HISTORY OF THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY COORDINATING COUNCIL

Members of the professional human services community became frustrated and concerned with the rise in juvenile crime and the treatment of youthful offenders.  Realizing that working with youth is not an exclusive function of their agencies, the two took their concerns to the Chesterfield County residing legislator.

Mrs. Jean Harris convened a meeting of all local state agency representatives and county government officials to discuss the issues of prevention, intervention, and treatment of juvenile offenders and other issues.  It became obvious at the first meeting, in early 1993, that many agencies in the county had common problems and some of these problems were not limited to youth-related issues.  It was also discovered that services to county residents were being duplicated, that resources were limited, and that the quality of services was not what it could be in many cases.

The group began to meet monthly, forming the Chesterfield County Coordinating Council and has continued to grow in its membership of county human service providers.  The CCCC adopted a mission statement and obtained incorporation 501(c)(3) status in late 1996.  The Council continues to assess current and needed services and identifies critical issues facing the county.  Subcommittees have formed:  Youth Development Coalitions, Volunteer, Health, Family Violence Task Force, Transportation, and Resource Directory.  The Adult Interagency Treatment Team was long-standing and works closely with the CCCC since each agency is a CCCC member. 

Projects to date to which the group has committed include:

1.  Development of a countywide resource manual updated in 2002 and posted on the website so that it is accessible by all agencies.

2.  Maintain and enhance the countywide Youth Development Coalition (www.ccyouthzone.org) that participates in the SC Department of Social Services program to reduce adolescent pregnancy and the federal Drug Free Communities grant projects to prevent teen substance use.

3.  Implementation of a Blast Meals Program with grants from the local United Way organizations and a nutritional supplement program, both for vulnerable adults.

4.  Serving as staff for the Northeastern Rural Health Network, a partnership of direct service, medical providers and the SC Office of Rural Health for both Chesterfield and Marlboro Counties. 

5.  Production of the Interfaith Health Conference for three years to provide resources and support to local churches developing preventive health ministries within their congregation.  This and other activities of the CCCC Health Subcommittee are an attempt to address the significant disparities in health outcomes within the county. 

6.  Implementation of the JumpStart to Good Health project funded by the SC Department of Health & Human Services to test innovative techniques to address childhood obesity.

7.  Researching methods to use technology to improve the efficiency as well as quality of services to Chesterfield County citizens.

8.  Production of the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon to assist small agencies within the county to promote and maintain volunteer opportunities.   

9.  Retention of a coordinator to serve as staff to the Council and assist the subcommittees.  This consultant is paid from a pool of agency and grant funds.

A seed of true cooperation has grown into a thriving commitment by all members of the Chesterfield County Coordinating Council to provide quality services to our residents through a unified effort, working together to reach common goals.

09/2009