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Human services reports: radon awareness, Christmas Bureau outreach and upcoming tax-assistance program
Summary
Union County Human Services reported January radon awareness, summarized the Christmas Bureau that served more than 1,500 qualifying families and announced Volunteer Income Tax Assistance dates and an eyeglasses partnership; staff also highlighted public-health accreditation and transportation review results.
Janet Payne, director of the Consolidated Human Services Agency, presented staff updates to the board on Jan. 10, outlining several community programs and administrative items.
Payne noted January is radon prevention month and reminded residents that portions of Union County (for example, Waxhaw and parts of Weddington) sit over granite bedrock associated with higher radon potential; inexpensive state test kits are available. Payne also reported the agency—hristmas Bureau served more than 1,500 families this season, with 625 volunteers and distribution of over 20,000 toys and gifts.
Program timing and eligibility: Payne said the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will run Feb. 11 through April 11; households with income up to $67,000 are eligible for free tax-preparation assistance. Payne also acknowledged a local eyeglass partnership (Techapod) that provided pro bono comprehensive eye exams and affordable glasses to children; staff reported 26 children seen through that arrangement by year-end.
Administrative updates: Payne and staff announced successful external reviews: the county—TA transportation compliance review completed in November and the public-health accreditation cycle were both passed; staff thanked individuals who supported those processes. Payne also said staff are pursuing collaborative efforts to expand appropriate foster placements and treatment options and noted ongoing conversations about a possible professional foster-parenting program and renovation funding to support local foster housing.
The director asked the board whether it wanted application interviews for board candidates; staff clarified interviews are discretionary and typically used only when multiple applicants seek the same seat.
