NEW CASTLE (Nov. 16, 2017) – The Department of Health and Social Services’ Adopt-A-Family Holiday program is seeking donors to help make the holiday season a happier one for thousands of children, adults, people with disabilities and seniors in need in Delaware.

The Adopt-A-Family Holiday program anonymously matches donors to a senior, individual with a disability or a family with at least one child. In 2016, the Holiday Adopt-A-Family program, through the leadership of the Human Services Councils of New Castle County and Kent/Sussex counties, helped 1,927 Delawareans.

“It’s important those of us who have the ability to help others in need take the opportunity to do so, especially during this time of year,” said Gov. John Carney. “Donating through Adopt-A-Family’s Holiday program is a good way to make sure the needs of some of our fellow Delawareans are being met over the holidays.”

The deadline to “adopt” a family is Dec. 8, and all gift cards and gifts must be delivered to the Adopt-A-Family office by Dec. 15.

Adopt-A-Family provides the donor with the age and gender of each child in the family and a brief description of the circumstances that led to their need for assistance. The donor then provides gift cards for the head-of-household to use to purchase holiday gifts. The recommended minimum gift is $100 per child, with a gift card for the parent/guardian optional but thoughtful.

Those interested in adopting a senior or a person with a disability will be matched to an individual in need who is living in a nursing home or living alone receiving in-home care services. A wish list of things the individual enjoys, needs, or would appreciate, as well as clothing preferences and sizes, will be provided.

“Even as many Delawareans face their own struggles, they continue to show their generosity each year by giving to the Adopt-A-Family Holiday program and helping neighbors who find themselves in even more vulnerable positions,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary of DHSS. “I am heartened by the true spirit of giving witnessed through this program.”

Families who are adopted are contacted by Adopt-A-Family to pick up their gift cards from their respective Adopt-A-Family office. Eligible recipients are referred to Adopt-A-Family by a social worker or case manager through state agencies and human service nonprofit organizations.

“Each year we find that many of our neighbors in need are referred to Adopt-A-Family through our State Service Centers, and other organizations, because of serious medical conditions, behavioral health challenges, domestic violence, homelessness and unemployment,” said Renée P. Beaman, Director of DHSS’ Division of State Service Centers, which operates the program. “The stories of those in need are poignant, and I am hopeful that my fellow Delawareans will respond generously.”

These circumstances serve as a sampling of the hundreds of individuals and families available for adoption this season.

• Single veteran father and teenage son experienced homelessness this past year, but were recently placed into permanent housing. Father is seeking employment. His 15-year-old son is active in school and loves football. This family would appreciate any assistance to brighten up their holiday.

• Mother and four children lost their apartment earlier this year. After staying with friends and in shelters, the family is now living with the children’s paternal grandfather. Family lost most of their belongings. Mom is working three part-time jobs as well as taking classes to become a certified medical assistant with a goal to complete the program by next year.

• Family of seven, including a new baby. Husband is no longer in the home due to domestic violence. In addition to her children, the mother is caring for her elderly mother who has stage 4 cancer. Mother is seeking resources and assistance to ensure her children can enjoy the holiday season despite their hardships this year.

• Family of eight. Grandmother recently gained custody of six grandchildren. The parents are not active in the children’s lives. Grandmother cannot work because she is the only caretaker of the children. Her 18-year-old daughter is still in school and helping with younger children when possible. Grandmother is struggling to keep her grandchildren out of foster care.

To “adopt” an individual or family, please contact:

• New Castle County: New Castle County Adopt-A-Family at 302-792-6150 or email sharon.brown@delaware.gov. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mail or drop off donations to this address: Adopt-A-Family, 3301 Green St., Claymont, DE 19703.

• Kent and Sussex counties: Kent and Sussex Adopt-A-Family at 302-424-7260 or email elizabeth.senato@delaware.gov. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mail or drop off donations to this address: Adopt-A-Family, 13 SW Front St., Milford, DE 19963.

After shopping for the residents, items can be dropped off at Adopt-A-Family offices in New Castle County (3301 Green St., Claymont) or Kent and Sussex counties (13 SW Front St., Milford). Donors will be given a code when they are matched to include with the gift cards or items when they drop them off so the Adopt-A-Family knows who should receive the items.

If you need to arrange an alternate “time” for delivery, please feel free to ask the Adopt-A-Family Team as they are able to make accommodations when needed.

The Adopt-A-Family program aids families in crisis – those struggling with illness, homelessness, domestic violence, poverty or unemployment – throughout the year. The program began in 1973 by Marge Meyerman and is coordinated by the Division of State Service Centers in all three counties.

For more information about Adopt-A-Family, go to the website or contact your nearest state service center.

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The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Murray, a longtime environmental reporter, honored for her contributions to Delaware

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday presented the Order of the First State posthumously to Molly Murray, a longtime environmental reporter for The News Journal, who passed away in July. The Murray family accepted the Order – an honor bestowed for meritorious service – at Woodburn, the Governor’s official residence.

“Molly had the respect and admiration of generations of Delawareans for her commitment to storytelling and to our state. Like many Delawareans, I learned so much about Delaware and our natural environment by reading Molly’s stories in The News Journal. She was full of enthusiasm for Delaware and our natural world, and shared that enthusiasm with her readers. I was proud to join Molly’s family this week to honor her legacy on behalf of the State of Delaware.”

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State employees, members of the public can submit ideas for cost savings, improvements across state government

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Thursday announced the launch of a website for the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review Board, gear.delaware.gov, to identify opportunities for cost savings and system improvements across state government.

In February, Governor Carney signed Executive Order #4 establishing the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board to help identify, on an ongoing basis and over the long-term, opportunities for cost savings and efficiencies that will improve the delivery of state services.

“We have an obligation to spend taxpayer dollars wisely, find ways to more efficiently allocate state resources, and direct investments where they are most needed,” said Governor Carney. “GEAR is a long-term effort committed to those goals. This website will help us solicit ideas from state employees, and Delawareans across our state, to improve the way our state government does business. Delawareans expect us to responsibly manage their money, and we’re committed to doing just that.”

The GEAR Board, which started meeting earlier this year, will develop recommendations for increasing efficiency and effectiveness across state government. Its members will explore ways to improve Delaware’s strategic financial planning process, and expand the use of metrics in determining how to allocate state resources.

By December 1 of each year, the board will submit a report to the Governor, including recommendations that may be included in the recommended state budget. Recommendations could include ways that state government agencies can share services, and new methods for improving the recruitment, development, and retention of state employees.

GEAR’s recommendations will be intended to consistently improve the way the state delivers services, and to improve the quality of those services.

Delawareans can visit the new GEAR website to learn more about the group’s mission and areas of focus, and to submit ideas for improvement.

“We are appreciative of the continuing input that GEAR has received to date from State employees and the public,” said James Myran, Director of GEAR, and Bryan Sullivan, OMB Director of Management Efficiency. “The new website offers an additional means to share new ideas for sustainable improvements to the efficiency of government operations and demonstrates a commitment to creating a culture of continuous improvement statewide.”

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Related:
Governor Carney Creates Government Efficiency and Accountability Review Board

Governor Carney and Council members will hold meeting to discuss state service delivery in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, Del. – At 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 13, Governor Carney will host a public discussion on Wilmington with the Family Services Cabinet Council.

Governor Carney signed Executive Order #5 in February, re-establishing the Family Services Cabinet Council to help coordinate critical services for families across Delaware – including workforce and job-related services, early childhood education programs, social service delivery, and programs to improve public safety. Next Monday’s meeting will include presentations by members of the Council. Stakeholders and members of the public will have the opportunity to provide feedback to the Council and offer ideas for improving state service delivery in Wilmington.

Governor Carney chairs the Family Services Cabinet Council, which includes eight members of his Cabinet.

Discussion on Wilmington with the Family Services Cabinet Council

This event is open to the press.

WHAT:          Governor John Carney will host a public discussion with the Family Services Cabinet Council at Delaware Technical Community College in Wilmington. The agenda will include presentations on data-sharing efforts among state agencies in Wilmington, state service coordination for low-income families, and a planned dual generation center to improve the delivery of job-related services, and services for Wilmington children.

The event is an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to provide feedback and ideas for improving the delivery of state services in Wilmington.

WHO:  Governor John Carney
Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary, Department of Health and Social Services
Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Secretary, Department of Labor
James Collins, Chief Information Officer, Department of Technology and Information
Josette Manning, Secretary, Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families
Dorrell Green, Director, Office of Innovation and Improvement, Department of Education
Other members of the Family Services Cabinet Council
Community members

WHEN:         Monday, November 13, 2017
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE:      Delaware Technical Community College, George Campus
300 N. Orange Street
Wilmington, DE 19801

Click here for the event flyer.
View and share the event on Facebook.

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The two funds are designed to spur job growth in Delaware

Community and business leaders came together today to celebrate the success of a small business initiative which began in Wilmington a few years ago and to announce a complimentary effort that will support small businesses and job growth throughout Delaware.

Facilitated by West End Neighborhood House, The Longwood Foundation, Discover Bank, Department of State Division of Small Business Development and Tourism and the National Development Council, the Grow Delaware Fund was unveiled today at a ceremony in Wilmington. The Grow Delaware Fund, which seeks to replicate the success of the Grow Wilmington Fund, is a unique partnership that will provide $5 million to support loans to small businesses in Delaware that are seeking to strengthen their operations and grow jobs. The new initiative will offer flexible financing to Delaware-based businesses through long-term fixed rate financing designed to minimize monthly principal and interest payments maximizing a business’ ability to grow. This will allow Delaware businesses to both add and retain jobs.

The Grow Wilmington Fund, established in 2014, is a partnership between Wilmington Office of Economic Development, Discover Bank, Cozen O’Connor and the National Development Council, an SBA 7(a) lender and community development financial institution. It began with $1 million in seed money from Wilmington’s Urban Development Action Grant Corporation (UDAG), a quasi-governmental non-profit development corporation, wholly-owned by the city of Wilmington.  UDAG’s investment leveraged $3 million of private funds to establish a $4 million fund that offers low-interest, long-term loans to small businesses currently operating in Wilmington or looking to relocate to the city.  The fund can be used to acquire real estate, perform leasehold improvements and obtain working capital.  Since its inception the fund has loaned in excess of $3.2 million to support four small businesses which were able to create 17 new and retain 52 existing jobs.

Among the business that have benefitted from the Grow Wilmington Fund are Short Order Production House (formerly, The Kitchen) which used the fund to open its offices at the Joseph R. Biden Jr. (Wilmington) Railroad Station and Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center, which used the Grow Wilmington Fund to move from its former location just outside of the city limits to its new location near the intersection of Concord Avenue and Broom Street. Owner Paul Campanella hosted today’s Grow Delaware announcement ceremony at his new Wilmington location at 1005 West 27th Street which is scheduled to open in November. Campanella said he wanted an opportunity to thank everyone for the assistance his business received from Wilmington’s small business initiative.

Grow Delaware Fund loans range from $150,000 to $4,000,000. The amount a business can borrower is subject to underwriting guidelines and loan fund availability. Once obtained, loan funds may be used for:

• Working Capital – to be repaid over 10 years
• Machinery and Equipment – to be repaid over 10 years
• Real estate acquisitions/renovation of owner-occupied businesses – to be repaid over 25 years
• Tenant improvements – to be repaid over the life of the lease
• Refinancing existing debts

Together, the Grow Wilmington and Grow Delaware Funds will leverage over $11 million to assist economic development and job creation.

“This is how we want to see economic development function in Delaware,” said Governor John Carney. “It takes a model that worked well at the local level and expands it statewide, helping businesses to grow and proposer from Claymont to Delmar. Small businesses are a cornerstone element of Delaware’s overall economic strength, and I look forward to seeing the new successes that will come out of assistance from the Grow Delaware Fund.”

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki today thanked Governor Carney, Discover Bank and Longwood Foundation for their $1.5 million commitment to the small business community in Wilmington via the Grow Delaware Fund. “Wilmington is excited to be able to share its successes with a growth fund with small businesses and municipalities throughout the state. In Delaware, we get more done because we work together and freely share programs and ideas that can be leveraged for the greater good.”

“As amazing as it may sound, the Small Business Administration tells us that small businesses account for 99.7 percent of all employers in the United States, and employ over 56 million people. Therefore, the importance of providing growth capital to small businesses is critically important to the economies of Delaware and the nation. NDC is proud to be a partner in the innovative Grow Delaware Fund, which will provide reasonably priced loan capital to growing small businesses throughout the State of Delaware,” said Daniel Marsh, President and CEO of NDC.”

“Discover has been deeply committed to supporting the greater Delaware community for more than 25 years. As we have grown to become one of the leading direct banks, we have remained focused on supporting and promoting job growth in the communities in which our employees live and work,” said James J. Roszkowski, president of Discover Bank. “Whether it’s through innovative financial programs like the Grow Delaware Fund or the thousands of volunteer hours, Discover is focused on making a positive difference in communities around the country.”

Deepa Singh, program manager for the Grow Delaware Fund highlighted the fund’s state-wide approach: “The program’s outreach efforts have helped to catalyze the growth of a network of existing public/private/non-profit resources working collaboratively to support Delaware small businesses. Small businesses in all three counties have started the application process with the Grow Delaware Fund.” Ms. Singh will be available throughout the state to meet with businesses and promote the program.

The Grow Delaware Fund is the latest initiative to support the expansion of businesses in Delaware. Earlier this year, West End kicked off the Launcher Entrepreneurship program. Launcher was created to educate aspiring entrepreneurs on the fundamentals of starting their own businesses and help existing businesses expand. West End’s program is based on four primary components, which include: (1) business training, including classroom instruction and one-on-one mentoring focused on the basic elements of starting a business; (2) business support, such as topic-specific workshops taught by local experts; (3) loans/access to credit, provided by a local Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI); (4) business incubators – shared office and workspace to reduce costs and facilitate collaboration.

About Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center, host of today’s news conference
Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center Service was founded in 1986. The locally-based and family-owned company employs 29 people – 25 full time and four part-time—at two locations. Later this month, Campanella’s will move from its current Augustine Cut-Off location to a new Wilmington facility at 1005 West 27th Street behind the Fulton Paper Company. The company’s other location is Paul Campanella’s Pike Creek Automotive at 2379 Limestone Road in Pike Creek. Campanella’s provides customers with high quality automotive services and superior customer service which has won it numerous awards from the Better Business Bureau and the Delaware Business Times. Its reputation has helped build long-term relationships with customers. The mission of the Paul Campanella Auto & Tire Center mission is to be the best provider of quality automotive products and services, while leading the industry in innovative processes.