James Eubanks, Former CSBG Director
Mr. Eubanks retired effective January 1, 2008 after 42 years as an employee at the Council.
Heather Eldridge, shown at right, is the new CSM Director of Community Services.
The Council of Southern Mountains, a non profit organization, chartered by the State, had its origin in 1964 as a result of concerted efforts of State and Federal agencies declaring an all out war on poverty, its causes and effects.
In 1995, the Council identified programs and services essential to McDowell County as:
• Community centers
• Remedial reading programs
• Cultural exposure tours
• Arts and crafts
• Clothing centers
• Volunteers in Service to America
• Indigenous leaders
• Neighborhood Councils
The overall purpose of the Council then was to provide quality programs, products and services that:
1. Promote and facilitate financial, social, and psychological self-sufficiency;
2. Contribute to the revitalization of McDowell County; and
3. Empower the participants and/or recipients to take control over their futures.
At the present, CSBG is continuing networking, collaborating, and cultivating relationships with businesses and corporate communities as a service of funds, programs, and services- the key components in this united effort.
Although programs and services have changed, the overall goal of CSBG remains the same as outlined in the Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) goals as stated in the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA).
• Goal I: Low income people become more self-sufficient.
• Goal II: The conditions in which low income people live are improved.
• Goal III: Low income people own a stake in their community.
• Goal IV: Partnerships among supporters and providers of service to low income people are achieved.
• Goal V: Agencies increase their capacity to achieve results.
• Goal VI: Low income people, especially vulnerable populations, achieve their potential by strengthening family and other supportive systems.
CSBG served individuals and families in the areas of:
1. Employment skills
2. Employment
3. Education
4. Food
5. Low Income Energy Assistance Program
6. Clothing and Furniture
7. Emergency Food and Shelter disaster support
8. Personal assistance
In 2006, CSBG expanded its programs to include the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). The VITA program is designed to assist low income families with free tax assistance. Certain guidelines have to be met in order to participate in this program.
Services were performed by CSBG staff which consisted of:
James Eubanks, CSBG Director
Heather Eldridge, Family Nutrition Advocate/ROMA System Administrator
Latonia Foster, Family Nutrition Advocate/Receptionist
Ida Simms Monroe, Family Day Care Food Program Coordinator
The CSBG Program reports the following program accomplishments:
Family Day Care Food Program
This program is designed to ensure that children in daycare homes are being prepared nutritious meals by providers while at the same time reimbursing providers for the meals served to the children during daycare hours. Providers are required to tend trainings of once a year in order to be in compliance with program guidelines. A total of 50 providers were reimbursed for meals to 116 children.
Youth Exposure Series
Activities are planned for youth in McDowell County in order to improve their social and emotional development and avoid at risk behavior. A total of 125 youth participated in activities which included trips to the pool, movies, bowling, skating, and picnics.
Credit Union
Established in 1967, the McDowell County Federal Credit Union is open to any county resident and provides an ideal way to save for vacations, holidays, or simply to create a nest egg for a rainy day. Members can contribute as much as they like to the Credit Union and borrow up to $500 after 6 months of membership. Shares, loans, and Christmas Club are all benefits of the Credit Union. A total of 91 individuals participated in the Credit Union in 2005 and current enrollment is 93.
Wholesale Buyers’ Club
Buying in bulk helps consumers save a bundle on everything from sugar to washing powder. The availability of convenient sites allows consumers to pick up merchandise without hassles. A total of 20 families participated in the Wholesale Buyers’ Club.
Self-Help Resource and Exchange (SHARE)
This program was started in 1983 to help families and individuals to obtain nutritious food, SHARE helps save up to 50% on food purchased without coupons, buying in bulk, or membership fees. Everyone is eligible for SHARE. A total of 385 households participated in the SHARE program.
Referral Services
When the Council cannot help someone with its in-house programs, we work closely with several other service providers that may provide the assistance needed. The Council of the Southern Mountains is dedicated to our clients and we will assist them in obtaining needed goods and services.
Emergency Food Pantry
Food Pantry exists to meet emergency needs for non-perishable food under the federal low income guidelines. A total of 819 households received food from pantries that were located throughout McDowell County.
Emergency Food and Shelter Program
Working in close conjunction with the Emergency Food Pantry program, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program helps supply families with perishable items not distributed from the Food Pantry. A total of 60 households were assisted through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
During the winter months, CSM and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human resources work together in order to assist families with heating bills associated with the use of coal, oil, gas, and electricity. The assistance is provided once a year. A total of 6 LIEAP applications were submitted by the CSBG staff to the Department of Health and Human Resources.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) provides free tax assistance services to low income families. This service is to save much needed funds for the low income families that would otherwise have to pay for this service. During the 2006 filing season, 91 income tax returns were completed with a total refund amount of $96,539. Of that totals amount $44,962 was Earned Income Credit and $8,403 was Child Tax Credit. As of the writing of this web page in February, 2007, CSBG has completed 91 tax returns for eligible clients resulting in a total of $157,685 in refunds. Of that amount, area residents obtained $12,936 in federal child tax credit and $61,781 in earned income tax credit. All of this at no charge to our consumers.
Volunteerism
Volunteers play a major role in the CSBG program. Without volunteers, many activities would not be accomplished in communities. A total of 37 volunteers assisted in various programs that the CSBG program implements.
CSBG is proud of our accomplishments and look forward to the challenges of the future as we continue “Bringing Opportunities Within Reach.”