Tag Archive for: #franksossamon

Learn About Child Care Options, Challenges At Upcoming Forums

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N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon is hosting forums to discuss the topic of child care in the area – choices, challenges and access to licensed child care facilities for working families. Featured speaker at the forums is Ariel Ford, director of Child Development and Early Education at the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

The first forum will be held Tuesday, Apr. 30 at Perry Memorial Library in Henderson; the second forum will be held Thursday, May 23 at The Grand at Oxford Days Inn & Suites, 913 Martin Luther King Jr., Ave., Oxford.

The public is invited to attend the forum at 6 p.m.; there will be a session earlier – 1 p.m. – for individuals interested in opening a child care site. According to information from Sossamon’s office, North Carolina is considered a child care “desert” when it comes to infant/toddler care, with a statewide average of five families with babies competing for every available slot in licensed child care facilities.

The events seek to raise awareness to the child care crisis in the state and the need for more child care opportunities in North Carolina which support children’s healthy development and learning, allow parents to work and keep businesses running.

Last year, 278 child care facilities closed across the state and the demand for child care far surpasses the supply. A recent survey of North Carolina child care programs from the National Association for the Education of Young Children shows 60 percent of facilities are reporting a staffing shortage and 55 percent are under-enrolled due to the lack of staff. Rural counties in North Carolina are disproportionately impacted.

The child care forums are hosted by Representative Frank Sossamon. NCDHHS. Smart Start, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, Granville County Chamber of Commerce, Childcare Services Association, local child care centers and others participating.

N.C. Rep. Sossamon Hosting Meeting For Area Pastors To Discuss Response To Community Mental Health Needs

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N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon has scheduled a meeting with Vance County pastors on Thursday, Apr. 4 at 10 a.m. in the Commissioners’ meeting room to discuss ways to address mental health issues and to provide suggestions before a plan is finalized.

Sossamon held a meeting in March with pastors in Granville County and is offering the same format for Vance County pastors.

The commissioners’ meeting room is located at 122 Young St., Henderson.

Sossamon extends the invitation to any Granville County pastor who was unable to attend the earlier session to attend the upcoming session Thursday.

“Our goal is to get as many churches involved as possible, so please help to spread the word,” according to information in the freshman legislator’s monthly newsletter to constituents.

Forums On Human Trafficking Well Received In Vance, Granville

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-information courtesy of  the Office of  N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon

In an effort to shed some light on the issue of human trafficking, N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon helped organize forums held recently in Granville and Vance counties to raise awareness among his District 32 constituents and provide training for law enforcement officers.

The two forums had “significant participation and engagement from various stakeholders,” according to a press statement from Clai Keel, a spokesperson for Sossamon.

The law enforcement session featured insights from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol on the prevalence of human trafficking across North Carolina and its impact on law enforcement communities. The session highlighted training opportunities such as the Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) program, designed to help officers identify and assist missing, exploited, or at-risk children. Following the forum, both the Granville and Vance County Sheriff offices have committed to participating in the intensive two-day IPC training later this year.

Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott attended the Vance County forum and shared her personal connection to the issue of human trafficking and emphasized the importance of community collaboration in addressing this critical issue.

In the session for the general public, the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission and NCSTOP delivered a comprehensive Human Trafficking 101 presentation. Attendees gained valuable knowledge about recognizing and responding to human trafficking situations, as well as access to available resources for victims and survivors.

Sossamon expressed his gratitude to all participants, speakers and sponsors for their contributions to the success of these forums. He emphasized the importance of ongoing education, awareness, and collaboration in the fight against human trafficking, reaffirming his commitment to advocating for policies and initiatives that protect vulnerable individuals and hold perpetrators accountable.

 

 

Vance County GOP Annual Convention Held Mar. 19

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Vance County Republicans held an annual convention Tuesday, Mar. 19 and heard from several elected officials who expressed their gratitude to the local party and shared their plans to continue to serve constituents in their respective districts.

N.C. Lt. Gov and gubernatorial hopeful Mark Robinson was on hand for the official ribbon-cutting for the party’s Garnett Street headquarters, held last Friday.

Convention registration began at 5:30 p.m. and area precincts met at that time to elect delegates to the upcoming district and state GOP conventions.

Vance County GOP Chairman Jimmy Barrier kicked off the business session at 7 p.m. by recognizing guests, which included several state legislators.

Registration Committee captain Regina Ford offered an opening prayer before the group voted to approve the county’s plan of organization and its county delegation for the District 1 GOP convention – set for April 13 in Williamston – and the state GOP convention, which will be held May 23-26 in Greensboro.

William Heitman, the Republican challenger for Vance County Commissioner District 1, was the first speaker to address the group. His goals, if elected, are to bring growth, jobs and prosperity to Vance County.

Matthew Winslow, NC House Representative District 7, spoke on the accomplishments of the representatives and the importance of maintaining the super majority to continue positive change and obtain more money that our area has been missing out on because of previous representation in our state legislature.

N.C. Sen. Lisa Barnes told the convention attendees, “I’m honored to represent Vance County in the N.C. Senate and looking forward to earning your vote in November. It’s quite evident that this delegation of three Republicans in the NCGA is working hard for Vance, bringing back millions in funding for infrastructure, economic development, education and other worthwhile projects. Vance County has been under-represented in recent years and I plan to reverse that trend.”

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon spoke about the recent forums he has organized for District 32 to address topics such as transportation, broadband, crime, mental health and human trafficking.

“I believe we’re making progress and moving in the right direction,” Sossamon said. “We’ve seen improvements with important projects that were funded that’s going to elevate our communities.”

N.C. Rep. Matthew Winslow, (R-Dist. 7) said he is honored to work colleagues like Barnes and Sossamon.

“Together, we’ve secured over $150 million in funding for Franklin, Granville, Nash and Vance counties, as well as lower income taxes for all while paying off our debt to the federal government, expanding school choice and growing our Rainy Day Fund,” Winslow said. He said that these policies and decisions have contributed to North Carolina being a business leader and said the state is “becoming one of the best economics in the world.”

Republican Congressional candidate Laurie Buckhout could not attend the convention due to addressing the Wilson Convention but sent Kim West, her political coordinator, to speak on her behalf.

The convention ended with a prayer by Sossamon.

N.C. Rep. Sossamon Plans Forums In Vance, Granville To Raise Awareness About Human Trafficking

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Human trafficking continues to be a concern in North Carolina, with the state consistently ranking within the top 10 for the highest number of trafficking cases. To address this pressing concern, N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon is scheduling a couple of forums for his District 32 constituents to raise awareness and foster community engagement.

Sossamon said, “The more we know about human trafficking, the lower the number of trafficking cases.” With this in mind, he emphasizes the importance of community involvement in recognizing and reporting suspected instances of trafficking. “When it comes to human trafficking, vocalizing suspicions is essential to saving lives,” he said.

The forums will be held Tuesday, Mar. 12 at Perry Memorial Library and Thuersday, Mar. 14 at the Granville County Expo Center. Members of the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission will facilitate the meeting, which will feature local highway patrol, victim advocates and community leaders, who will provide insights into the prevalence of human trafficking, its impact on communities and ways individuals can help prevent and address it. Both sessions will feature a 4 p.m. session tailored for law enforcement professionals and a 6 p.m. session open to the general public.

TownTalk: Rep. Sossaman Invites Local Youth To Participate In Youth Legislative Assembly

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N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon invites high school students from his district to apply for the N.C. Legislature’s annual Youth Legislative Assembly that will take place in April.

The three-day program is designed to give students an up-close look at how state government functions while fostering the development of essential leadership skills. The 2024 YLA session is April 19-21.

“The Youth Legislative Assembly is an invaluable opportunity for our high school students to actively participate in the democratic process,” Sossamon stated in a press release about the program. “They not only gain a deeper understanding of how our government functions, but also develop the leadership skills necessary to shape a brighter future for North Carolina.”

YLA participants will have the opportunity to engage in mock legislative sessions, debates and committee meetings, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the democratic process. The YLA also allows students to enhance their communication skills, critical thinking abilities and understanding of public policy. By actively participating in the program, students will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to become informed and engaged citizens.

Applications and details about cost, accommodations and more are available online at https://www.ncleg.gov/YLA and should be submitted no later than Jan. 16, 2024.

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N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon Invites Community To Mental Health Forums Nov. 28, 30

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Mental health and access to quality care for substance use disorders are buzz phrases that continue to capture the attention of government leaders, medical professionals and the community. A couple of forums are scheduled for later this month in Vance and Granville counties, and N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon invites interested individuals to come out to learn more.

Working together with Granville-Vance Public Health and Vaya Health representatives, Sossamon said the programs offer residents a chance to gain insight into current conditions in the two counties with regard to mental health and substance use disorders.

In addition learning just what the two topics encompass, there will be two panel discussions – one on youth mental health and one on substance use disorder and addiction, according to a press statement issued from Sossamon spokesperson Clai Keel.

Providers also will be on hand to share information about available resources.

The Vance County forum will be held Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church, 511 Orange St., Henderson.

The Granville County forum will be held Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. at Cornerstone Christian Community Church, 3237 Knotts Grove Rd., Oxford.

Provider booths will include those that specialize in medications for Opioid Use Disorder (e.g., Buprenorphine, Methadone), individual and family counseling, medication management, crisis management, intensive outpatient services, and residential treatment.

A wide range of topics will be covered, addressing crucial issues such as suicide prevention, intellectual and developmental disabilities, crisis events, anxiety management, substance use disorder and recovery, depression treatment, addiction recovery, and primary care services. The forums aim to empower attendees with approachable access points for seeking care and support.

“Representative Sossamon is dedicated to fostering an environment where residents can discuss their concerns, learn from experts in the field, and discover local resources that can make a difference in their lives,” the statement read. “These forums will be invaluable for individuals and families seeking guidance and support in the areas of mental health and substance use disorder.”

Vance Sheriff Accepts $691,536 From N.C. Rep. Sossamon For Body-Worn Cameras

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Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame wants his employees to be safe when they are performing their duties, and he’s crunched the numbers, so he knows the price tag for state-of-the-art equipment.

When he learned that local legislators could make a request for body-worn cameras and supporting equipment from something called non-recurring funds, he got in touch with N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon, (R. Dist. 32) who represents Vance County and most of Granville County.

“I gave him the numbers and the platform (information and) it was granted, thank God,” Brame told WIZS News in advance of a meeting Thursday, where Sossamon presented a check to Brame and county officials for $691,536.

“This will be a big help for us,” Brame said. The funds will be used to outfit sheriff’s staff and detention staff with body-worn cameras and the supporting equipment needed to upload and store video footage. In addition to providing an extra layer of protection for the officer, Brame said the cameras will be useful if a situation were to arise and false claims are lodged against his officers.

In an interview earlier this week, Sossamon said he’s “elated” for Brame, his staff, and the residents of Vance County.

“We have some appropriation chairs that are very, very pro law enforcement,” Sossamon said in an interview this week. “Any time they can support law enforcement, they’re going to do it.”

The equipment, Sossamon predicted, will be a selling point for recruiting, not to mention “a morale booster for the sheriff and for his officers.”

Triangle North Businesss Park Future Home Of VGCC Training Facility

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It’s been a few years in the making, but a contingent of local officials joined Vance-Granville Community College President Dr. Rachel Desmarais and others Wednesday afternoon to celebrate a facility – yet to be built – that will support future training needs for existing and prospective industry.

VGCC is getting $11.5 million in the newly passed state budget, and N.C. Rep Frank Sossamon (R-Dist. 32) provided key support in getting the funding for his district, which in cludes Vance and most of Granville counties. Sossamon was  among those present Wednesday at the Triangle North Industrial Park, located in Granville County off U.S. 158 near I-85.

According to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel, 15 acres on the campus of the business park have been set aside for construction of the facility, the result of a collaboration among Granville County Economic Development, Kerr-Tar Council of Governments and the Triangle North board.

In her remarks at the event, Desmarais said the Triangle North Business Park represents a true collaboration among a cross-section of agencies, and it’s something that attracted her to the area. “I saw collaboration that I hadn’t seen before,” she said. “Today’s announcement is very important, for the people of Granville County and Vance County and the entire service area” the college supports.

No dates have been released for when work will begin, but this could well be the first to locate in the park. That fits in with Desmarais’s vision for VGCC to be a catalyst to build strong communities.

“Workforce development plus economic development equals regional prosperity,” Desmarais said.

The facility will support industry training needs in the areas of industrial maintenance, mechatronics, electronics, welding, and fabrication; serve as an advanced manufacturing company recruitment benefit; and support collaborative high school and college career and technical education partnerships. An investment of this magnitude will send a powerful message to current and future manufacturing stakeholders that our region values the manufacturing sector, supports growth and innovation, and increases employee value.

Abdul Rasheed, vice-chair of the VGCC Board of Trustees, talked about the impact the facility will have on the community.

“Doing this kind of investment begins to shape the kind of jobs, the kind of salaries, the kind of quality of life that we want for ourselves,” Rasheed said. “And that is very, very exciting to me.”

Granville County Board of Commissioners Chairman Russ May echoed sentiments from other speakers. This state funding makes possible the “beginning of some really great things for this community,” May said. “This is a start for much bigger and greater things for Granville and for Vance counties,” he said.

Additional construction funding will come from Granville County and from VGCC’s Board of Trustees.

The Local Skinny! Vance And Granville Benefit From State Budget Appropriations

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State employees, current and retired, who live in District 32 join others across the state who will see bumps in salaries and retirement checks, thanks to provisions in the budget most recently approved in Raleigh.

In his first months in the N.C. House representing District 32, Frank Sossamon helped secure those provisions, but that’s not all the freshman representative has been busy with.

Sossamon has been involved in attracting a wide variety of programs and projects- with a pricetag of $44 million – to the district.

“I look forward to seeing the great impact these projects will have on my community,” Sossamon said in a press release. “This budget will allow our state to continue to receive recognition as a great place to own a business and live.”

In addition to salaries for teachers and other state workers, the state budget includes $2 billion for water and sewer improvement projects and more than $620 million for behavioral mental health programs. And Sossamon has secured large slices of the budget pie in those two areas to come right here to Vance and Granville counties.

Sossamon spoke with WIZS News Tuesday about being a legislator. “It’s amazing to me the kind of reception I’ve received from the very beginning,” he said, adding that he has been appointed to some important committees, including the powerful Appropriations Committee.

He said he talked with a lot of legislators to make sure District 32 was included in discussions. “I worked hard with every chairman and vice chairman. Not only did we do a proposal for each (project), but I verbally expressed why these projects need to be supported.”

And that hard work seems to have paid off.

Vance-Granville Community College is getting $11.5 million to create an Advanced Manufacturing Center in Granville County’s Triangle North Business Park. “It’s going to be a game changer,” Sossamon said. It will show prospective businesses looking in the area that District 32 can train workers and support business and manufacturing. “This is going to put us in a different position than we’ve ever been in” for recruiting business and industry, he said.

“This makes me feel good that this is now happening and moving forward,” he added.

And $10 million is flowing to the City of Oxford for water improvements with Kerr Lake Regional Water System.

Maria Parham Healthcare Center is getting $5 million to bolster its capacity and ability to improve mental health and substance abuse outcomes.

Other water and sewer projects – including $4 million for Vance County and $5 million for South Granville Water and Sewer round out the 7-figure awards.

Sossamon said the work he does in Raleigh is just part of the overall effort to effect change. “In addition to VGCC, Kerr-Tar COG and economic development leaders, he said “it takes every entity in the district, in each county, every municipality,” he said. “It takes all those, and others, to see these things come to fruition. Everybody has to be going – economically – in the same direction.”

Prospective businesses and industry choose communities for a variety of reasons, not just a pool of trained employees. Education and crime are key indicators, too, and Vance County is getting more than $691,000 to provide the sheriff’s office with body-worn cameras and support equipment. ”We have some appropriation chairs that are pro-law enforcement,” Sossamon noted. “Any time they can support law enforcement, they’re gonna do it.

Sossamon said he predicts the body cameras will be a morale builder for the sheriff and his officers. Having a state-of-the-art department will be a selling point for recruiting, he said.

I’m thrilled for Sheriff Brame,” he said. “I’m elated that this kind of money is coming to the different entities in Vance County to have a better quality of life.”

Hard work lobbying notwithstanding, Sossamon said he is pleased so far with the outcomes for his district.

“I’m trying to do all I can…(for) not just one, but every person.” And that’s what he says he’ll continue to do. “I really want to make our counties better than what they are now.”

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