CPRC News & Updates

May 16, 2024

Welcome to "The Pine Needler," your go-to source for all things happening in the Central Pines Region! We're here to keep you in the loop with our bi-monthly updates on upcoming events and regional news. Stay connected with us as we bring you the latest happenings and stories that will surely make your day pine-tastic!

This Edition:

Older Americans Month
A Refresher on Economic Development Incentives
Pandemic Recovery Focus Group Report
Mental Health Awareness Month
LOGO Career Expo

In Every Edition:

Popular Links & Resources
Career Opportunities
Upcoming Events

Central Pines Website

May is Older Americans Month

This month, we celebrate Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.

The theme this year is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being — and the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and aging in place.

Throughout the month, join the aging services network in highlighting the importance of social health, promoting opportunities for older adults and communities to engage, and sharing stories and strategies that demonstrate the power of connection.

Learn More About Older Americans Month

A Refresher on Economic Development Incentives

Thursday, May 30

9:00 - 11:30 am

Registration Fee: $55 (registration will close 5/28)

Please join us for this special training offered by the NC Association of Regional Councils of Government and the ncIMPACT Initiative at the UNC School of Government!

This session will examine trends in the use of business incentives for supporting private investment and job creation in North Carolina. A review of the various incentive tools and key updates in state and federal policy will enable participants to better understand the changing landscape and be better equipped to use incentives in smart and strategic ways.

Pandemic Recover Focus Group Report

Regional and statewide insights from NC Pandemic Recovery Focus Groups are now available. Read about common themes and top concerns offered from sixteen regional summaries and six expert interviews held in February and March 2024. Find the full report along with regional focus group summaries below. Learn more in this media release from NCPRO. And watch for new tools from ncIMPACT to spark conversations about recovery and future response efforts.

ncIMPACT Initiative is proud to have partnered with the North Carolina Regional Councils of Government and NCPRO on these regional focus groups which identified issues of greatest concern about pandemic recovery.

Access the Report

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Despite recent strides in how our society approaches mental wellbeing, many Americans still don’t have access to the high-quality, comprehensive treatment and care they need. Just take a look at some of the staggering data about mental health in the United States:

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
Only 47.2% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2021.
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.
Only 65.4% of U.S. adults with serious mental illness received treatment in 2021.
1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment.
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

Help is out there, and hope is possible. Here are some free resources to lean on if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis:

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a 24/7 treatment referral and information service.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7, confidential support for people in distress.
The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ+ young people.
FindTreatment.gov helps people seek treatment for mental and substance use disorders.
National Institute of Mental Health outlines additional mental health services.

Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month

Local Government Career Expo

The first ever Local Government Career Expo will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the NC State McKimmon Center in Raleigh. Attend the Expo and connect with local government employers from dozens of cities, towns and counties! More than 40 cities and counties will be represented.

LOGO differs from a traditional job fair, offering a holistic approach to career development. While a traditional career fair may focus on immediate job placement and matching candidates with available job openings, LOGO emphasizes broader career exploration, professional networking, skill development and long-term career planning, with a focus on transferable skills.

Learn More About LOGO

The event is aimed at anyone interested in career growth and advancement, mid-career professionals, those looking to switch careers, or anyone interested in exploring new opportunities and learning more about the local government profession! There will also be breakout sessions where job seekers can learn more about working in local government,

Career Opportunities

CPRC Openings

Career Opportunities in the Region

There are so many amazing career opportunities to serve your community and work for local government in the Central Pines Region. Check out the most recent job postings here!

Social Worker III IA&T - Foster Care/In-Home (Chatham County)
Elections Specialist II (Chatham County)
Elections Deputy Director (Chatham County)
Stormwater Manager (Carrboro)
Reclamation Maintenance Supervisor (Clayton)
MPO Senior Transportation Planner (CAMPO)

More Job & Career Opportunities

Post an Opening on Regional Job Board

Learning Opportunities & Events

Event	When & Where	Details
Advancing Livable Inclusive Vibrant Environments (ALIVE): Age-Friendly Communities Event	Wednesday, May 29 9:00 am - 4:00 pm CPRC Office \| Durham	Learn more and register HERE
A Refresher on Economic Development Incentives	Thursday, May 30 9:00 - 11:30 am Virtual	Register HERE
Grant Writing Class	June 3-4 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Law Enforcement Training Center \| Raleigh	Learn more and register HERE
Local Government Career Expo	Saturday, June 8 1:00 - 4:00 pm McKimmon Center \| Raleigh	Learn more and register HERE

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