Governor Holds Stimulus Meeting with Local Non-Profits
Posted by Jean Greaux on March 25, 2009 at 6:45 PM AST

Earlier today, about 200 representatives from 80 different non-profit organizations learned about available benefits from the Economic Stimulus Bill during the largest gathering of non-profit organizations hosted by the Department of Human Services.

Governor de Jongh addressed the representatives with words of encouragement and support about their role in providing much needed social services to the territory, despite the reality of the economic crisis. Attorney Peter Hiebert, legal counsel to the Governor in Washington, D.C. was the keynote speaker for the day-long event. He detailed the amount of funding earmarked for various DHS programs, and highlighted the timeliness for non-profits to tap into available subsidies.

Director of Administration and Finance for the V.I. Public Finance Authority, Julito A. Francis clarified procedures by which non-profits are to apply for grants. Meridith Nielsen, drug policy advisor to the Governor at the Law Enforcement Planning Commission, stressed the importance of non-profits working toward prevention of instead of reaction to all attributes of community violence. A representative of V-I Housing Finance Authority Janine Hector and Karl Knight, policy advisor to the Governor both explained the function of their agencies and advised non-profits about realizing their goals when awarded with funding from the Economic Stimulus Bill.

Officials from the non-profit board and Chief of Staff for the United Way, Brian J.G. Lachance discussed best practices for board governance. Accounting and legal advice were also given by Junia John-Straker, executive director of Lutheran Social Services and Tom Bolt, Esq., respectively.

A question and answer session followed the panel discussions where speakers fielded specific questions pertaining to grant management and distribution of funds.