NNDHS FY24 Overview

Annual Report FY 2024

Published By Newport News Human Services Main Office 6060 Jefferson Avenue Newport News, VA 23605 757-926-6300 Denbigh Satellite Office 368 Deshazor Drive Newport News, VA 23608 757-369-3160 Four Oaks Day Services Center 7401 Warwick Boulevard Newport News, VA 23607 757-975-5201

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NNHumanServices

Newport News Human Services

Contents Message from the Director

4

Department Overview

6

Bureau Overview

8

Funding Overview

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Accomplishments

12

Advisory Board

14

Department Contact Numbers

16

FY 2024 Annual Report | 3

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

T

his annual report highlights a year of strategic growth, sustainable budgeting, and unwavering dedication to the citizens of Newport News.

Fueled by the expertise and compassion of our dedicated team, the Newport News Department of Human Services has made meaningful progress in advancing our mission, strengthening community programs, and enhancing services that support individuals and families in need.

Over the past year, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to serving the community with integrity and innovation. Whether by expanding access to vital resources, deepening partnerships with local organizations, or implementing new initiatives that address emerging challenges, our efforts have been guided by the core belief that every resident deserves stability, opportunity, and a path forward.

department. In a rapidly evolving landscape, we have navigated challenges with determination, ensuring that our services remain accessible, responsive, and effective. From supporting families through economic uncertainty to investing in long-term solutions for housing and well-being, our progress is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the strength of the Newport News community.

As we look ahead, we recognize that our work is far from over. The future presents both challenges and opportunities, and we remain committed to fostering innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. By embracing new strategies and reinforcing our partnerships, we will continue to create pathways for success and build a stronger, more connected community for all.

This report reflects not only the impact of our work but also the resilience and adaptability of our Kimberly Thomas Director 4 | FY 2024 Annual Report

Thank you to our dedicated staff, community partners, and the citizens of Newport News for your trust and support.

Together, we will continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Photo Credit: Jerry Gammon

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Department of Human Services

About NNDHS

The City of Newport News Department of Human Services is one of the largest Human Services Departments in the state. We are dedicated to supporting the well-being of our residents. Through our programs, we strive to foster self-sufficiency and resilience among Newport News residents. We believe in the importance of empowering individuals to take control of their lives and make informed decisions. By offering a variety of services, we aim to address the diverse needs of our community and ensure that everyone has access to the support they require.

Mission The Mission of the Newport News Department of Human Services is to contribute to the quality of life in Newport News by promoting empowerment and independence through human services and community partnerships.

Vision A safe, healthy, and productive community that supports and values all individuals. The Department of Human Services strives to provide efficient, responsive, and excellent customer service through caring, commitment, and collaboration.

Nondiscrimination Notice The Newport News Department of Human Services (DHS) complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). DHS does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity).

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DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP EXECUTIVE TEAM Lisa Calloway, Acting Deputy Director Sharon Judkins, Administrator of Management Services Irvin Carter, Jr., Chief of Fiscal Operations

MANAGEMENT TEAM Twanda Fox, Acting Chief of Benefit Programs Sandra Stovall, Chief of Family Services Shardell Gerald, Chief of Prevention and Self-Sufficiency Services Traci Snell, Chief of Homelessness and Community Initiatives Crystal Bell, Children’s Services Act Coordinator Leslie Baker, Marketing and Community Relations Manager James Cloud, Information Technology Coordinator Brenda Howard, Office Manager

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BUREAU OVERVIEW Benefit Programs Bureau The Benefit Programs bureau administers programs that provide timely and accurate income support benefits to families and individuals in the City of Newport News. These programs include direct money payments, vendor payments for services, medical cards and electronic benefit (EBT) cards to assist with food, clothing, shelter and medical care.

All Benefit Programs have non-financial requirements and maximum income levels that vary from program to program.

Family Services Bureau The Family Services bureau aims to support families in achieving self-sufficiency, safeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and preventing the need for institutional care. These programs are specifically tailored to prioritize the safety and well-being of families, offering a range of services such as case management, referrals to relevant community agencies or programs, counseling, and assistance in resolving individual and family issues. Our professional team is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to families, empowering them to overcome challenges and thrive.

Prevention & Self Sufficiency Services Bureau The Prevention and Self-Sufficiency Services bureau (PSB) strives to advocate, educate, and offer a continuum of services that strengthen individuals and families. PSB services include early childhood and youth development; wrap-around intensive case management; community-based parenting education and support; workforce education and training; housing assistance and stabilization; and home visiting services. We also offer mentoring, youth leadership and civic engagement opportunities, tutoring, and connections to neighborhood resources based on youth interest. Majority of the programs are voluntary, but the benefits that they yield are critical.

Homelessness & Community Initiatives Bureau In light of the ongoing nationwide affordable housing crisis and the growing attention towards homelessness in our City, our day service center serves as a lifeline of support to the community. Within our Homelessness and Community Initiatives bureau, we offer a wide range of resources and assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness. Our primary goal is to connect these individuals and families with comprehensive community services, both on-site and off-site, in order to provide them with the necessary support they need. These services encompass various aspects such as workforce development, housing assistance, medical care, and case management services. By offering access to vital resources and services, we aim to assist them in their journey towards stability and self- sufficiency.

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Children’s Services Act The Children’s Services Act (CSA) is legislation specifically designed to bring together state and local agencies, parents, and private service providers, who collaborate to develop and deliver necessary services for at risk youth. In Newport News, every young individual referred for services undergoes a thorough evaluation before having an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) created that outlines the necessary services to help the child and their family achieve their specific goals and objectives.

Administrative Services Bureau Teams under the umbrella of our Administrative Services bureau play a vital role in ensuring the seamless operation of various essential functions within our organization.

The Internal Human Resources team is entrusted with a wide range of responsibilities, including recruitment, selection, hiring, onboarding, training, promotion, payroll management, benefits administration, performance management, discipline, and the establishment of policies and procedures. The internal Human Resources staff handle all personnel matters in relation to the department’s current staff of 413.

The Marketing and Communications team is responsible for developing and executing effective communication strategies to enhance the public perception of our agency. The team focuses on increasing community awareness of our department’s programs and initiatives through meticulous campaign planning and management.

The Internal Information Technology team offers valuable guidance and innovative support for our internal systems, including databases, applications, servers, and equipment. This department serves as the foundation for our programmatic areas and employees, ensuring smooth operations and efficient workflows.

Our administrative teams also oversee the management of our fleet, records, and mail services, as well as supply and inventory management.

Fiscal Operations Bureau The Fiscal Operations team is an integral part of our organization, responsible for effectively managing and maintaining our financial well-being. Their diligent oversight encompasses a wide range of essential functions, including accounting and financial reporting, cash management, accounts payable, fixed assets, internal control, and debt service management.

With an unwavering dedication to accuracy and efficiency, our team ensures that every financial transaction is meticulously recorded and reported. They take great care in managing our cash flow, optimizing the utilization of funds to support our organization’s goals.

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FUNDING OVERVIEW Department Funding

In FY2024, the Newport News Department of Human Services received a total of $47,088,386 in funding. This included $40,040,506 from the state, $5,594,895 from the city, and $1,452,985 from grants, supporting vital programs and services for the community.

Department Spending

During the fiscal year approximately $44.2 million was spent to provide programs, services and to ensure the health, safety and well-being of residents in need. This represents 97% of the allocated funds to help accomplish the mission of promoting empowerment and independence through human services and community partnerships. Through the relationships with State, Federal and local community partners, NNDHS generated approximately $30.3 million in revenue. This equates to a net city cost of approximately $13.9 million or about $68 return in revenue for every $100 spent.

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Progr Expe

ram enses

$31,782,500 | Bureau Programs

$2,655,394 | CSA Administration

$1,700,394 | Homelessness Services

$7,926,903 | Operating and Administration

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Building Renovations and Projects The Department of Human Services (DHS) leases approximately 121,500 square feet of space in Rouse Tower at 6060 Jefferson Avenue, housing its benefit programs, adult and family services, and prevention and self-sufficiency services, all of which provide direct support to clients.

During a City Council meeting on June 11,2024, funds were approved to support improvements to the DHS-occupied space within Rouse Tower, to maintain a professional environment for both employees and DHS clients. The appropriation of $1,335,293 was allocated to planned improvements across eight floors of the building including replacing existing carpet with high-quality vinyl tile, electrical receptacle updates, and painting.

Rouse Tower parking lot project began in FY 2024 and included: •

New parking lot paving and striping.

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Installation of additional handicapped spaces and safety speed bumps.

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Installation of trees and flower planters.

Photo Credit: Zach Thomas

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Homelessness Services In FY 2024, NNDHS restructured the way housing and services are provided to the homeless citizens and families of Newport News. The Homelessness and Community Initiatives Bureau located at the Four Oaks Day Service Center, provides Housing Stabilization Case Management, Homeless Diversion, and Landlord Outreach and Engagement Services, as well as resources and assistance to persons experiencing homelessness.

As part of the restructuring, the Housing Broker Team became a part of the Four Oaks Day Service Center to provide centralized housing assistance services within the department under a single bureau.

Housing Stabilization The Housing Stabilization Case Management Program supported 115 households through homelessness and eviction prevention, rapid rehousing, homeless diversion and utility assistance using a combination of local and state grant funds of approximately $178,273. Of that funding $9,352 supported six households from the Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) to prevent loss of affordable housing vouchers due to rent and utility arrearages.

Foster Care and Adoption In FY 2024, 70 children were placed in Foster Care and 49 youth were placed in NNDHS Agency Approved Resource Homes as their first placement. As of June 2024, NNDHS has 63 approved Resource Homes including the Interstate/Intercountry Placement (ICPC) approved relative homes. During the fiscal year, 42 youth were discharged from care through Adoption, Reunification, or Relative Placement. NNDHS facilitated 193 Family Partnership Meetings.

DID YOU KNOW

When children are raised by kinship caregivers, they experience greater continuity of care and family preservation. Children living with kin have a sense of permanency, nurturing, safety, and well-being.

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HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD Purpose The Human Services Advisory Board acts in an advisory capacity to the Director of Human Services with respect to the duties and functions imposed on him/ her by Title 63.1 of the Code of Virginia. This involves serving as an ombudsman between the board and the general public with regard to social service issues.

Meetings The Human Services Advisory Board meets monthly on the third Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Each meeting lasts approximately 1.5 hours, providing an opportunity for members to discuss and address key topics related to human services in the community.

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BOARD MEMBERS Andrea Diggs Bertina Giles-Henderson Valdimir Handy (Chair) Lateashu Jones Tasha Moss (Vice-Chair) Clayton Tye

DHS REPRESENTATIVES Kim Thomas Lisa Calloway Brenda Howard Leslie Baker

GENERAL INFORMATION | 757-926-6300 Adult Protective Services Hotline | 757-926-6329 Child abuse Services Hotline | 757-926-6600 Adoptions and Foster Care | 757-926-6075 Child Care benefits | 757-926-6050 Employment Services | 757-926-6551 Energy Assistance | 757-926-6601

NNDHS Contacts

fraud Reporting | 757-926-6080 Healthy Families | 757-926-6009 Homelessness Services | 757-975-5200 Parents as Teachers | 757-926-6009 Parenting Education Classes | 757-926-6472 Safe Sleep| 757-926-6009 Services Intake | 757-926-6161 CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES | 800-552-7096 Statewide toll-free number for all reports of child abuse and neglect, 24 hours per day, seven days a week ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES | 888-832-3858 Statewide toll-free number for all reports of child abuse and neglect, 24 hours per day, seven days a week ON THE WEB Newport News Human Services: nnva.gov/human-services Virginia Department of Human Services: dss.virginia.gov

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