Washington, D.C. – Social Current is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its board of directors. Coming from renowned social sector organizations, the new board members bring years of experience and leadership to help address the challenges and mission of the social sector. The new directors are Christa A. Hamilton, president & CEO of UCAN; Lenora Hardy-Foster, president and CEO of Judson Center; and Amy Sample Ward, CEO of NTEN.

“With a shared commitment to advancing equity and diversity and to improving the well-being of all people, we are so pleased to welcome these new directors to the Social Current Board,” commented Jody Levison-Johnson, president and CEO of Social Current. “Their diverse talent and expertise will enhance the strength and impact of our board and our ability to achieve our mission as we work to ignite change for an equitable society where all people can thrive.”

As president and CEO of UCAN, a 154-year-old, Chicago-based youth services organization that annually provides a continuum of services for children, youth, and families, Christa A. Hamilton has years of experience advocating for and creating opportunities that change lives. Christa is the first African American and first woman to lead UCAN, which was founded as a Civil War orphanage. Previously, she served as CEO of Centers for New Horizons on Chicago’s South Side. A native Chicagoan born in Englewood, she sits on the boards of Instituto del Progreso Latino, ScaleLIT, Thresholds Health, South Side Healthy Communities Organization, and the Chicago Citywide Literacy Coalition. She is a fellow of Leadership Greater Chicago and a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and Civic Federation. A 1999 graduate of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Hamilton is a first-generation college graduate who earned a master’s in business administration from National Louis University and a bachelor’s in business administration from Florida A&M University. 

According to Christa, “As a nonprofit CEO, engaged member of the Chicago youth services community, and as a parent, I’m proud and humbled to join the Social Current board of directors and its team of dedicated professionals. UCAN is connected throughout Chicagoland as we build strong youth and families through compassionate healing, education, and empowerment. Our commitment in that space greatly aligns with Social Current’s national mission to advocate for equitable solutions to the tough, sometimes seemingly intractable, societal challenges. I’m eagerly looking forward to becoming an active part of Social Current’s impactful and respected advocacy efforts to achieve an equitable society where youth and families can unlock the power of their potential.”

Lenora Hardy-Foster, MBA, is president and CEO of Judson Center which, for 100 years has been making a positive impact in the lives of over 13,000 children, adults, and families each year by providing a variety of services in 29 Michigan counties. As CEO, she guides the strategic direction of Judson Center and its three wholly owned subsidiaries by creating new partnerships and working diligently with the Board of Trustees and Executive Leadership Team. Lenora’s commitment to the community is reflected through a variety of leadership roles that include serving as chair of the board of the University of Detroit Mercy College of Business Administration, the Michigan Federation for Children and Families, and Incompass Michigan. She is treasurer of the Hannan Center Board of Trustees and sits on the JARC Board of Directors. She is a graduate of Leadership Detroit XXIII, a program of the Detroit Regional Chamber, and successfully completed the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management course through Harvard Business School. Most recently, Lenora was named as one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ 2022 Notable Women in Nonprofits and 2023 Notable Leaders in Behavioral Health. She holds an undergraduate degree in business and a master’s in business administration from the University of Detroit Mercy.

“It is an honor to join the Social Current Board of Directors because of its strong commitment to helping others thrive,” said Lenora. “Every day at Judson Center, we focus on improving the health and well-being of children, adults, and families so they can reach their true potential.  Social Current brings together like-minded individuals and organizations to form a powerful network with a shared vision of bringing change and creating solutions that lead to an equitable society where all people can prosper.”

As CEO of NTEN, a nonprofit creating a world where missions and movements are more successful through the skillful and equitable use of technology, Amy Sample Ward believes that technology should be accessible and accountable to everyone, especially communities historically and systemically excluded from the digital world. They are a sought-after speaker globally, an author of three books, and a regular contributor to sector-wide podcasts and publications. Amy’s second book, Social Change Anytime Everywhere, was a Terry McAdam Book Award finalist. Their latest book, The Tech That Comes Next, co-authored with Afua Bruce, addresses the opportunities for change makers, technologists, philanthropists, and policymakers to build an equitable world with technology. They are based in Portland, Oregon, and graduated summa cum laude from Valparaiso University with a bachelor’s in English and new media journalism.

On joining the Social Current board, Amy noted, “I believe strongly in the value of pursuing change simultaneously for immediate needs and supports, as well as in the systems that create needs and require supports. Building an equitable world requires that we understand and address both, informing our systems change work with the perspectives of those impacted. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue this dual pursuit through contributions to the Social Current board.”

The three new directors are joining a Social Current board that is comprised of the following officers and directors:

The Advocacy Amplified Training and Hill Day is a comprehensive and interactive three-day event in Washington, D.C., designed to empower individuals in the social sector with fundamental and advanced advocacy skills. Held at Social Current Headquarters and Capitol Hill, the event will focus on transforming expertise into impactful strategies, fostering relationships, and mobilizing support around the Streamlining Federal Grants Act and other policy topics important to the sector.

The event will begin with a two-day training to equip attendees with the information and skills to effectively participate in Hill Day. On day three, attendees will gain real-world experience through Capitol Hill visits. They will meet with legislators and staff to advocate for critical issues and deliver persuasive messages based on the training received the previous days. Social Current facilitators and guest speakers will drive engagement throughout the event. Learn more.

Proposal for Strengthened Child Tax Credit Goes Public

On Tuesday, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Republican Representative Jason Smith (R-MO) released an $80 billion proposal – up from prior reports of a $70 billion proposal – to expand the child and low-income housing tax credits and restore recently expired business tax breaks and deductions. It would also tie the child tax credit to inflation moving forward. According to Wyden, the child tax credit changes would benefit the families of 15 million children and lift 400,000 children out of poverty by increasing the refundable portion of the credit on a per child basis. The proposal would also pave the way for the construction of 200,000 new affordable housing units across the country. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and President Joe Biden have not commented on the deal, and it seems like there isn’t yet a consensus at the committee level on bringing the bill to the floor in either chamber of Congress. Notably, progressives are pushing to increase the current child tax credit maximum from $2,000 to $3,600. The bill’s sponsors aim to pass the proposal before the Jan. 29 tax-filing season, possibly linking it to a must-pass funding bill to avoid a government shutdown on Jan. 19.

New Bill Introduced to Address Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults

On Dec. 7, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Penn.) and Chris Murphy (D-C.T.) introduced the Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults (SILO) Act to combat the crisis of social isolation among older Americans and adults with disabilities, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed legislation aims to enhance social connections and diminish loneliness by allocating funding to Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and community-based organizations. The bill responds to the profound mental and physical health impacts of social isolation, emphasizing that isolation and loneliness have long been significant issues for older Americans and people with disabilities. The SILO Act establishes a new grant program, allocating $62.5 million annually, dedicated to supporting AAAs and community-based organizations.

These funds will be utilized for training programs, outreach to at-risk individuals, creating community-based solutions, connecting at-risk individuals with support structures, and program evaluation. As of 2019, 25% of the 54 million adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. experienced social isolation. The legislation addresses the serious public health risks associated with social isolation, contributing to poor health outcomes and significant excess Medicare spending, estimated at $6.7 billion annually. The SILO Act aims to ensure older adults and individuals with disabilities can age without experiencing isolation and loneliness in their later years.

HUD Allocates $10 Million to Assist Vulnerable Families and Youth from Foster Care Facing Homelessness

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated $10 million to 13 public housing authorities across the nation. This funding, under the Family Unification Program (FUP), will provide more than 600 vouchers to identify and support homeless or at-risk former foster care youth as well as families whose inadequate housing is the primary reason their children are in foster care. The initiative aims to improve access to supportive services by enhancing coordination among public housing authorities, child welfare agencies, and Continuums of Care. “Keeping youth and families off the streets is essential to our efforts to reduce and ultimately end homelessness,” HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said. “This funding will help our local partners aid youth and allow families to get into more permanent and stable housing. HUD is committed to ending homelessness, and this funding and partnership help us continue that critical part of our mission.”

Administered by public housing authorities in collaboration with public child welfare agencies, the FUP provides housing choice vouchers to families where inadequate housing is a key factor in child placement and youth aged 18-24 at risk of homelessness after exiting foster care. FUP vouchers for families have no time limit, while those for youth are limited to 36 months, with possible extensions under the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities amendments. In addition to rental assistance, FUP youths receive supportive services for 36 months, focusing on skills like money management, job preparation, educational counseling, and nutrition.

HHS Releases New Healthcare Enrollment Report and Online Resource Hub

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has unveiled a detailed state-by-state examination of the efficacy of enrollment strategies implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The examination follows the resumption of full eligibility renewals post-COVID-19 to safeguard Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollment, particularly for children. According to the data, more than 88 million people, including nearly 40 million children, were enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP across all 50 states and the District of Columbia as of Sept. 2023. Notably, states that expanded Medicaid and prioritized autorenewal (ex parte) rates experienced fewer disenrollments of children and youth. Conversely, the ten states that did not expand Medicaid—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming—have collectively disenrolled more children and youth than the 40 states that did. This analysis underscores the pivotal role of state policy decisions and operational choices in preserving Medicaid and CHIP coverage for eligible individuals.

 HHS has also introduced an online hub designed to facilitate the renewal and transition processes for Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries. This initiative consolidates crucial resources, primarily developed by CMS, to aid partners in outreach and engagement endeavors. The hub aims to ensure that individuals with Medicaid or CHIP coverage are well-informed about the renewal process, facilitating seamless transitions to alternative coverage options like employer-based plans or Affordable Care Act Marketplace plans. HHS encourages partners, including community-based organizations, to leverage the new resource hub to guarantee appropriate coverage for children and families. The user-friendly webpage offers diverse communication materials and toolkits in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. It also addresses potential scams and fraud related to Medicaid renewals, providing valuable information for partner-led community education.

Subscribe to the Policy and Advocacy Radar to receive our biweekly policy roundup, which includes commentary on issues in Social Current’s federal policy agenda, opportunities to take action, and curated news and opportunities.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 15, 2024, is an annual observance to honor the life and legacy of the prominent civil rights leader. There are a variety of ways to recognize the holiday, including personal reflection, education, service projects, and advocacy.

“At Social Current, we say that equity is a journey, which always reminds me of the Martin Luther King Jr. quote, ‘If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward,’” says Romero Davis, director of practice excellence at Social Current. “It’s a reminder of the principles of equity, justice, and the ongoing pursuit of a better, more inclusive society that Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for throughout his life.”

The King Center has given this year the theme, It Starts with Me: Shifting the Cultural Climate through the Study and Practice of Kingiang Nonviolence. According to the center, nonviolence is a love-centered way of thinking, speaking, acting, and engaging that leads to personal, cultural, and societal transformation. For nonviolent social change, it recommends six steps: Information Gathering, Education, Personal Commitment, Negotiation, Direct Action, and Reconciliation. It describes Reconciliation as, “Through reasoned compromise, both sides resolve the injustice with a plan of action. Each act of reconciliation is one step close to the ‘Beloved Community.’”

Social Current is offering a new healing-centered virtual learning series, starting March 19, that will delve into the intersection of brain science and equity. By understanding the brain science related to bias and racism, we can be better prepared to have increased self-awareness, engage productively in difficult conversations, and create environments that support belonging for all people.

“Our framework for advancing equity prioritizes healing at three levels—individual, organization, and system. Racism harms all of us and requires us to work from the inside-out,” says Kelly Martin, director of practice excellence at Social Current. By focusing first on individual healing and growth, we are supporting others in their ability to engage in productive, sustainable antiracism efforts within their organizations, as well as within their communities and systems.”

Social Current also will be recognizing the National Day of Racial Healing by encouraging our network organizations to participate, and by focusing our monthly antiracist employee resource group discussion on the topic of racial healing. The National Day of Racial Healing, created by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and celebrated the Tuesday following Martin Luther King Jr. Day, provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, and organizations to join together in acknowledging the values we share as people, build trust in one other, develop authentic relationships and inspire collective action to heal from the effects of racism.

At Social Current, we have seen the power of using equity, diversity, and inclusion to engage an organization’s full strength and range of views, experiences, and abilities. Undraye Howard, vice president at Social Current, recently discussed this in an article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, What Strong Organizations Know about DEI.

We believe in embedding equity in organizations to encourage healthy dialogue, sense of belonging, and adaptive leadership skills. “Organizations who grasp (the benefits of advancing equity) will ultimately show impact in their bottom line, organizational goals, and mission,” says Undraye in the article. “The equity journey is for the long haul but taking that first step should be the priority for all organizations who seek to uphold the values upon which our nation was founded.”

Learn more about Social Current’s work to support organizations through consulting and learning.

Heartland Family Service recently became the first organization in the country to be reviewed against SAMHSA’s updated criteria for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics through COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current.

Funded through SAMHSA, CCBHCs are designed to ensure access to coordinated and comprehensive behavioral health care. CCBHCs are required to serve anyone who requests care for mental health or substance use, regardless of their ability to pay, place of residence, or age—including developmentally appropriate care for children and youth.

With over 500 CCBHCs operating across the country, SAMHSA’s recent criteria encourages states to require accreditation by an independent accrediting body as part of its state certification requirements. COA Accreditation standards cover SAMHSA’s six key program areas and align with the CCBHC certification criteria.

COA Accreditation reviewed Heartland Family Service’s ability to meet the CCBHC certification criteria through site visits, discussions with service providers and care recipients, and data review. As the first organization to undergo COA Accreditation’s CCBHC review utilizing SAMHSA’s criteria, Heartland Family Service has helped to strengthen the process to assist more organizations in their pursuit of this review.

“CCBHCs provide timely access to mental health and substance use care and create important links for service recipients. We are proud to recognize Heartland Family Service as a CCBHC against SAMHSA’s criteria,” said Jody Levison-Johnson, president and CEO of Social Current.

COA Accreditation standards center person and family-centered treatment and promote culturally and linguistically appropriate practice and inclusive and accessible care. The standards for performance and quality improvement (PQI) provide a roadmap for developing a robust, sustainable, organization-wide PQI system that will increase organizational capacity to meet data tracking and reporting requirements.    

Learn more about COA Accreditation for CCBHCs. 

Webinar on COA Accreditation for CCBHCs

We will be hosting a webinar June 12 from 1-2 p.m. ET that will give an overview of COA Accreditation as it relates to Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). Participants will hear from staff at Social Current, as well as BestSelf Behavioral Health, a COA-accredited organization operating a CCBHC program. Register now to join us and learn about the process and next steps.

Help Shape the Next Edition of COA Accreditation Standards

COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current, is proposing enhancements to its accreditation standards. These draft revisions are now available for review and comment from the field.

Click on the links above to save the Word documents to your computer’s Downloads folder. Review the documents and submit your feedback through the process outlined at the top of each document. The deadline to make comments is Feb. 1.  

These proposed updates reflect an in-depth review and synthesis of prominent published research and professional literature, as well as collaboration with a diverse group of subject matter experts from this field. The field comment period is a critical step in our process because it ensures our standards are field informed by including input from provider organizations in the development process.    

This critical pairing of research and practice ensures that the COA Accreditation standards remain rigorous, practical, and reflective of current trends and evolving practices and continue to promote improved outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. The final updates will be released in spring 2024.

House and Senate members are actively involved in last-ditch negotiations on a year-end tax deal that would address key issues for both Democrats and Republicans. Ahead of the 2024 election, Democrats are pushing for a strengthened Child Tax Credit (CTC) to address rising childhood poverty after a refundable CTC expired in 2021. Republicans are hoping to reinstate full deductibility for research and development investments, a provision that lapsed in 2022. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) are collaborating on a potential package, with an estimated cost of around $100 billion.

If a deal cannot be made by the end of the year, both sides of the aisle are eyeing passage of the bill in January. This is good news considering a similar deal was attempted and failed last December, and talks did not continue into the new year. Nevertheless, the $100 billion tax deal is expected to encounter numerous challenges, such as determining the appropriate legislative vehicle to pass the deal as well as Congress needing to reach consensus on essential appropriations bills.

Special Committee on Aging Holds Hearing on Substance Use Trends Among Older Adults

On Dec. 14, the Senate Special Committee on Aging convened its 11th hearing of the 118th Congress to address substance use disorder in older adults. Chairman Bob Casey (D-Penn.) and Ranking Member Mike Braun (R-Ind.) introduced the hearing by providing context. The National Survey of Drug Use and Health reported that nearly 4 million older adults had a substance use disorder in 2022. The committee is also addressing the overlooked issue of synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, with overdose death rates increasing by 53% among older Americans. According to the senators, the hearing aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by older adults with substance use disorders, emphasizing gaps in data, stigma, and barriers to accessing treatment, while also addressing the broader fentanyl crisis affecting different demographic groups and regions of the country.

The first witness, Keith Humphreys of Stanford Medical School and a former White House drug policy advisor, emphasized the need for urgent policy actions, pointing to factors such as the growing number of pharmaceutical products, changes in drug tolerance with aging, generational substance use patterns, and the expansion of synthetic drugs contributing to the crisis. The second speaker, James W. Carroll, former director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, advocated for tailored treatment for older adults, accountability in treatment centers, supply-side interventions to counter the influx of synthetic drugs, and comprehensive prevention efforts, including education, naloxone availability, and safe disposal of medications.

The next witness, Deborah Steinberg, representing the Legal Action Center, highlighted the organization’s Medicare Addiction Parity Project, which has found that financial barriers in Medicare persist. She recommended addressing remaining gaps, including discriminatory standards, barriers in Medicare Advantage plans, and the need to expand coverage for community-based and residential substance use disorder treatment. The final speaker, William Stauffer of the Pennsylvania Recovery Organization Alliance, highlighted the prevalence of negative attitudes and stigma surrounding addiction in society, especially affecting older adults due to ageism, leading to underreporting and insufficient support. The speaker proposed initiatives such as a Master Plan for Older Adults, investment in the substance use disorders workforce, and the establishment of an Older Adult Recovery Community Corps to utilize the strengths of older adults in recovery.

HHS Announces New Guidelines for HCBS Worker Registries

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has rolled out directives via the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to enhance accessibility to home- and community-based services (HCBS). The central focus revolves around the establishment and management of worker registries, advanced platforms that identify health workers delivering Medicaid-covered HCBS to specific groups, like those grappling with disabilities and the elderly. The guidelines underscore the availability of substantial federal funding, courtesy of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which earmarked aid to states for these registries. In a statement, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said, “The Biden-Harris Administration has distributed $37 billion from the American Rescue Plan across all 50 states for home- and community-based services. Additionally, we are delivering new guidance to states about how direct worker registries can help ensure more individuals receiving Medicaid-covered services can receive care in a setting of their choice.”

The guidelines are geared toward helping Medicaid recipients stay in their homes and neighborhoods, rather than utilizing nursing homes. Additionally, CMS highlights how ARP funds have been strategically injected to strengthen HCBS workers registries, allowing states to access a verified list of professional home care workers. This initiative dovetails with overarching endeavors in support of quality HCBS, which include increased funding, proposed rule adjustments around access and quality, and collaborative ventures with government partners to refine workforce data, all in sync with President Biden’s executive mandate amplifying access to top-notch care and supporting caregivers.

Biden Administration Urges All-of-Government Approach to Naloxone Access

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have jointly issued a letter urging collaboration between public health departments, health care providers, housing providers and agencies, and community-based organizations. The objective is to enhance access to naloxone and other overdose reversal medications, particularly in public housing facilities, multifamily housing and housing counseling programs, and programs for individuals experiencing homelessness. The joint effort aims to address overdoses happening within homes and encourage housing providers to ensure access to effective medications that can reverse an overdose. The guidance stresses the importance of making overdose reversal medications readily available in all public spaces, such as schools, libraries, and community institutions.

The guidance aligns with President Biden’s Unity Agenda, which calls for a collective response to the nation’s overdose epidemic, de-stigmatization of substance use disorders, and emphasis on recovery. “Naloxone and other overdose reversal medications save lives and should be as available in public housing as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers,” said to Richard Monocchio, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. The letter underscores the federal government’s commitment to a flexible and collective response to the evolving overdose epidemic, working together at federal, state, and local levels. It also aligns with President Biden’s National Drug Control Strategy and the investments made in the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant program, which has already helped states acquire nearly 9 million naloxone kits and reverse over 500,000 overdoses.

Subscribe to the Policy and Advocacy Radar to receive our biweekly policy roundup, which includes commentary on issues in Social Current’s federal policy agenda, opportunities to take action, and curated news and opportunities.

Through COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current, we seek to empower organizations to implement best practice standards to improve service delivery and achieve better outcomes for individuals and communities. COA Accreditation provides a framework to help organizations manage resources, incorporate best practices, and strive for continuous improvement.

We believe there is rich expertise in our field, so we ground the COA Accreditation process in our human and social services community. Our volunteer peer reviewers conduct our site visits and finalize accreditation decisions.

We are proud to spotlight the latest Volunteer of the Quarter: Christian Holland

About Christan Holland

Christian Holland was named vice president of programs for the Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) this September. He is responsible for the service delivery strategy, program implementation and compliance for all PYN programs in this new role. This includes ensuring all youth are connected to high quality services by developing programs as well as facilitating procurement models and support. Additionally, Christian provides leadership to support fundraising and business development relationships and processes. His goal is to ensure all participants and partners have a meaningful and valuable experience while assisting youth up the ladder of economic mobility.

Christian earned a master’s in business administration from Benedictine University as well as a master’s in divinity with a focus on administration, counseling, and education from Claremont School of Theology. He earned his bachelor’s in psychology from Wesleyan University. He also received a certification from the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute at Bryn Mawr College.

Christian most recently served as senior director of out-of-school time and youth programming at Episcopal Community Services. There he provided strategic oversight and expansion for multiple sites and contracts, which deliver quality educational extended learning opportunities to youth and families. In addition to his more than 20 years of professional experience, Christian chairs and serves on various health and educational boards throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

It was in 2010, during a accreditation cycle, Christian was approached by a staff member from the Council on Accreditation, now Social Current. During this conversation, he learned about the opportunity to become a COA Accreditation volunteer. He says accepting the chance to serve as a volunteer was one of the greatest decisions he made in his career.

Q&A

What three traits define you?

I am defined by the following traits: High quality, impact, and dignity. These values push and motivate me in the work I do. As a volunteer, I am committed to ensuring agencies offer high–quality services, hence impacting the participants being served. It’s also important because offering high quality services ensures participants have dignity and feel a sense of equity and respect. This is critical.

What are your strongest beliefs about the value of COA Accreditation?

COA Accreditation is extremely powerful! It really does provide a framework for agencies to manage resources, offer best practices and strive for continuous quality improvement. This is critical for an organization to continue to grow, innovate and sustain its stance as a credible player in the nonprofit sector.

What advice would you give someone interested in being a COA Accreditation volunteer?

It may be intimidating in the beginning, however, if someone approaches you, or perhaps you just feel like it’s something you may want to do, go for it! Social Current is an amazing organization, and they are there to assist you.

I will always be a part of the COA Accreditation family. I’m not going anywhere. Social Current has amazing staff like Director of Volunteer Engagement Darrell Woodliff and Senior Volunteer Services Coordinator Phil Vasquez (they are really incredible support for volunteers), a great commission of senior volunteers and decision makers, a supportive COA Accreditation team, and a great visionary and president, Jody Levison-Johnson. You can’t go wrong with this supportive team! Try it, like me, and it may just positively change your life.

Share a memorable place, person, or experience from a site visit.

I have served as a volunteer for over a decade and there are so many great experiences and leaders I have had the pleasure to encounter. For me, however, what’s most rewarding is when I am able to do a site visit and see a program, make recommendations through the process, and then return to the site at a later time, four to eight years later, to see those recommendations implemented, standards in full action and the site thriving. There are no words to explain how that makes me feel. There is a sense of fulfillment and assurance the youth and families being served are really experiencing the best possible experience– that is CQI in action! I love that!

What excites, surprises, and/or challenges you the most about the work you do as a COA Accreditation volunteer?

I tell people the people I have met through COA Accreditation are an extended part of my family and COA Accreditation saved my life. It really did. In a time when I was burning out in the work, COA Accreditation gave me energy, a sense of purpose, and allowed me to see the bigger picture of the “power of the work” as well as the true impact of quality programs.

I believe we have the power to positively change the lives of those we serve! That excites me! It is never easy, however, helping an organization through the COA Accreditation process and seeing when the light bulb goes off for an executive director or manager in relation to best practices, CQI, or an area of service delivery is powerful! That’s when it gets exciting for me–when people can take the standards and connect them to practical examples and use that data to inform and improve their programs. That is what I live for!

Learn more about how to become a peer review volunteer and apply online.

Social Current is now accepting presentation proposals for its SPARK 2024 conference, to be held Oct. 21-22 in Denver. This event will activate our collective power by sparking bold thinking and new conversations around some of our sector’s most vexing challenges. SPARK 2024 will offer a forum to connect, learn, refuel, and be inspired.

The deadline to submit presentations is Jan. 29, 2024.

Social Current’s mission is to advocate for and implement equitable solutions through collaboration, innovation, federal public policy, and practice excellence. This conference will convene and unite a diverse community from across our network and sector to share their expertise and drive toward an equitable society where all people can thrive.

Proposal Guidelines and Deadlines

Core Areas of Focus

Social Current welcomes presentations that will engage, challenge, educate, and inspire participants to act. While emphasis will be placed on the core areas below, we welcome submissions that address other current issues affecting and important to our sector.

Brain Science and Trauma-Informed Approaches
Sessions should address the integration of brain science-aligned, healing-centered, and trauma-informed knowledge, skills, and strategies into one or more pathways for change, including programs, organizational culture, and/or systems-change efforts. Consider topics such as how the application of brain science can prevent and mitigate toxic stress to support child, family, and community health and well-being. Suggested topics also include ways to integrate brain science and equity, diversity and inclusion practices to strengthen organizational health.

Child, Family, and Community Well-Being
Sessions should describe innovative strategies for nurturing child and family well-being within communities, including efforts to transform child welfare systems into 21st-century child and family well-being systems, which involves but is not limited to child protective services. Consider proactive, public health approaches that address the social determinants of health, separate neglect from abuse, prioritize equitable solutions to better support families, and shift power toward families and communities.

COA Accreditation
Sessions should discuss keys to achieving COA Accreditation and explore the immediate and ongoing benefits of accreditation on organizations, the workforce, and persons served. Consider topics such as the return on investment in COA Accreditation, the importance of using data and quality improvement processes to impact service delivery, how to engage your board and/or staff in the COA Accreditation process, ways to leverage your accreditation, and “best in class” examples of standard implementation.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Sessions should address how organizations can create just, fair, and inclusive organizational cultures and communities through policies and practices, organizational leadership, and programs and services. Consider inequities related to health, education, wealth, systems involvement, and the workplace, based on race, sexual orientation, age, gender, socio-economic status, and ability.

Government Affairs and Advocacy
Sessions should explore strategies to effect positive change locally, regionally, or nationally. We invite presentations that share insight on how to successfully influence policy, engage lawmakers, and mobilize grassroots efforts. These sessions will examine the intersection of public policy, community engagement, and social impact with the goal of creating a more just and equitable society.

Leadership and Organizational Development
Sessions should discuss leadership approaches, strategies, and frameworks for developing the next generation of social sector leaders so that they can address challenges and sustain success to achieve greater impact. Consider approaches that promote the skills needed to create and sustain equitable, inclusive, and trauma-informed organizational cultures.

Submit your proposal through the online submission form by Jan. 29, 2024.

More than 800 nonprofits have joined a sign-on letter to Congress in support of the Streamlining Federal Grants Act (S. 2286/H.R. 5934). Social Current has been active in advocating for federal grant reform, and in collaboration with the National Council of Nonprofits, has been educating the sector on the importance of this legislation that would enhance the efficiency and performance of federal grants and cooperative agreements.

Social Current’s Senior Director of Government Affairs Blair Abelle-Kiser commented on the importance this act has for the sector:

“I believe the Streamlining Federal Grants Act is a transformative step toward a more efficient and equitable grant administration system. By addressing critical issues and advocating for coordination, transparency, and equitable access, this legislation has the potential to empower nonprofits and uplift underserved communities across the nation.”

Grassroots advocacy by community-based organizations has been instrumental in building support in Washington, D.C., for the Streamlining Federal Grants Act. Since Social Current hosted its first-ever Capitol Hill Day on October 18, during which dozens of our network organizations met with members of Congress and staff, eleven members of Congress have cosponsored the bill.

These new cosponsors include Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.), David Trone (D-M.D.), Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), Joseph Morelle (D-N.Y.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), Yadira Caraveo (D-Colo.) and Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.).

Please sign onto the letter endorsed by more than 800 other nonprofits and help keep up the momentum!

HHS and DOE Release New Resource for Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have collaboratively issued an updated policy statement highlighting the value of integrating children with disabilities into early childhood programs. This revised statement expands upon a 2015 version, reaffirming dedication and urgency to surmount obstacles hindering these children from fully engaging in inclusive early childhood programs. The revision aligns with President Biden’s executive order focusing on enhanced access to top-tier care and bolstering support for caregivers. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said, “Our nation’s youngest learners – including those with disabilities – deserve access to high quality early childhood programs that nurture their potential and provide a strong foundation for future success.”

With over 61 million U.S. adults grappling with disabilities and nearly one in six children experiencing developmental delays, the administration has advocated for a culture of inclusion spanning from birth to education and extending into communities and workplaces, according to HHS and DOE. The statement underscores the need for inclusive environments, presenting updated guidelines for implementing programs administered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Head Start, childcare, home visiting, preschool, and public schools. It also includes evidence-based models and resources to facilitate tailored programming for children with disabilities in early childhood programs.

Administration Launches 2024 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period

The Biden-Harris administration announced that more than 4.5 million people have opted for health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace in the ongoing 2024 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period (OEP), between Nov. 1 and 18. This data encompasses the 32 states using HealthCare.gov up to week three, and in the 17 states as well as the District of Columbia with State-based Marketplaces until week two. Among these selections, 920,000 individuals (20% of total) are newcomers to the Marketplaces for 2024, while 3.7 million people (80% of total) possess existing 2023 coverage.

In a statement, Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra highlighted the robust launch of this year’s enrollment season, stressing four out of five individuals can secure a plan for $10 or less per month after subsidies on HealthCare.gov. According to the administration, the Inflation Reduction Act has played a role in reducing costs and enhancing benefits; it is anticipated 9 out of 10 customers will be eligible for savings. During the OEP, almost 96% of HealthCare.gov consumers have the option to choose from at least three health insurers. The highly competitive Marketplace for 2024 offers various plan choices, encouraging individuals to revisit and shop for plans that better align with their needs at a reduced cost.

The 2024 OEP spans from Nov. 1, 2023, to Jan. 15, 2024, and individuals enrolling by midnight on Dec. 15 can secure full-year coverage starting on Jan. 1, 2024. The administration also provides support through Navigator Awards to organizations aiding in consumer assistance.

Congress Punts Federal Budget Negotiations Until Next Year

President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill on Nov. 16, following the Senate’s bipartisan approval in a vote of 87-11. The legislation, referred to as a continuing resolution (CR), effectively averts the risk of a government shutdown until after the holiday season. The CR garnered substantial backing in the House, securing a vote of 336-95 on Tuesday. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) highlighted the significance of bipartisan collaboration in ensuring government operations without detrimental cuts or contentious provisions.

Crafted by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), the CR allocates funds to specific departments such as Agriculture, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Veterans Affairs until Jan. 19, 2024. The Defense Department, along with Health and Human Services, Education, and other government components, will receive funding until Feb. 2. Johnson’s strategy was aimed at avoiding a last-minute comprehensive spending package ahead of Christmas. Notably, the CR is characterized as “clean,” devoid of spending cuts or policy disputes that could isolate Democrats, and it excludes a supplemental package addressing matters like aid for Israel and Ukraine, humanitarian assistance, or border security.

This interim measure grants additional time for House Republicans to pass remaining appropriations bills and for negotiators in both the House and Senate to finalize funding agreements. Despite challenges, Johnson maintains an optimistic outlook, underscoring the ongoing process of consensus-building within the Republican ranks.

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The Center for Juvenile Justice Reform at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, in partnership with Social Current and Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), has launched a new organizational diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI) certification that aims to help youth and family-serving organizations approach their DEI efforts with intention and ensure that equity is deeply embedded in their culture, reflected throughout their policies and practices, and can endure through leadership and administrative changes. The DEI certification leverages Social Current’s organizational assessment tools, DEI trainings and consultation, and standards of practice.  

Set to begin May 20, this 12-month certification will include online trainings, peer learning, individual and group coaching, and guidance on a capstone project. The capstone project will include individuals served in its design and implementation and demonstrate the organization’s implementation of the DEI principles covered in training, coaching sessions, and Social Current’s DEI standards of practice. The certification will culminate with an in-person convening at Georgetown University, where the capstone projects will be presented.

Certification objectives:

Each organization must commit at least two staff to engaging in the certification process that will include coaching and training over a 12-month period. The cost for this certification is $19,000 per organization, which can be paid in two installments. The certification will be valid for two-years after completion of the program.

You can learn more about the DEI certification and schedule online, or join us for an upcoming informational webinar:

To start the registration process, please click here. Applications are due March 29, 2024, and participation will be confirmed by April 19, 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact Undraye Howard, vice president of equity, diversity, inclusion, and engagement at Social Current.