Every Wake County Regional Center and Health & Human Services Center has a Community Advocacy Committee (CAC).  These volunteer groups are committed to working within communities to assure quality services are available for residents of that area.  Members include local residents, community partners (representing private businesses, non-profit groups, government entities and educational associations) and county staff.  They work together to identify and prioritize local needs.  The committee also serves as a forum for sharing information, coordinating services, and involving the community in a shared decision-making process.

Purpose

The Community Advocacy Committee, referred to as the CAC, is committed to working with their regional communities and rural service areas to assure quality services for the residents of Wake County.  The committee serves as a resource to Wake County, the Health & Human Services Board and staff of the Health & Human Services Center during both initial and ongoing planning activities.  This  includes helping identify and prioritize needs, as well as supporting the implementation of plans that address these service needs.  The committee serves as a forum for information sharing that increases coordination and service linkages within the community and encourages broad-based community decision-making in the development of service strategies. 

Vision

The Vision of the Northern Regional Center Community Advocacy Committee (CAC) is to be a diverse, networked, community catalyst achieving measurable outcomes that help our neighbors thrive.

Community Advocacy Committee (CAC) Functions:

• Identify community needs
• In partnership with the community -  identify, develop and support collaborative solutions to address community needs
• Make recommendations for new programs and services, or improvements in services
• Educate the community about the kinds of services and resources offered at the Northern Regional Center and in the community at large, and how to access services

Beginning in February, the CAC meets the 3rd Wednesday of every other month at the Northern Regional Center.   

Community Advocacy Committee Members