Ericka Jones Whitaker, Chief Executive Officer of Southeastern Community & Family Services, Inc.   (SCFS) received the prestigious 2017 Carl D. Perkins Human Service Award from the Southeastern   Association of Community Action Agencies (SEACAA) on November 1, 2017 at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi,   Mississippi.  Whitaker was nominated by her staff and selected by a committee of community action   professionals throughout the Southeast Region which is comprised of 8 states.  “Certainly it’s an honor to  be recognized away from home for the work that you are doing right in your community. I am     overwhelmed with gratitude” said Whitaker.  The selection criteria was based on an individual who   consistently advocated and/or contributed to the growth, development and survival of Community Action   Programs in the Southeast Region.  Specifically Ms. Whitaker was honored for her community service in   assisting individuals secure food, shelter, housing, medical care and basic necessities during Hurricane  Matthew in October, 2016.  Whitaker said, “I am one of many individuals that has worked and continues to work tirelessly to rebuild and make our communities even stronger”.

Southeastern Community & Family Services, Inc. is a nonprofit, federally funded Community Action Agency which has been existence for over 50 years.  The Agency offers services to low-income individuals in seven counties (Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Hoke, Pender, Robeson and Scotland). These programs provide measurable goals and opportunities which assist clients in becoming self-sufficient. Programs include 15 Head Start Schools (nutrition and educational services), Self-Sufficiency projects through the Community Services Block Grant, and Housing. Ms. Whitaker oversees all programs to include a $12million budget and approximately 230 employees.

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