Durham County Government

At Wednesday’s Durham County Department of Social Services Board meeting, Shatana Rouse was awarded the inaugural DSS Employee of the Year! Rouse is a Senior Processing Unit Supervisor for the DSS Customer Information Center and has been with Durham County since 2003. Rouse said she was shocked by the award, which was recently created by DSS Director Maggie Clapp. “My reaction was … wait, employee of the year? I can honestly say it was an indescribable feeling of appreciation to be the first to receive this award. I knew that one day the hard work and dedication that I've put in over the years would not go unnoticed. THANK YOU, Maggie, for being the change for DSS and for taking the time out of your busy day to always give staff their flowers, you just don't know how much we appreciate it 🙂!” Rouse was initially hired as a processing assistant and promoted to lead worker a year later. After two additional years, she was promoted to her current supervisor position. She described her job as a connector to the agency. “Over the years, I've built relationships with staff across the agency to ensure that I stay abreast of changes in the departments so that my staff are providing accurate information to clients at point of contact,” Rouse said. “I am often the go to person for staff and I take great pride in assisting them!” Presenting the award to Rouse (center of photo) are, from left to right, Board Members Wendy Sotolongo and Jacque Beatty Smith, Rouse, Commissioner and Board Member Wendy Jacobs, and Board Member Charles Mitchell. Congratulations Shatana! Keep up your amazing work!

Durham County is excited to announce that $2.25 million has been awarded to two Durham nonprofits to provide a network of resources to support small businesses. Forward Cities, recipient of a $1.5 million award, will administer E3 (Equity for Every Entrepreneur) Durham, an emergent ecosystem of entrepreneurial support organizations that provides assessment and referral to partner organizations, strategic coordination of the service providers, monthly convening events, and supplementary services through a Learn to Earn model. Knox St. Studios, awarded $750,000, will also offer direct services to small businesses through accelerators, incubators, and counseling, while bringing awareness to the technology sector through educational programs. All services offered by both nonprofits will be provided at no cost to eligible small businesses. Read more about this announcement here: https://lnkd.in/eWNfcPUH Small businesses, entrepreneurial support organizations, and community members are invited to attend the kick-off event on July 18 to learn more about the E3 Durham program by registering here: https://lnkd.in/eKwH5z_J

Durham County Economic Development and Infinity Bridges Inc have launched a new “Certify & Succeed” program to help eligible minority- and women-owned businesses better compete for government contracts. The program offers free technical assistance and coaching for those interested in obtaining Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) and Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certifications and credentials. Eligible Durham County minority- and women- business owners are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to pursue certification. The “Certify & Succeed” program will help eligible businesses: Register for the State of North Carolina’s E-Vendor Portal; Register for Durham County’s eBid System; Submit applications to the State of North Carolina to obtain a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Certification, Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC), and/or Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification; and Develop a comprehensive capabilities statement for government contracting.  One-on-one session scheduling starts now and is available through June 2025 at the Durham County Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St. Durham, NC 27701) on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the East Regional Library (211 Lick Creek Lane Durham, NC 27703) on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointments are required. Register here: https://lnkd.in/d4DyPpJn For more information on the program visit: https://lnkd.in/dWnYrm74

Durham County’s life sciences manufacturing base continues to grow with yesterday's announcement that Science Corporation will invest $65M and create more than 50 new jobs. The 57,000 square foot expansion and program investment at their TW Alexander Drive location will support semiconductor manufacturing for new, cutting-edge technologies, including for a groundbreaking visual prosthesis. “On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, I am excited to announce the expansion of Science Corporation’s Foundry program right here in Durham, North Carolina,” said Durham County Board of Commissioners Chair Nida Allam. “Their life-changing work is helping to make innovative medical devices a reality. I’m also very proud of the well-paying, entry-level manufacturing jobs this project will bring. Two-thirds of the new jobs require only a two-year degree or less, and nearly 90% of the jobs require 5 years of experience or less.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gabB4gDT

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. By raising awareness and celebrating disability pride, we can challenge societal stigmas and promote a more inclusive and equitable environment for everyone. Join us this month in activities and events. Learn more on our website here: https://lnkd.in/erVvwxZf

The Durham County Office of Emergency Services is now accepting applications for its EMS Academy 38. If you have a passion for helping others and want to make a real difference in the community, this is your chance to start or advance your career in emergency medical services. Applications are now open for the following positions: Paramedic Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) For more information and to apply, visit the links below: EMT: https://lnkd.in/eSXKsXrS AEMT: https://lnkd.in/eKHyj4tb Paramedic: https://lnkd.in/e2_D33_A #EMS #Paramedic #AEMT #EMT #EmergencyServices #DurhamCounty #DCo 

Durham County Government proudly recognizes and celebrates Juneteenth, a significant day in American history. June 19, 1865, widely known as Juneteenth, marks the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed that the Emancipation Proclamation had declared them free—two and a half years earlier. Today, Juneteenth is an annual commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the United States. We encourage you to visit the Durham County Office of Equitable Well-Being's website to discover ways to connect, learn, and contribute this Juneteenth. Learn more here: Juneteenth: June 19 | Durham County (dconc.gov).

Durham County Government is excited to announce the formation of the Advisory Board for Durham County’s new Resources for Youth Success & Empowerment (RYSE) Assessment Center and invites residents to apply. The RYSE Advisory Board will be instrumental in guiding the development and implementation of the RYSE Assessment Center services, including the Youth Diversion Program. Individuals interested in ensuring the effectiveness and success of the RYSE Assessment Center are encouraged to apply to serve on the board.   The RYSE Assessment Center, located at 2432 Broad St., provides a non-threatening, inclusive atmosphere for parents who are simply looking for information for their youth who are exhibiting social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. The RYSE Assessment Center is a community-focused program that connects youth and their families to a plethora of resources in Durham County. Youth ages 10-17 and their families will have an opportunity to work with a case manager to create a plan that aids their growth and meets their needs. The Assessment Center also includes a 90-to-120-day diversion program that connects at-risk youth to needed resources to reduce their contact with the criminal legal system. Both programs at the center are voluntary and cost-free. The center is not a service provider, but a resource hub for Durham residents to collaborate with Durham programs and organizations.    The RYSE Advisory Board will consist of community stakeholders with knowledge and experience in youth services. The board will provide oversight and strategic guidance to the RYSE Assessment Center and its Youth Diversion Program, meeting quarterly to evaluate and discuss the center's goals, purpose, and implementation of services.   Durham County is seeking young people aged 14 -17 for Youth Member At-Large positions to bring valuable generational insights to the board. Interested youth can apply at https://lnkd.in/epHxhgEK.   Additionally, residents aged 18 and over who are parents or caregivers of children who have used services such as mental health, juvenile justice, or community-based programs, or who are former users of these services, are encouraged to apply for a Community Member At-Large position. This role will leverage individual’s specialized knowledge and experience to enhance the RYSE Assessment Center. Those interested in applying for a Community Member At-Large position can apply at https://lnkd.in/ekd5Jtcc. Applications for both the Youth Member At-Large and Community Member At-Large positions will be accepted through Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 5 p.m.    For more information about the RYSE Assessment Center Advisory Board or RYSE Assessment Center, please contact RYSE@dconc.gov. Read more about the RYSE Assessment Center Advisory Board here: https://lnkd.in/e78yWHf4

Join the Durham City/County Immigrant & Refugee Affairs Office for an informational and fact-focused event featuring immigration experts, immigrant and refugee services providers, and people with lived experience. The program will include a panel discussion on immigrants and refugees in Durham and a presentation on the cultural characteristics, history, values, beliefs, and behaviors of foreign-born groups living in Durham. This event is open to all Durham City and County service providers, public safety officials, educators, advocates, business owners, nonprofits, and residents who want to know more about Durham's immigrant and refugee populations. 🗓️ When: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 🕒 Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 📍 Where: Durham County Administration II Building 201 East Main Street Durham, NC 27701 1st Floor - Conference Rm 126 Register for the event at https://lnkd.in/esAgmviu. For more information and questions call 919-560-9337 or email knayo@dconc.gov.

Yesterday, #DCo employees got a chance to take part in a training and discussion held by our Office of Equitable Well-Being staff and the LGBTQ Center of Durham that focused on understanding pronouns and how to be an ally. After the training, a large group of our employees gathered in the courtyard of the Human Services Building to show their support for and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community here in Durham County as we celebrate and recognize #PrideMonth in June!