Courtesy Lincoln County Record
By Jessica Hernandez
Staff provided updates on recent community engagements during the Oct. 24 Lincoln County Coalition meeting.
Hayley Gloeckner, Crystal Dineley and Amber Pike shared that over 175 people are estimated to have stopped by the Coalition table at the Grover C. Dils Community Health Fair. Car seat training and installments at the event were productive. Staff facilitated 14 free car seat installments. Anyone in need of a car seat can reach out to Cdineley@nyecc.org for more information. Staff also shared that the sign-up list for Naloxone training sessions continues to fill.
Coalition staff hosted Red Ribbon Week at schools in Caliente and Alamo. Presentations included the effects of smoking, chewing tobacco and vaping on the lungs. Staff members used model black lungs in an effort to deter the youth from engaging in drug-related habits. Staff plan to continue to offer presentations for local youth on a variety of substance use prevention and mental health topics.
The 3rd Annual Lincoln County Coalition Coat Exchange is in full swing with the coats having moved from Caliente to Alamo until Oct. 28. The coat exchange will be located at the Pioche post office Oct. 29 to Nov. 3 and at Panaca’s post office Nov. 3 to 5.
It was announced that Coalition Executive Director Tracie Duren is planning to step down from the director position. Duren shared that while personal circumstances have prevented her move to Lincoln County, she plans to stay on until a replacement has been hired.
Coalition President September Barnes thanked Duren for her work with the Coalition and shared that the position is currently listed in the newspaper. “We are so appreciative to Tracie for everything she has accomplished remotely,” said Barnes. “We are really excited to add to the Coalition team.”
Leandro Gomez with the Las Vegas Urban League presented during the Agency Spotlight section of the meeting. Information was provided about the Early Childhood Connection Childcare Subsidy and Provider Reimbursement programs.
“The Childcare Subsidy Program helps low-income families pay for the cost of child care,” shared Gomez.
Up to 100 percent of the cost of care can be approved via the subsidy program, based on a sliding fee scale. In order to qualify, households must meet income requirements, and adults must have an approved reason for the childcare needs.
Childcare subsidy services are available for working parents or those parents in college and trade school. Childcare reimbursement can be approved for toddlers and school-age children up to 13 years old. A friend, family member or neighbor may be listed as a provider. Citizenship of the child, Nevada residency, special needs, relationship, custody, household composition, income and assets will be considered when applying for the subsidy. If approved, a certificate will be issued and renewal is required at the end of the qualification period.
“A private provider would need to meet all of the requirements to watch the children,” explained Gomez during the presentation. “We provide coaching, training and supplies so that providers are similar to private educators.”
To be reimbursed for childcare services, providers must be approved and submit a timesheet each month for the previous month. Questions can be sent by email to childcareinfo@lvul.org or by phone at (702) 473-9400. Visit childcarelv.org for more information.
The next meeting of the Lincoln County Coalition will be Nov. 28 at 1:30 p.m. Coalition meetings are held in the conference room at the Panaca Town Hall. For resources and updates, visit www.lccoalition.org or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lincolncountycoalition.