DCIA Assembly Minutes: Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Watts Street Baptist Church

DCIA president, Chuck Byrd, opened the meeting at 11:55. Fran ? of Watts St. Baptist (Mel Williams was called away to care for his mother) welcomed everyone and offered a prayer. The DCIA affirmation was said. Twelve guests were introduced.

Spencer Bradford, executive director, introduced Miguel Rubiera, executive director of Durham Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Rubiera began his remarks noting that Durham Habitat began nearly 25 years ago with conversations at Watts St. Baptist church. It's mission is to transform lives and communities by making home ownership possible in partnership with people who care. He described the reasons why home ownership is important and gave some background about Habitat International. How outlined why Habitat is needed in Durham and shared stories of who is served here. Since 2006, all the houses built are “green” (heating/cooling bills guaranteed less than $30 per month). Durham Habitat has a partnership with Honduras as well, and when houses are built here, houses are built there as well. Churches are encouraged to partner with Habitat (sponsor/co-sponsor a house, volunteer work, serve on boards, donate, connect with people/companies, help find qualified families).

Duke Lackey, chair of the seed money committee, presented the DCIA seed money awards. Jimmie Hawkins, Marcia Owens, and Spencer Bradford also served on the committee. The career readiness certification program of Durham Technical Community College provides “portable credentials” to individuals so that transient persons can provide proof of job skills. ($2000 will help 60 people). Mary Moore, director of the program, expressed her gratitude. Covenant Presbyterian Church Men's Council sponsors the “Invest N Kids” mentoring program that helps boys, ages 8-14, in the Cornwallis public housing community. Helps them discover their role at home, school, and in the community. A representative of INK shared some personal stories about the ministry and the boys involved. Peace Ambassadors assists schools in building community, resolving conflicts, and restoring relationships. They currently work with Chewning Middle School and will train students to teach other students. Jim Williams and Amy Elliott accepted the award and expressed their deep appreciation. Duke Lackey thanked all the DCIA members for their support making these grants possible.

Spencer Bradford commented briefly, noting that Families First is continuing its process of closing operations. The announcement was made at the April assembly that the funding is no longer available for this program. Please contact Spencer or Pebbles Lucas with questions about Families First.

Krystal Foxx made a few announcements about YO Durham. YO Durham, with several other community youth agencies, participated in an event to help over 100 students make plans for post-high school graduation. YO Durham graduation is Sunday, June 7, at 4:00 at the NC Mutual Life Insurance Bldg auditorium. The new class will begin the summer academy in June as well.

The minutes from the April 21, 2009 meeting were approved as distributed.

Bob Newlin gave the treasurer's report, calling particular attention to the fact that expenses are below budget, but expenses are well above income for both DCIA and YO Durham. Interest in the development committee of YO Durham is welcomed.

Chuck Byrd called attention to printed announcements and the announcers corner. Spencer highlighted one announcement about Durham Economic Resource Center. Prayer requests were offered. Haywood Holderness closed the meeting with prayer. The members adjourned at 12:58 p.m.