Exemplary Organization Award

WINSTON-SALEM – Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR) was awarded the 2019 Exemplary Organization Award by the North Carolina Community Action Association (NCCAA).

The NCCAA Hall of Fame Awards recognizes passionate board members, Executive Directors, volunteers, staff, and organizations that work to make a difference each year in our community. The Exemplary Organization Award, which was new to the Hall of Fame Awards this year, recognizes demonstration of exemplary board involvement and governance, quality services, sustainable fiscal practices, and commitment to performance and involvement.

Twana W. Roebuck, Executive Director at ESR, was humbled by the recognition of the agency. “We are so grateful for the award that acknowledges the tremendous work started decades ago with Louise G. Wilson and Robert Law, and our continuous efforts to provide the best services to our clients and the community,” says Roebuck. “We want to do all we can to help people reach their goals.”

The NCCAA is a statewide network of 34 Community Action Agencies – all with a unique name but common mission: to help low-income people become self-sufficient. The NCCAA is committed to supporting a wide range of collaborations with local communities, government agencies, private organizations, and non-profits to invest in community-based anti-poverty strategies.

ESR’s Day of Service Event

ESR, which was one of the original Community Action Agencies founded in 1964, was born out of the Equal Opportunity Act and Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. In celebration of the connectivity of ESR’s services with the community and ESR’s 55^th birthday, a Day of Service was held on September 25. In partnership with local organizations and non-profits, participants in the Day of Service signed up to volunteer at different service opportunities throughout the community.

Service opportunities included volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, Habitat Restore, SECCA, Samaritan Ministries, Second Harvest Food Bank, Senior Services, and the SECU Family House. ESR would like to give a special thanks to these organizations.

ESR’s Annual Meeting

In addition to celebrating the year with the Day of Service, ESR held its Annual Meeting on September 11. The purpose of the meeting, which is held each year, was to share client and program successes from the past fiscal year. ESR honored volunteers, corporate leaders, staff years of service, and clients who have participated in and graduated from ESR’s programs.

Clients were first nominated by their Success Coach to receive an award. Winners were chosen by a committee to receive one of the three awards given out each year. Mr. Robert Worley was the recipient of the Robert Law Self-Sufficiency Award created in honor of former long-time Executive Director Mr. Robert Law. The Award is given to a client who is outstanding in upward mobility and is motivated to make changes. The client has overcome significant obstacles and has met the considered goals or exceeded them. The client must also have maintained contact with their case manager.

Ms. Pamela Lemon received the Louise Wilson Community Service Award created in honor of former and longtime Executive Director Louise G. Wilson. Ms. Lemon received the award for her demonstrated service to the community through volunteer work. She also fulfills ESR’s mission of helping people help themselves.

Mrs. Dierdre Hill, a former IDA client and homeowner who currently volunteers with ESR, received the New Century IDA Homeownership Award. Mrs. Hill has overcome obstacles, increased her annual income, and maintained family stability. She also demonstrates a wise use of credit and is still living in her home.

After honoring awardees, Pastor Alvin Carlisle of Exodus United Baptist Church and President of the NAACP gave the keynote speech. Board Member Diane Fitzhugh and Director of Programs and Operations Fred Bazemore shared program statistics for the 18-19 fiscal year.