Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)

The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is a

 Federally-funded program that provides

assistance to eligible households that are in a

heating or cooling related emergency. 

The goal of the CIP program is to help families stay

warm in the winter and cool in the summer. 

Benefits may vary based upon the amount needed to alleviate the crisis.  An eligible

household may receive

assistance more than one time during the

 State Fiscal Year (July through June).

The maximum allowed benefit amount can be up to $600 per Household , per crisis situation; however, benefits cannot exceed $600 per State fiscal year.  

At this time Macon Count DSS is accepting applications  for CIP on the disconnect of power bills in a cooling emergency.  It will only pay the disconnect amount.  Remember, this benefit of $600.00 is the maximum amount and will go against any heating emergency that is needed for the winter.

All payments are made directly to the vendor.

A household that applies must:

Þ Have at least one U.S. Citizen or a non-citizen who meets certain eligibility criteria

Þ Meet an income test

Þ Be in a heating or cooling related emergency.

Energy Assistance is important to all that receive it, but more so if someone in your home   may especially be at risk for a life threatening illness or death if their home is too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer.

For More Information Contact 828-349-2124.

Gwen Taylor, Public Information Officer

Outpost Changes

The scheduled out post for Highlands is April 25th.  The date has been changed to Thursday, April 26th.

If you have any questions please contact DSS at 828-349-2124.








gt

New at DSS

Macon County Department of Social Services prides it's self on great customer service.  In the next few days you will notice the following changes as we continue live by our Mission Statement of "Partnering to promote, protect , and strengthen our community".

• If you are changing existing information in the system please ask for a change form, complete with      updated information and then return this form to the front desk worker . You will not need to see an Income Maintenance Caseworker for changes or updates.

•  If you need to complete an application for services at DSS, please let the front desk know this is a new application and the program you are requesting assistance from. You will be given the paperwork to complete while you wait for an Income Maintenance Worker. If you need assistance in completing the  application, the worker will assist you when you are called to an interview room. 

Wait time could be up to one hour.  You may choose to wait or return at a later time.

gtaylor 2/29/2012

Macon County Emergency Assistance Program

Macon County Department of Social Services is taking Emergency Assistance Applications for utility, mortgage and /or rent assistance.  Emergency cash assistance will be provided to families who meet the eligibility requirements as stated in the basic requirements of the Work First Family Assistance Program.  This program is income based as well as requiring at least one (1) child in the home under eighteen (18) years of age.  The maximum payment level for Macon County is $400.00.

Emergency Assistance is designed to assist families with an emergency need and is not intended to meet recurring or ongoing needs.  No Emergency Assistance will be provided to applicants if the emergency cannot be alleviated, as EA is expected to alleviate the emergency.

Macon County DSS is located at

1832 Lakeside Drive, Franklin,  NC  28734

.  For more

information, please contact Macon County DSS at 828-349-2124.

posted by GT

Thank You To The Community

The Macon County Department of Social Services would like to extend our appreciation to the following sponsors for their generous contributions, which helped to brighten Christmas for our children in foster care:

²     Jane Long and family

²     Ashley Hyder and family

²     Lisa Welch, FHS French Club and FHS Students

²     Brittany Parker

²     Michael and Jessica Jenkins

²     Fun Factory

²     First Alliance Church

²     Rhodes Brothers Paving Company

²     Memorial United Methodist Church

²     Life Church of Franklin

²     Macon Middle School Fellowship of Christian Athletes

²     The Gathering

²     Cartoogechaye Elementary School

²     Coweeta Lab Employees

²     Macon County Senior Games

²     SCC nursing students

²     Junaluska Masonic Lodge #145

         

We would like to give a special “Thank You” to Jane Long for her time & hard work in coordinating this partnership between our agency and the community.  Again, we would like to express our gratitude to all that were involved.  You have made many kids’ Christmas truly memorable.

Lisa Hilliard, Adult & Family Services Supervisor along with her staff

Gwen Taylor, Human Resources Planner & Public Information Officer

Macon Co. DSS

posted by Gwen Taylor

The North Carolina Social Services Association (NCSSA) - Macon County DSS

The North Carolina Social Services Association (NCSSA), organized in 1967 and incorporated in 1969, is the only statewide professional organization representing the interests and concerns of all Social Services employees in North Carolina. 

In addition to working to develop the professional growth of members and to regulate policy, NCSSA members raise in excess of $50,000 each year that is devoted to community services projects in nearly all 100 counties across the State.  These funds provide life-sustaining services and supplies to individuals who have fallen through the cracks of the human services system and/or provide funding for training not otherwise offered through county budgets.

Macon County DSS employees who are NCSSA members have helped families in the past with a Thanksgiving Food Box that was distributed to those in a hardship.  This year Macon County NCSSA members voted to give a donation of $1000.00 in November and $1,000.00 in December to Care-Net for food distribution to those in need.  Proceeds come from employee purchases of vending machine snacks and beverages located in the Macon County Human Services Building.  Members present for this donation are Mark Whitman, President; Marie McClure, Co-Treasurer; Sheila Conley, Co-Treasurer; Suzi Olivio, Secretary; Lisa Hilliard; Gwen Taylor, Membership; Jane C. Kimsey, Director.  Receiving the donation is Vanessa Bailey, Care-Net Executive Director.

The Macon County Care Network, also known as CareNet, is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation, established in 1988, by churches of Macon County, North Carolina. CareNet is headquartered in Franklin, NC.

They are a non-denominational ministry, which serves as a central location to provide relief for those in crisis. CareNet provides food and limited financial assistance with other necessities, such as prescriptions, utilities, fuel, and rent on an emergency basis.

CareNet is supported by Churches, donations, grants and the CareNet Thrift Store.  All donations are used to help Macon County residents exclusively.

Gwen Taylor

Macon County DSS - Work First County Plan 2012 - 2014

Macon County will continue to incorporate Family Centered Practices in the daily involvement with Work First Families. This is achieved with Family Centered Practice, System of Care and Multiple Response System which has been Macon County’s philosophy for many years. Each Work First applicant / recipient, as well as our Child Protective Services and Foster Care recipients are treated with respect. HR/Life Coach is trained to give each person a chance to be heard and gives us the opportunity to evaluate strengths, so as to better achieve their career choices, leading to long term employment and short term Work First.

We realize that each family has different needs and strengths; this realization helps the agency withhold unfair judgment. Our recipients are encouraged to work within their abilities according to their specific needs.

Macon County will comply with the American with Disabilities Act and provide Interpreter services in any language, as we have a full time employee on site who speaks Spanish/English fluently and interpreter phones are available for any language at each employee’s disposal.

Macon County complies with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and abides by all requirements pursuant to the regulations issued in accordance to that Title.
Public Comment The public review process included the plan being posted at the following locations from August 26, 2011 through September 9, 2011:    

Macon County Public Library

Employment Security Commission

County Manager’s Office

Department of Social Services

Public notices of how to obtain and comment on the plan were announced in the Franklin Press, the Highlander, the Macon County News, and on WFSC/WNCC in Franklin and WHLC in Highlands. Review of the Plan and comments have been obtained informally from community leaders, concerned citizens and a former welfare recipient. The local planning committee members assisted in obtaining comments and will continue to meet on a regular basis to assist in implementing and revising the Plan when needed.


posted by GT