Office of Community Affairs

The Office of Community Affairs (OCA) serves as liaison to our partners in the business, not-for-profit and faith sectors of the community. Our goal is to create and nurture strong, effective partnerships that are focused on the needs of Wake County residents and the families served by Wake County.

OCA Services and Features

Community Assessment
This process involves research & analysis with community partners to determine community needs, uncover emerging trends, and establish policy and planning priorities. Host community forums, town hall meetings and focus groups.

Community Collaboratives
These include efforts to consolidate the influence of important stakeholders and institutions around particular initiatives like: Behavioral Health, Public Health, Children/Youth & Families, hospital care in the area (Capital Care).

Community Relations Ambassadors
Ambassadors provide a level of expertise in the link between specialized sectors of our community and the mission of creating sustained autonomy for consumers.

Consumer Affairs
This program works to promote and protect the rights of Wake County Human Services’ clients.
Appeal and Disqualification Hearings for economic assistance customers

– Consumer Rights and Civil Rights Initiatives
– Human Rights/Consumer Affairs Committee of the WCHS Board of Directors
– Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (CFAC)
– Complaint Line – To report a concern, please call 919-212-7155.

Consumer Affairs Staff
– Brian Gunter, Consumer Affairs Coordinator, 919-212-7015
– Jeff Woodward, Consumer Affairs Specialist, 919-212-7769
– Leticia Mendez, Consumer Rights Consultant, 919-217-5338
– Fabiola Sherman, Program Assistant, 919-212-7167

Faith-Based Initiatives

Staff
– Alma Shelton, Program Consultant, 919-250-4461

Human Services Board Support
OCA assists the Wake County Human Services Board of Directors with organizational and strategic planning. OCA staff also support the various committees and subcommittees of the Board around issues of authority, advocacy and training.

Partnership Development and Support
This group of regionally assigned consultants is a primary source of partnership development expertise that works with agency staff and community partners. Their role is provide facilitation, consultation, and education to nonprofit organizations and community groups. Their goal is to build the capacities of partners so that they can meet community needs.

Partnership Development Consultants
– Karen Morant (Apex, Cary, Morrisville, west Raleigh) 919-623-1148
– Ginny Satterfield (Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, south Raleigh, Willow Springs) 919-790-3273
– Alma Shelton (North Raleigh area) 919-250-4461
– Lechelle Wardell (east Raleigh, Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon) 919-518-0219

Resource Development
Our Resource Development team focuses on meeting community needs through the effective placement of volunteers, and thoughtful stewardship of financial and in-kind donations. We are here to assist you in finding a great match for your community involvement interests.

Project School Buddies 2009

Resource Development Staff
– Volunteer Services: Caroline Lee, 919-250-3842
– Seasonal Outreach Projects: Denise Kissel, 919-212-7083, or Elaine Mejia, 919-212-7084

Wake County Community Events Calendar
In addition to the programs listed above, OCA staff members contribute their expertise and experience to a variety of ongoing departmental initiatives, including:

Human Capital Development Initiative/ Middle Class Express
In-House Professional Think Tanks – Evangela Turnage, 919-250-4558
Foundation-based work
Regional, population-based services

Contact Us:

Regina Petteway, Director
Office of Community Affairs
919-250-1199
rpetteway@wakegov.com

Main Office
Wake County Human Services
P.O. Box 14049
10 Sunnybrook Road
Raleigh, NC 27620
TEL 919-250-4550