Employee Relations Manager – PART TIME Primary Role: The Employee Operations Manager will be responsible for data entry, timesheets, benefits, managing the organizations HR, helping and creating organizational and program training opportunities in collaboration with the Sr. Financial Director, Executive Director and Program Operations Director, and other misc. tasks. This position's primary responsibility is ensuring organizational effectiveness by providing leadership for the organization's employee functions. Reports to: Executive Director Duties: Organizational Effectiveness Improve the operational systems, processes and policies in support of organizations mission -- specifically, support better management reporting, information flow and management, HR process and organizational planning. Create measurable outcomes to access effectiveness and efficiency of Support Services (HR, Training and EEO Compliance), through improvements to each function as well as coordination and communication between support and business functions. Play a significant role in long-term planning, including an initiative geared toward operational excellence. Performs timesheet management, including tabulation of accrued employee benefits and services. Organization of HR documents. Conduct training sessions for clients and community. Oversee employment placement services. Regular meetings with Sr. Finance Director Executive Director around HR related expenses. Supervise and plan contractual services as needed. Improve the operational systems, processes and policies in support of organizations mission -- specifically, support better management reporting, information flow and management, business process and organizational planning. Create measurable to access effectiveness and efficiency of Support Services (HR, IT and Finance), through improvements to each function as well as coordination and communication between support and business functions. Play a significant role in long-term planning, including an initiative geared toward operational excellence. Oversee overall security management, phone, planning, systems and controls. Development of system related budgets for maintaining and purchasing agency equipment. Inventory tracking for all agency supplies, furniture and donated items. Payroll management, including tabulation of accrued employee benefits and services. Organization of HR documents. Conduct training sessions for clients and community. Oversee employment placement services. Regular meetings with Sr. Finance Director Executive Director around fiscal planning. Supervise and plan contractual services as needed. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, crawl, bend, stoop, climb, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms, here. The employee frequently required to sit and talk. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Specifications • The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation that may be used in the performance of duties. Qualifications: The Employee Relations Manager should possess a 4-year college degree with 3 plus years' experience in technology, logistics and human resources or related field. Must demonstrate a commitment to social justice and the mission. Have excellent communication skills both verbal and written. Be knowledgeable of government contract management and knowledge and experience in organizational effectiveness and operations management implementing best practices. Exhibit leadership and vision in working with staff groups and major projects or initiatives. Have excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style. Budget development and oversight experience. Demonstrates commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace. Excels at operating in a fast pace, community environment. Excellent people manager, open to direction and collaborative work style and commitment to get the job done. Able to challenge and debate issues of importance to the organization and look at situations from several points of view. Be persuasive with details and facts. Delegates responsibilities effectively. Have a high comfort level working in a diverse environment. Excellent working knowledge of computer data entry process, Microsoft Office, and other related software programs.

VITA Tax Program Assistant Primary Role: The VITA Tax Program Assistant is a knowledgeable and experienced tax preparer who assists the VITA Program Manager in the total operation of the VITA Program, ensuring compliance in keeping with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations and agency policies to provide support to individuals and families. The program works to help individuals and families connect with valuable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc., and free tax preparation. Reports to: VITA Tax Program Manager, with guidance from the Director of Agency Operations, and Executive Director Essential Responsibilities Prepare and submit tax returns for clients. Schedule clients’ appointments. Advise clients about the tax preparation process. Assist clients with IRS communications. Audit all tax forms for completeness, accuracy and electronic acceptance. Assist with volunteer recruitment. Coordinate volunteer recognition tools for volunteers. Provide tax preparation assistance to tax sites when applicable. Assist with error resolution, tax preparations, e-filing, contacting taxpayers, and responding to tax questions. Maintain tax resources and distribute to individuals and tax sites, when applicable. Maintain volunteer database, ensuring certifications are complete before distributing software access information. Provide guidance to volunteer seeking training resources. Perform other duties as requested by management. Experience/Certifications: Possess a bachelor’s or associate degree in accounting or business administration. Previous experience with tax preparation preferred. Certified or ability to become an IRS-certified tax preparer. Key Competencies: Ability to multi-task, including strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, and the ability to meet deadlines. Exceptional interpersonal skills, including developing relationships with organizations and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Strong focus on detail and accuracy; deadline oriented. Ability to work effectively in a team environment and build strong working relationships. Demonstrated experience in effective communication - both written and verbally. Demonstrated ability to work and function with confidential information and data. Proven comfort level with learning new software applications and systems as necessary. Proficient with Microsoft Office, tax software, volunteer tracking and appointment platforms. Ability to process tax returns in a virtual environment (includes scanning and uploading/downloading documents).

Experiment in Self Reliance privacy, general information and use. Privacy General Information and Use Acrobat Reader for Viewing Documents Many documents on this site are in a PDF format. You’ll need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® to view them. You can download here . Search Need help finding what you’re looking for? Use the keyword search function available in the upper-right corner of your screen. Our Focus The focus of Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR) is to provide low income residents of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County with social/community action service. Therefore, our priority is to respond to inquiries from Forsyth County. We do not provide assistance services to those outside Forsyth County. Still have questions about how to use www.eisr.org ? Contact us here . Ownership of Content All information on www.eisr.org , as well as the organization and layout of the website, is owned and copyrighted by the Experiment in Self-Reliance, Inc., unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Except as expressly authorized by ESR, you may not copy, distribute, resell, display, sub-license or create derivative works based on any such information from the website, in whole or in part. Acceptance of Terms By accessing ESR’s website, www.eisr.org , including all information, documents, communications, files, text, graphics, software, and products available through the website, you agree to the following terms. If you do not wish to be bound by these terms and conditions, you may not access or use the website. If you breach any of the Terms of Use, your authorization to use this website automatically terminates, and any materials downloaded or printed from the website in violation of the Terms of Use must be immediately destroyed. Modifications We may amend these Terms of Use from time to time; please review them periodically. We maintain the option to modify these Terms of Use at any time by electronic notice posted on our website. Your continued use of our website after the date that such notices are posted will be deemed to be your agreement to the changed terms. Nature of Materials All materials on www.eisr.org are samples that have been provided in order to advance the public interest for educational and guidance purposes only. They are not standard or model forms and should not be used as such. These documents have been created to meet unique program needs of nonprofits, and the actual content of a particular document may not be appropriate for your organization. Therefore, while these documents may serve as a starting point for drafting or revising similar documents, independent judgment and, where appropriate, the advice of competent legal counsel is strongly recommended. Use of Materials www.eisr.org is for informational purposes only and is provided to you solely for your own personal, non-commercial use and not for purposes of resale, distribution, public display or performance or any other uses. You expressly agree that you will comply with any and all such restrictions. Intellectual Property All ESR materials and services on this website are protected by copyright, trademark, patent, and/or other intellectual property laws, and any unauthorized use of these materials may violate such laws. You agree to use these materials in compliance with all applicable laws, governmental regulations and guidelines, including without limit, all copyright, trademark and other intellectual property laws. Liability, Warranties and Disclaimers ESR accepts no responsibility or liability for incorrect or misleading information or its use as obtained through the Internet. It is solely your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of all opinions, advice, services, merchandise and other information provided through the site generally. The www.eisr.org website is provided on an “as is,” “as available” basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to, those of TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE or NON-INFRINGEMENT or any warranty as to accuracy, timeliness, completeness or arising from a course of dealing, usage or trade practice. No oral advice or written information provided by ESR or its employees, directors, officers, or agents shall create a warranty; nor shall members or visitors to the website rely on any such information or advice. The user assumes all responsibility and risk for the use of this website. Under no circumstances shall ESR, its directors, officers, employees, agents, or anyone else involved in creating or maintaining this website be liable for any DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL or CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, or LOST PROFITS resulting directly or indirectly from the use or inability to use the website and/or any other websites which are linked to this website – or resulting directly or indirectly from mistakes, omissions, interruptions, deletion of files, viruses, errors, defects, or any failure of performance, communications failure, theft, destruction or unauthorized access. Indemnification and Governing Law You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless ESR, its affiliates, governing board, officers, directors, agents, employees, partners, and suppliers from any liability, loss, claim, demand, and expense (including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees) related to (a) your use of, or connection to, the website; (b) your violation of these Terms of Use; (c) your posting of content to the website; or (d) your violation of any rights of another person or entity, and any claim or lawsuit against ESR arising out of, or related to, the foregoing conduct shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of North Carolina. Internal Links — links made to www.eisr.org We welcome links to our homepage from other nonprofits, government agencies, and others who wish to help extend our mission into the nonprofit sector. We ask that you email us to let us know of your intentions to link to our site, and indicate the purpose of the link. No link may present or display a product or activity in a way that states or implies the ESR’s endorsement. ESR does not endorse any commercial organizations or products. External Links — links from www.eisr.org ESR’s website includes links to external websites created and controlled by parties other than the ESR. These links are provided only for the convenience of users of this site and any information obtained thereby does not necessarily represent the opinions of ESR. These links do not fall under the www.eisr.org domain, and ESR is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of external websites. ESR makes no representation about the accuracy of any information contained in these links. Your use of any linked website is solely at your own risk. We do not routinely link to private, commercial or other similar websites, other than current corporate sustainers of the ESR’s programs and services. However, on a case-by-case basis, we will consider requests from such groups or persons to link to their websites. ESR will grant such requests only where it is determined that such links will clearly support our mission, and where we have concluded that such links will not in any way jeopardize our reputation, independence, objectivity, mission or ability to serve the nonprofit sector. To make a request, email ESR. General The Terms of Use and the other rules, guidelines, licenses and disclaimers posted on www.eisr.org constitute the entire agreement between ESR and you with respect to your use of our website. If for any reason a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of the Terms of Use, or portion thereof, to be unenforceable, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to effect the intent of the parties as reflected by that provision, and the remainder of the Terms of Use shall continue in full force and effect. Any failure by ESR to enforce or exercise any provision of the Terms of Use or related right shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. The section titles used in the Terms of Use are purely for convenience and carry with them no legal or contractual effect. Privacy Policy As a nonprofit organization, the Experiment in Self-Reliance (“ESR”) places a high priority on protecting your privacy. This privacy policy was created in order to demonstrate the ESR’s commitment to the privacy of our clients and other website visitors. This policy explains what types of information is collected by the ESR’s website, www.eisr.org , and how this information is used. What Personally Identifiable Information is Collected ESR Clients and other website visitors that register to use www.eisr.org voluntarily provide us with contact information (such as name and e-mail address). We use this information internally for providing personalized service and for monitoring website traffic. Cookies Cookies are small bits of code that are sent to your computer when you logon to a website that allows us to identify you when you return to the site. ESR uses “cookie” messages to automatically help provide better services. They remind us who you are and your preferences for our website based on what you’ve done and told us before. The “cookie” is placed on your computer and is read when you come back to our website. Cookies let us take you to the information and features you’re particularly interested in. They also let us track your usage of www.eisr.org , so we know which parts of our sites are most popular. You can reject cookies or cancel them by instructing your web browser accordingly. How Your Information May Be Used We use your personal information to provide you with personalized service; to send e-mail alerts to you; to answer your requests; to process your applications; etc. You may choose to opt out at any time, which will cease communications from us. You may do so here . We may also use your information to track your visits to our website. This lets us see which of our features are the most popular so we can better serve our users’ needs. Electronic Newsletter We send an electronic newsletter, on a regular basis to our Clients. The newsletters are sent to your preferred address. You may choose to opt out at any time, which will cease communications from us. You may do so by clicking the link provided at the bottom of every newsletter. Survey and Polls From time to time, we may offer surveys and/or interactive polls to users so they can share their opinions with others users, see what our users think about important issues or to better target our content. Participation in the surveys and/or polls is optional. Opinions and responses are not identifiable to any particular user. We may share aggregated demographic information with partners or supporters. We never share any information about specific individuals with any third party. Modifications We may amend this privacy policy from time to time; please review it periodically. We maintain the option to modify this policy at any time by electronic notice posted on our website. Your continued use of our website after the date that such notices are posted will be deemed to be your agreement to the changed terms. SMS Text Messaging Experiment in Self-Reliance, Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in a safe and responsible manner. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you engage with us through SMS communications. Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties. Website: https://www.eisr.org/ Phone Number: (336) 722-9400 By opting in to receive SMS messages from Experiment in Self-Reliance, Inc., you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy and our SMS Terms and Conditions. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us directly. 1. SMS Consent Communication When you opt-in to receive SMS communications from Experiment in Self-Reliance, Inc., we collect your phone number and any other necessary information to communicate with you via text messages. This information is not shared with third parties for marketing purposes. We respect your privacy and are committed to keeping your data secure. 2. Types of SMS Communications If you have opted in to receive SMS messages from Experiment in Self-Reliance, Inc., you may receive messages regarding the following: -Client support -Follow-up on Inquiries -Billing Questions 3. Message Frequency The frequency of SMS messages may vary based on the type of communication you are receiving. For example, you may receive up to 3 SMS messages per week regarding client support, billing inquiries, or other related communications. 4. Potential Fees for SMS Messaging Please note that standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your carrier's pricing plan. These fees may vary if the message is sent domestically or internationally. 5. Opt-In Method You may opt in to receive SMS messages from Experiment in Self-Reliance, Inc. in the following ways: - Verbally, during a conversation with a representative - By initiating an SMS message to (336) 722-9400 6. Opt-Out Method You have the right to opt-out of receiving SMS messages at any time. To do so, simply reply "STOP" to any SMS message you receive from Experiment in Self-Reliance, Inc. Alternatively, you can contact us directly at (336) 722-9400 or info@eisr.org to request removal from our messaging list. 7. Help and Support If you are experiencing any issues or need assistance, you can reply with the keyword "HELP" to any SMS message you receive. Alternatively, you can contact us directly at (336) 722-9400, info@eisr.org , or visit our website at https://www.eisr.org/ for more information. If you have questions or comments, please email the Experiment in Self-Reliance, or mail them to Experiment in Self-Reliance, Inc, Post Office Box 135, Winston-Salem, NC 27102

Meet ESR's dedicated staff team, leadership, and board members! Experiment in Self-Reliance Staff Front Row (left to right): April Marlin, Alicia Anthony, Fred Bazemore, Tonya Oliphant, Shadowe Magaraci, Saundra Adams Second Row (left to right): Hilda Moore, Delores McCullough, Nicole Rhinehardt, DeJuana Eastland, Nikita Wallace, Bryon Harrison, Verona Gordon, Melinda Hash, Janet Ashe, Kimberly Hardy, Janet Carlton, Myriam Hall Not Pictured: Shirley Abdullah, LaTonya Amos Management Team Shirley Abdullah Forsyth Free Tax VITA Manager Fred Bazemore Executive Director Melinda Hash Self-Sufficiency Manager Delores McCullough Employee Relations Manager Nikita Wallace New Century IDA Manager Tonya Oliphant Finance Director Administrative Team Saundra Adams Administrative Assistant Janet Ashe Fiscal and Compliance Associate Shadowe Magaraci Executive Assistant/Data Analyst Self-Sufficiency Team Verona Gordon Receptionist/Resource & Referral Agent Myriam Hall Success Coach/Outreach Kimberly Hardy Orientation/ Eligibility Specialist April Marlin Success Coach/Outreach Coordinator Nicole Rhinehardt Success Coach/Outreach Melinda Hash Program Manager New Century IDA Team First-time Homeownership and Small Business Programs Alicia Anthony Data Manager & Administrative Assistant Janet Carlton IDA Homeownership Success Coach Charlene Funderburk Small Business Success Coach Nikita Wallace Program Manager VITA Forsyth Free Tax Team Shirley Abdullah Program Manager LaTonya Amos Program Assistant

Location and directions to Experiment in Self-Reliance. Directions

We have positions open! Join the ESR family and be a part of a group dedicated to improving our community! Join our Team! Open Positions There are no open positions at this time. How to Apply To apply for any position, please submit an application either online or by email, both options are shown below. Please send all email correspondence to delores.mccullough@eisr.org (no spaces) and use "Employment Application" in the email title. Once you complete an application, we will review your information and contact you for an interview if we feel you may be a suitable candidate. If not, we will keep your information on file for 90 days, and if an appropriate position becomes available, we will contact you. Please be aware that positions are subject to continued availability of funding. Experiment in Self-Reliance, Inc. provides equal opportunity to all applicants and employees. You can now complete an application online! Click here Upon completion of the online application, please email your resume and cover letter, if applicable, to the email address listed above. ESR Employment Application - PDF available here if you prefer to complete a paper application and submit by email to the email address listed above.

Tax FAQ Have a question about filing your tax return? We can help! Here are some Frequently Asked Questions. Have additional questions? Give us a call at 336-722-9400 . Question: Am I required to file a tax return? Answer: To determine if you are required to file a tax return will depend on several factors, including your age, gross income, filing status, and if you are a dependent on someone else’s tax return. To get more specific information on who must file, check out IRS Publication 501. Question: What is the difference between the standard deduction and itemized deduction? Answer: A standard deduction is a fixed dollar amount based on the taxpayer’s filing status that lowers the taxpayer’s taxable income. The standard deduction is a benefit that eliminates the need for taxpayers to itemize deductions such as medical expenses, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. Itemized deduction allows taxpayers to reduce their taxable income based on specific personal expenses such as medical expenses, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. Most taxpayers have a choice of either taking a standard deduction or itemized deduction whichever gives the taxpayer the lower taxable income and lower tax amount. Question: Will I receive a tax form if I had a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace? Answer: If a taxpayer or anyone in the taxpayer’s household is enrolled in a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Form 1095-A will be issued. This form will be mailed from the Health Insurance Marketplace and not the IRS. If you have not received Form 1095-A, contact the Health Insurance Marketplace (800-318-2596) or visit the website https://www.healthcare.gov/. Question: What do I do if I have been a victim of identity theft? Answer: If you have been a victim of identity theft, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 extension 245 immediately. Question: When are tax returns due for the tax year 2025? Answer: Taxpayers will have until Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 to file their 2025 tax returns. Question: How can I check the status of my tax refund? Answer: The taxpayer can check the status of a tax refund by using the Where’s My Refund? tool (https://www.irs.gov/refunds). Where’s My Refund? tells the taxpayer if their tax return has been received and if the IRS has approved their tax return and/or sent the taxpayer their tax refund. Question: What if I am unable to pay the taxes that I owe? Answer: It’s important that taxpayers still file a tax return even if the taxpayer is unable to pay the taxes owed. Failing to file a tax return will result in penalties and interest. If the taxpayer is unable to pay taxes owed, the IRS has multiple payment options including installment agreements. For additional information, taxpayers may call (800-829-1040) or visit the IRS website .

¿Está listo(a) para dar un paso hacia el cambio de su vida? El ESR puede ayudarle. ¡Ahora ofrecemos sesiones de orientación en español!!! Las sesiones de orientación están ubicadas en Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR). Spanish Speaking ¿Está listo(a) para dar un paso hacia el cambio de su vida? El ESR puede ayudarle! Las sesiones de orientación están ubicadas en Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR). Nuestra dirección es: 3480 Dominion St. Winston-Salem, NC 27105. Para obtener más información, llame al (336) 722 - 9400. Ready to take a step towards changing your life? ESR can help! Orientation sessions are located at Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR). Our address is 3480 Dominion Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. For more information, call (336) 722-9400.

Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR) is a Non-Profit Community Action Agency dedicated to empowering social and economic self-reliance for low-income citizens in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County community. About Us Our Mission & Vision Experiment in Self-Reliance is a non-profit agency that was chartered in 1964 and has served the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County community for over 60 years. Our mission is to empower social and economic self-reliance for working low-income. We are committed to creating a judgment-free zone and treating everyone with respect, all while pursuing our vision of reducing poverty in our community. Who We Serve ESR serves the low-to-moderate-income population of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County. Clients must meet eligibility criteria (income level, etc.). We attempt to connect everyone who walks through our door with the resources they need to attain or regain self-reliance. This could be through enrollment in our programs or referral to another service provider whose programs are more suited to the individual’s needs. We are a Community Action Agency and a United Way Agency. Our History ESR was chartered in 1964 and has served the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County community for more than 50 years, working to eliminate poverty and homelessness, and help people help themselves. Like its sister Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the nation, ESR was born out of Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty and the Equal Opportunity Act of 1964. In North Carolina, ESR was one of the original 11 CAAs supported by Governor Terry Sanford’s North Carolina Fund. ESR’s growth during the 1970s and early ‘80s was assured under the leadership of the legendary community servant Louise Wilson. Its mission was preserved and fostered through the 1980s and early ‘90s by Bob Law. ESR played a pivotal role in launching such integral local organizations as Head Start, Crisis Control, TransAid, Legal Aide in its early years before transitioning to the Senior, Youth and Emergency Assistance Services of the middle years. Its efforts under the leadership of Executive Director Twana W. Roebuck aimed to bridge the gaps in welfare-to-work, including promoting long-term self-sufficiency for the working poor, housing for working and chronically homeless, first-time homeownership, tax services, vocational and college education, and Hispanic/Latino services. ESR has been here for the community and its families. We serve hundreds of families in a variety of situations that many of us could conceivably find ourselves in—victims of house fires and domestic violence, those who have encountered a major financial setback due to health care costs, those who have experienced a change in life circumstances such as divorce or death of a family member, and people who are caught up in the endless cycles of generational poverty and chronic homelessness. As ESR passes its 60th anniversary and looks forward into the next half century, the expectation is that it will continue to lead in community action in Forsyth County, and continue to provide a safety net and a hand up to those in need. Our Partnerships As a community leader, ESR collaborates with many community agencies to ensure the growth and enrichment of the community. This helps us ensure that community members can be connected with agencies that are best equipped to provide services for them. Additionally, collaboration limits gaps and overlaps in service that can be wasteful. Below is a partial list of ESR’s partnerships. Partners marked with an asterisk (*) are agencies with which ESR is currently involved on an ongoing basis. At any given time, ESR is actively seeking community connections through which to serve the community and support our programming. Fund Sources City of Winston-Salem Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Department of Labor FEMA Forsyth County Local Banks MDC/EITC Carolinas Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust NC Department of Health & Human Services(OEO) RJ Reynolds/Reynolds American United Way of Forsyth County Winston-Salem Foundation W-S Community & Business Development Dept. Referral Partners Crisis Control Ministries Goodwill Industries greeNest Of Winston-Salem* Legal Aid of North Carolina Local Faith Community* Rescue Mission Samaritan Ministries The Salvation Army Urban League Training, Referral Source, In-Kind American Red Cross Career Connections and Prosperity Center* Department of Commerce Department of Employment Security Forsyth County DSS Forsyth County Health Department Forsyth County Mental Health Department Forsyth Technical Community College* Goodwill Industries* JobLink Career Center* Local Faith Community Lou Baldwin Realty NC Cooperative Extension* Next Step Ministries Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC Salem College* Veteran’s Administration* Wake Forest University* Winston-Salem Housing Authority* Winston-Salem State University* W-S/Forsyth County Homeless Council* Workforce Development Board* Coordinated Intake Center (CIC) * Forsyth Free Tax Resources/Sites Career Connections and Prosperity Center Goodwill Industries Internal Revenue Service Local Banks Local Libraries Malloy Jordan Heritage Center Mi Casa VITA/EITC Engagement Committee Walnut Cove Senior Center Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Winston-Salem Transit Authority IDA Partners/Resources Center for Home Ownership (CHO) Financial Pathways of the Piedmont* Forsyth County Housing Department* Habitat for Humanity IDA Work Group* Local Banks Local Realtors* NC Housing Finance Agency NC IDA Collaborative* "We believe that every person has the potential to overcome their circumstances and achieve their dreams." 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ESR’s self-reliance programs meet clients where they are in their lives, and provide education and resources to help them overcome obstacles to become self-reliant. Case managers at ESR offer counseling that addresses a wide variety of life circumstances, helping clients learn to recognize and make good choices as they are faced with difficulties. Programs Steps to Success Orientation: The collection of general information and a surface level needs assessment as the first step in determining eligibility and suitability. Intake: The in-depth interview to retrieve information in preparation for making a program enrollment decision. Needs Assessment: The in-depth analysis of information gained during intake for the purpose of insuring eligibility and suitability. Documenting major needs and concerns. Case Staffing: Enrollment decisions are made during this phase when eligibility and suitability; issues are fully determined. Enrollment/Referral: Process by which the case plan is designed for action by the client and case manager. Case Plan: Listing of short-term objectives and long-term goals; Action steps, benchmarks, client and case manager responsibilities. Case Management/Service Delivery: Implementation of programmatic services that lead to social and economic self-sufficiency. ESR’s self-reliance programs meet clients where they are in their lives, and provide education and resources to help them overcome obstacles to become self-reliant. Case managers at ESR offer counseling that addresses a wide variety of life circumstances, helping clients learn to recognize and make good choices as they are faced with difficulties (or windfalls!). Counseling includes but is not limited to education options, preparing for employment improvement (job readiness), budgeting, stable and appropriate housing options, financial literacy and personal/emotional support. ESR offers social and cultural activities to facilitate client engagement in the community. ESR’s programs provide holistic support for people who want to rise above poverty and break the cycle of generational poverty. This means working with the whole household or family. ESR looks at the whole picture to understand what success, stability, and upward mobility look like to that household. Then ESR tailors emotional, social, educational, and financial resources to fit the needs and goals of the client. However, clients are held accountable for their own progress, as well. New Century IDA Assists individuals and families in Forsyth County become more financially stable and build assets that will continue to grow in value become first-time homeowners or enhance your small business. You’ll receive economic literacy training and support. Forsyth Fre e Tax Prepares basic tax returns each year during the tax season for low-income residents, its clients and general public. Taxes are prepared and electronically filed by trained volunteers at a variety of local sites. Self-Sufficiency Designed to help low-income working households to escape poverty, increase their standard of living and their social and economic self-reliance. You can expect one-on-one counseling to help meet your goals. Road to Empowerment Series Our goal is to provide financial literacy sessions that fit your needs and schedule. Sessions will challenge, teach, and prepare you for the future.

The Self-Sufficiency program allows clients to custom-design their own plan for becoming self-sufficient by improving income and continuing education. It is based on the premise that with proper planning, information, support, and accountability, virtually everyone can achieve some level of economic self-reliance. Self-Sufficiency Self-Sufficiency Helping people help themselves Self-Sufficiency, our signature program, enables you to custom-design your own plan for becoming self-sufficient by improving your income and continuing education. It is based on the premise that with proper planning, information, support, and accountability, virtually everyone can achieve some level of economic self-reliance. The program is conducted through intensive case management. You will be assigned to a Success Coach who helps you develop an individualized case plan, tailored to fit your needs and goals with the steps needed to achieve them. Clients can remain in the Self-Sufficiency program for up to two years, during which you’re encouraged to take advantage of the many other activities and programs ESR offers to enhance the development of life skills that will help you to become even more self-sufficient. You also may receive financial assistance as part of your individual case plans. Such assistance may include tuition and books for improving education, childcare assistance, gaining higher-paying employment, assistance with move-in fees and rental assistance, transportation, and more. Self-Sufficiency Team All clients are expected to meet with their Success Coach monthly. We’ll track your progress and give the necessary support to assist you along the way. This structured program has been documented to be very helpful in assisting clients in improving their employment and income prospects and helping to create and maintain a stable home life. Who Qualifies All of ESR’s programs, except Information and Referral, are designed to assist working low-income households, with at least one member of the household employed. We base enrollment on government standard levels of income, which you must meet in order to qualify. Each case is reviewed by the program staff, and then an eligibility determination is made. ESR recognizes the needs of community members who are on disability and unemployment, however, our programs are not set up to work with households who rely on these sources as their sole income. United Way, one of our collaborative partners, provides an information service where those who seek assistance can locate the agency that is best suited to meet their needs. This information service can be accessed by dialing 2-1-1. Requirements To become enrolled in ESR’s Self-Sufficiency Program, you must: Be a resident of Forsyth County. Provide a photo ID. Provide Social Security or ITIN card. Provide proof of income (paycheck stub). Meet the DHHS income definitions. Be willing to participate in a structured program. Be willing to accept case management/counseling services including economic literacy training. Be willing to follow an established budget and case plan. Service Delivery Income and Wage Progression Vocational education to improve employment Transportation Child Care Social and Economic Literacy Training Employment Supplies Housing Assistance (Move-In Fees or Rental Assistance) Budgeting and Financial Education Family Stability and Domestic Violence Mental/Substance Abuse Incarceration and criminal activity The maximum amount of time for service delivery is two years. The clients’ graduation is determined by self-sufficiency performance outcomes established by the agency. The Self-Sufficiency Program DOES NOT provide emergency payment services. ESR can offer resources and information to organizations who do provide these services. If you have interest in this program, contact the Self-Sufficiency Team by calling (336) 722 - 9400 or fill out the form below. Orientation takes place twice a week: Tuesdays from 10:00 -11:00 am and Thursdays from 1:00 -2:00 pm. Orientation is held at ESR which is located at 3480 Dominion Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. You must attend an orientation session as a part of the enrollment process. Self-Sufficiency Interest Form First name Last name Email Phone Submit