare Stromer on the all BROC programs for 11 months, from July 1, 2011 to May 31, 20121. The report showed accounts, budget amounts and the expenditures of each project. By the end of the fiscal year, all funds will be spent by each grant.

Executive Board

The following officers were elected for 2012 - 2013: Joseph Kilby of Wilkes, chair; Dale Baldwin of Ashe, vice chair; Jim Hall of Wilkes, secretary; Foyst Blackburn of Alleghany, treasurer; Charlie Sink of Wilkes, assistant treasurer.

Members from the each county selected the county representative to be on the executive committee were Michael Parlier, Alleghany County; Sylvia Miller, Ashe County; and Don Ray Royall, Wilkes County.

Agnes Joines thanked the board for their dedication and contributions to BROC during year.

Volunteers Honored

The BROC Board, executive director, and staff recognized the volunteers for their work, time and dedication in the BROC programs. BROC executive director reported this was a very special night for the agency to honor the BROC Board of Directors, volunteers, businesses and community leaders, civic groups and staff.

“We are very fortunate and thankful and appreciate the time, talents and compassion they have given to make this agency a successful team working together to make a difference in the lives of those in need,” said the director. “Thanks to each and every one. You are a very special ‘Gift to the Community’ and to BROC.”

Board Members from Ashe County: Charlotte Blake, Sylvia Miller, Gary Roark, Dale Baldwin, Nada Sheets, Shirley Farmer, and Joan Hinson.

Head Start Tri-County Policy Council: Teresa Stansberry and Billie Pruitt

Honored from Ashe County

Public Officials: Ashe County commissioners and county manager, mayor, aldermen and town managers from Jefferson, West Jefferson and Lansing

We Care Planning Committee Members: Gary Poe, Chairman, Nada Sheets, Greg and Lois Carroll, Warren Miller, Sylvia Miller, Pam White, Gwyn Campbell, Willa Mae Campbell, Katrina Varner, Stacey Howell, Betty Berrell, Penny Workman, Edna Sawyer, Patsy Perkins, Rick Bates, Paul Pickett, and Chris Howell.

Others were from faith based organizations, local businesses, human resources agencies: Catie Howell, Jack Eastridge, Shelby Eastridge, Verna Price, Mabel Richardson, Tina Blevins, Melissa Ashley, Kimberly Farmer, Shirley Bauguess, Anna Oliver, Catelyn Howell, Barbara Hoosier, Joe Franklin, Mary Stanley, Ray Bloniarz, Joe Stanley, Jennifer Blevins and Mae Greer

Sizemore Head Start: Abby Miller, Adam Widner, Adriana Solis, Allen Mullis, Amanda Greer, Amy Miller, Andy Widner, April Eicher, April Mullis, Ashley Miller, Bobbi Scott, Brenda Davis, Brenda Greer, Brittany Miller, Brittany Walton, Bronda Hamm, Bryan Matkins, Casey Steele, Charity Ballou, Christina Hulings, Christmas Coldiron, Darryl Wagoner, Demetria Reynoso, Diana Simons, Donald Widner, Elvis Rash, Hannah Hayes, Heather Smith, Holly Roten, Jacob Cardwell, Jake Miller, James Simons, Jeannine Osborne, Jennifer Church, Jennifer Cummings, Joan Dowdell Bach, Joan Faw, John Harmon, Jose Fierro, Junior Simons, Kathy Howell, Katie Medley, Kay Philipps, Kaylyn Osborne, Kevin Neal, Kevin Worley, Kimberly Eldreth, Laura Bare, Laurel Baker, Lauren Howell, Linda Powers, Linda Widner, Lindsey Walters, McDonalds, Melissa Intoppa, Pam Potter, Patsy Walton, Penny Gibson, Phillip Hamm, Pizza Plus, Rebecca Cole, Robert Allen Osborne, Robert Scott, Roy Hopkins, Ruby Wood, Sandy Worley, Sarah Blackburn, Shannon Rash, Sharon Krider, Sonia Ramos, Stacy Conn , Tammy Richardson, Tiffany Potter, Timothy Intoppa, Tina Testerman, Tonya Sheets, Victoria Buckley, Walmart Of West Jefferson, Wendy Arnold, Widner Roofing, William Neaves, and William Shumate.

Other Head Start In-Kind Volunteers: Agnes Joines, Angie Osborne, Arlena Creasman, Ben Sibley, Billie Pruitt, Charlotte Blake, Bobby Dameron, Dale Blackburn, Dana Blevins, Daniel Cardwell, Dare Stromer, Debbie Nicholson, Earl Drennen, Eula Raye Cook, Foyst Blackburn, Gary Joines, Gary Roark, HATCH , Howard Moore, Jack Joines, Jim Hall, Joseph Kilby, Karen McNeil, Kim Barnes, Kim Shaw, Linda Edwards, Michael Parlier, Nada Sheets, Patti Cox, Sharon Richardson, Shirley Farmer, Sylvia Miller, Teresa Stansberry, and Wilkes County Smart Start

Executive Director Dare Stromer recognized the BROC Board of Directors for their dedicated support, talent, care, compassion that makes BROC have great programs in the fight against poverty for the citizens of Alleghany, Ashe and Wilkes counties and their many volunteer hours to have successful fundraising projects. “Thank you again, you truly ‘Make a Difference’,” she said.

Joseph Kilby recognized Agnes Joines, outgoing BROC Board of Director’s chairperson for her dedication and leadership for the agency’s ideals. Kilby also thanked the staff for their longevity to the agency and being there for those less fortunate during these hard times. He also recognized Dare Stromer for her leadership, her untiring dedication to BROC, the directors, to her staff throughout the years and to be there for those less fortunate.

Stromer thanked the staff for their support, years of service and for their commitment to the BROC programs with their dedication, compassion and concern for the citizens they serve. “We truly are a great team, it takes the BROC Board of Directors, volunteers and staff in providing services and meeting the needs in our communities,” she said.

The next BROC full board meeting will be Thursday, Aug. 9, at the BROC office in Sparta.