September 6 2013
Volume 2, Issue IV
Special points of interest:
> NJNI participates in Winthrop Rockefeller biennial convening > Affordable healthcare - Open enrollment starts October 1st
WRF Gathering of Leaders On Thursday, September 5th, I had the pleasure of being a part of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Biennial Convening: “A Gathering of Leaders”. The convening was held at DeGray Lake Resort State Park (which, by the way, is absolutely beautiful!) where approximately 150 community leaders, organizers, and non-profit organizations gathered to discuss the ‘wins’ and opportunities as we continue to ‘move the needle.”
> EAAAA Offers help for caregivers > Network Prepares for the upcoming months
According to the WRF report Looking Back While Moving Forward, the foundation has invested more than $3.5 million in initiatives to reduce poverty since 2008. The report goes on to say that these investments strengthen the collective voice and empower communities to address the policy issues that matter most to them. Moving the Needle (MTN), which is the Foundation’s strategic plan, was developed with the input of over 100 WRF partners and stakeholders across the state. This feedback led to the WRF support of education reform and working closely with non-profit organizations that work in marginalized community After the opening plenary, attendees were randomly assigned to participate in two ‘Tactical Advisory Carousels”. These ‘carousels’ were facilitated for 20 minutes by some of the best minds in there subject area. I participated in the Community Development and Community Engagement groups. Tactical advisory groups were fast-paced, with robust discussions and brainstorming. Tactics and strategies were discussed that can potentially improve the quality of the work we do in our various communities. Everyone agreed on one major point—residents must be included! If you could look at a paragraph and read the first sentence, the last sentence, and everything in between at the same time, how quickly would you be able to read that paragraph? This was an example used to get the point across that the journey to the goal is much faster if all groups are involved and committee. Jonesboro was highlighted as one community that is reading the first sentence, the last sentence and everything in between—all at the same time. Kudos was given to Mayor Perrin for his leadership role and vision in the NJNI. Way to go Jonesboro—I was so proud!! The afternoon focused on the next five years and we were allowed to contribute our ideas as to what WRF should watch for in the future. We were also presented with a draft copy of Moving The Needle 2.0 (2014-2019). The goals are basically the same for the next five years as they were for the past five years:
Inside this issue: WRF Gathering
1
Open Enrollment
2
Stress Busters
3
Community Fair
3
FSCIA Updater
3
Board of Directors
4
Community Calendar
4
Page 2
North Jonesboro Neighborhood Initiative Cont’d from page 1: Gathering
· · · ·
Reduce Poverty Increase Educational Attainment Strengthen Communities Build the Nonprofit Infrastructure
Several live polls were taken during the course of the day via text messaging. In addition to being a lot of fun, the polls will be used to assist WRF in future planning. This was a new concept for me; we were actually expected and invited to text message during the workshop! Responses were shown immediately as the messages were received by the pollsters. It was a great gathering, and I am thankful for the opportunity to attend. DeGray Lake Resort
10 Essential Benefits 1. Outpatient services 2. Emergency services 3. Hospitalization
4. Maternity and newborn care 5. Mental Health & substance abuse 6. Prescription drugs 7. Rehabilitative and habilitative services 8. Laboratory services 9. Preventative and wellness services and chronic disease management 10. Pediatric services (including dental and vision care Who is Eligible ·
Consumers who currently do not have affordable healthcare insurance
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Single parents, factory/ construction workers, small business owners, minimum wage employees
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Employers with 50 or fewer employees can purchase healthcare insurance for employees
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People who aren’t eligible for coverage from a public program (such as Medicare, Medicaid or CHIP)
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Legal residents who have resided in the country for more than 5 years.
Open Enrollment Starts October 1, 2013 On September 23, the Enroll the Ridge! Call Center will be open and available to provide information and assistance. The Center is located at 107 E. Jackson Street in Jonesboro, and you can reach them by calling 870-336-0520. Individuals who are eligible for enrollment are working men and women who do not qualify for Medicaid, do not receive insurance through their employer or small business owner who cannot afford the costs of healthcare today. IPAs are available to come to your location to speak or conduct enrollment.
.Call 870-336-0520 for additional information and assistance.
Page 3
North Jonesboro Neighborhood Initiative
Volume 2, Issue IV
EAAAA Offers Stress Busting for Caregivers East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging is sponsoring a ‘Stress Busting Program for Family Caregivers’. This is a free 9week workshop, and all family caregivers are encouraged to attend. The workshop will provide caregivers with the tools and strategies needed to cope more effectively with the stress that comes with being a caregiver. Classes are scheduled from 10:00-11:30 a.m. and will begin on September 19, 2013 at the East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging. Pre-registration is required. The course requires a nine week commitment and participants will be provided with a handbook covering class material, a meditation CD and a relaxation strategies CD. Call 1-800-680-6950 or 870-930-2222 to registration or to get more information. Registration ends September 16, 2013.
National Night Out/Community Fair This year, our National Night Out celebration will be held on Tuesday, October 1st from 4-7 p.m. The event will be held at University Lions Park, behind SUCCESS School. This year promises to be bigger and better than last year! Lots of fun, food, door prizes and lots of activities for the children. You don’t want to miss this one!. Contact Amy Hutson at savedamy@yahoo.com or Jeanette Dotson at 870-972-5980 or jdotson@eaaaa.com to sponsor, reserve booth space, or volunteer. We look forward to seeing you
Network Update Fisher Street Community in Action (FSCIA) has announced their agenda for the upcoming months: They have renewed their commitment to tutor 15 students from SUCCESS Achievement Academy; and beginning September 9th, the students will work in the gardens on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Supervision will be provided by SUCCESS school personnel, FSCIA board members Ms. Stevens, Ms. McKinley, Ms. Dozier, Dr. Coleman, and FSCIA garden adviser, Rev. Agnew. Fall planting will consist of Collard, Kale, Mustard and Turnip Greens, and peas. Home Depot has sponsored the gardens for the last two years and will continue their sponsorship by assisting with planting, tilling and providing fertilizer. FSCIA has also opened an emergency food bank at 233 N. Fisher. The food bank is operated by FSCIA board member, Pastor Larry Hunt. Congratulations, FSCIA! We appreciate the great service you provide to north Jonesboro and the entire city. Keep up the good work!!
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILLIAM
CASH, Entrepreneur, Vice Chairman
CHARLES COLEMAN, Retired, ASU JEANETTE DOTSON, East AR Area Agency on Aging LILLIE FEARS, ASU CARTER FORD, ASU Sports Foundation DAISY FREEMAN, Retired, St. Bernard's, Secretary JANICE GRIFFIN, Craighead County DHS AMY HUTSON, Frito Lay JANE MCDANIEL, Retired, St. Bernards M.G. MEYERING, Habitat for Humanity RUBY MCKINLEY, RETIRED, JONESBORO PUBLIC SCHOOLS ROGER MCKINEY, RETIRED, DELTA CONSOLIDATED & CITY OF JONESBORO
VISION
Collaborative community change strategies where engaged residents, local businesses, faith communities, social service providers and funders work together to build
vibrant neighborhoods, foster community cohesion, and build a strong infrastructure of services and supports for families. MISSION
To encourage two-way communications between neighbors, residents, stakeholders, and officials to participate in the decision making process to enhance safety, strengthen families, and transform
neighborhoods through involvement and engagement.
BEN OWENS, Retired-St. Bernard's, Chairman MELODY ROBINSON, Jonesboro Human Development Center LESHIA STEVENs, Retired, Nettleton School District
Community Calendar September 23 - Enroll the Ridge! Call Center Opens 870.336.0520 September 24-26—Learning Journey to New Orleans
Caption describing picture or graphic.
September 26—Community Meeting E. Boone Watson Center (5:30-7:00 p.m.) October 4, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Go Pink for the Cure Free Mammograms & Clinical Breast Exams for uninsured women, age 40 - 64 Temple Baptist Church 2405 Stadium Blvd.
Emma Agnew, Editor and NJNI Coordinator 870-336-7210
Jonesboro, AR October 1—NJNI National Night Out & Community Fair University Lions Park (4-7 p.m.)
City of Jonesboro North Jonesboro Neighborhood Initiative P.O. Box 1845 300 S. Church St. Jonesboro, AR 72401-1845