Thursday, October 26, 2006

Workshop Sessions F - 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

W22F - Work Supports at Your Fingertips (IT&M)
Laura Carpenter, PA Hunger Action Center & Cindy Good, PA Department of Public Welfare
Would you like to streamline the process that enables your clients to gain access to healthcare coverage, food stamps, LIHEAP, and free or reduced price lunches? Would the ability to monitor applications after submission make it easier for you to serve clients? COMPASS, the internet-based pathway, offers these functions and allows Community Partners to bypass time-consuming waits in government offices. This session will provide a live demonstration on the features of the new streamlined COMPASS. Hear from Community Action Agencies that actively utilize the tool and why becoming a COMPASS Community Partner is a must for effective CAAs. Participants will have the opportunity to register their agency as a Community Partner.

W23F - From Donations to Partnership (B&L and F&HR)
Christopher Markley, Penn National Insurance, Robert Rutz, PNC Financial Services Group, James Ward, Mutual of America
Local businesses become involved with charitable and non-profit organizations in order to "give back" to the community, fulfill corporate responsibility requirements and to obtain financial benefits...or so you think. Development staff, executive leaders and board members will want to attend this session. Our panel will discuss the real reason that the for-profit sector partners with the non-profit sector. They will provide insight on why some partnership requests are chosen over others and answer questions such as: What does the company look for in a proposal/pitch/partnership? What does the company want out of the relationship? and What kind of follow-up do they expect? Learn how to escape the “bake sale” mode of fundraising and approach it with clear and professional plan. Go from asking for donations to asking for partnerships.

W24F - Rolling with the Changes at DPW (E&T)
Part 1: FSR: Ending the confusion
Dr. Bryon Noon, Division of Fiscal and Data Management , Bureau of Employment & Training, DPW
Does the newly created Fiscal Status Report (FSR) puzzle you? The FSR represents the cumulative accrued expenditures of a program and is due by the 15th of each month for the previous month's accrued expenditures. If you have questions, this session has the answers; eliminating the confusion and make the monthly reporting process easier. Dr. Noon will also address the SE/SWP performance reports.

Part 2: Navigating the Client Information System
Diane Pease, Division of Research, Development & Systems, Bureau of Employment & Training, DPW
Recently the PA Department of Public Welfare announced several changes that will have effect on the the way SE/SWP vendors must interact with the state. One of the biggest changes is the requirement that vendors must have access to the DPW Client Information System. Learn about the needs of a dedicated phone line, secure e-mail, passwords and a FOB. Plus, learn how to navigate through the system and utilize the tool to accomplish the goals of your work.

W25F - Executive Directors Roundtable (PP)
Part 1: Cultivating the feedback loop
Jamesetta Reed, Center for Community Empowerment, Department of Community and Economic Development
The communication link between the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and Community Action Agencies is of utmost importance. An open exchange of ideas, concerns and solutions is how the network and DCED effectively work together to ensure that the necessary resources are provided and issues are addressed. Participants are asked to come to the session with questions, comments and concerns to share with DCED.

Part 2: New elections, new faces
Joe Loeper, Loeper & Associates and the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania
The election is right around the corner. Who will maintain their political roles and what new faces will we see on Capitol Hill in Harrisburg? Join an open discussion on how the election will affect policy and politics in Pennsylvania and how to use the election to reinforce relationships and forge new partnerships.

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