The Departments’ Latest News
Meetings & Events
| 13 Nov |
Solid Waste Authority Meeting 11.13.2411/13/24 @ 13:00Venue: NEGRC (Athens) |
| 20 Nov |
UOBWA 11.20.2411/20/24 @ 09:00 to 10:00Venue: Bear Creek Water Treatment Facility |
| 21 Nov |
NEGRC Council Meeting 11.21.2411/21/24 @ 12:00Venue: Trumps Catering |
Frequently Asked Questions
Did I get into the program?
When calling the NEGRC, please ask the receptionist to speak with the WIOA Division.
The phone extension I have is in the 200s. Who do I ask for when calling?
The Aging Division.
What are the hours for fishing and boating at the Bear Creek Reservoir?
Is the NEGRC a state or federal agency?
Regional Commissions are created and established as public agencies and the NEGRC itself is formally constituted as a non-profit organization. It delivers federal and state programs and technical assistance on a regional and local level. It also functions as support staff to its member cities and counties.
Are there other Regional Commissions?
There are eleven other RCs in Georgia and similar “Regional Planning Organizations (RPOs)” and/or “Councils of Governments (CoGs)” across the United States. For more information, visit these websites: Georgia Association of Regional Commissions, NARC and New Georgia Encyclopedia.
Who runs the NEGRC?
The NEGRC’s Executive Director oversees the organization’s staff and day-to-day and operations. The NEGRC’s Council establishes policy and direction for the agency as stipulated by state law (O.C.G.A § 50-8-30).
What is WorkSource Northeast Georgia?
WorkSource Northeast Georgia is the state of Georgia brand for the nation-wide program that is funded through the federal Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA).
What is the purpose of WIOA?
The purpose of WIOA is to provide workforce preparation and educational opportunities, which may include tuition assistance to prepare individuals for the workforce.
What counties do we serve:
WorkSource NEGA serves 12 counties in Georgia: Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton.
What Services do we offer?
Tuition Assistance (18+)
WorkSource NEGA works with technical colleges and eligible training institutions to fund certain post-secondary programs. To see the full list of programs please refer to the eligible provider list.
Training programs range from a few weeks long (i.e. truck driving) to two years (i.e. an associate’s degree). In some instances, we are able to help fund the final two years of a four-year degree.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Ages 18+
- Resides in the region
- Meets ONE of the following criteria
- Unemployed
- Below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
- 18-24 and meets one of the following criteria
- Low-income
- Pregnant
- Parenting
- Homeless
- Disabled
- Ex-offender
- Foster Child
- Must plan to be a full-time student with a 2.0+ GPA
- Must plan to go to work upon completion of schooling
- Additional eligibility requirements apply
What are the benefits?
- Financial assistance with tuition, books, fees, tools, and supplies; up to $7500 for two-year academic program
- Case management
- Travel and childcare allowance if eligible
- Emergency assistance is available on a case by case basis
High School Youth Program (14-21)
This program is managed by one of our providers, ACTION, Inc., to help high schoolers prepare for the workforce. Services may include summer job opportunities, tutoring, career exploration, and job readiness training. To be eligible, applicants much be low-income and have at least one additional barrier in the workforce.
GED & Skills Training (16-24)
The following three providers offer GED and/or occupational skills training, along with life/soft skills training, job readiness training and internship opportunities. To be eligible an individual must meet one or more of the following criteria: low-income, pregnant, parenting, homeless, disabled, ex-offender, drop-out, or be in foster care.
- Paxen Learning Corp (18-24): GED Instruction serving Clarke and surrounding areas: Phone (706) 850-7220
- Athens Technical College’s Bridge to Success Program (16-24) Occupational training such as welding, along with GED instruction if needed. Classes are offered in Clarke, Elbert, and Walton Counties. Phone (706) 552-0964
- ACTION, Inc.’s Accelerated Opportunities Program (16-24): Case management and tuition assistance for students attending Lanier Technical College for GED and occupational training. (706) 308-9215
Do all technical-assistance requests require a fee from our local government?
Not all requests have a fee as some types of assistance are provided by NEGRC planning grants and local dues. Contact the PGS Director for further information and/or quotes.
We learned about a grant we want to apply for but not sure we have the time to write it. Can the PGS Division help?
Yes, PGS staff have a wide range of expertise in all types of grants. In fact, grant writing is one of our primary technical-assistance requests. Contact the PGS Director.
We need to update our zoning map. Our current map was prepared by the NEGRC many years ago. Do you still do this?
Yes, mapping services and assistance with Geographical Information Services (GIS) are available. Contact the PGS Director and/or the GIS Planner for further details.
Can I make an appointment to come to the NEGRC Headquarters to discuss with a staff member our needs and any potential opportunities for funding, assistance, etc.?
Of course. We also have several meeting spaces and it’s a good opportunity to meet with several PGS staff with one visit.
I saw a meeting announcement at your office I’m interested in attending. Can I participate?
Yes, all our meetings are open to the public, particularly our “Educational Sessions.” Sometimes space is limited and an RSVP is required. Contact the NEGRC for any meeting information.
I am a Medicaid recipient who needs a Elderly Disabled Waivered Program (formerly CCSP) service to continue living in the community. What should I do?
How do I know if CCSP is best for me?
A Certified Options Counselor will assess your needs and discuss long term support options with you to make an informed decision.
I am not a Medicaid recipient, but I have limited income and assets and need services. Am I eligible to participate in CCSP?
How much do CCSP services cost?
How long will I be eligible to receive CCSP?
As long as you meet eligibility and service criteria. However, you may choose to participate or cancel services at anytime.
How do I apply for Meals on Wheels?
To learn more and apply for home delivered meals please contact the ADRC. 1 (800) 474-7540
I am caring for someone and I am interested in options for in-home assistance. How can I find out about these options?
A Certified Options Counselor will assess your needs and discuss long term support options with you to make an informed decision
How can I be paid as a caregiver?
Please contact the ADRC to discuss how you can be a paid caregiver. 1 (800) 474-7540
What are the transportation options in our area?
The AAA/ADRC contracts with local transportation providers throughout the Northeast Georgia Region. Private Pay and Medicaid transportation is also available. Call 800-474-7540 to learn more.
How do I make a referral to the Aging and Disability Resource Connection?
The ADRC receives referrals by fax, email, phone calls, and mail. You can submit a referral through the website at www.negrc.org or via email at aging@negrc.org. We also accept walk-ins Monday- Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. You can also schedule an in-person appointment with a counselor by calling (706)583-2546 or (800)-474-7540.
How can I get help with Medicare questions?
GeorgiaCares is a program that offers unbiased Medicare counseling. The program is offered in the 12 county Northeast Georgia Planning and Service Area through a contract with the Athens Community Council on Aging. GeorgiaCares can be reached at (706)549-4850 and State # 866-55-AGING
How can I get help with legal issues?
The Elderly Legal Assistance Program assists individuals who are 60 years and older with non-criminal legal issues, such as income; consumer protection; abuse, neglect and exploitation; healthcare; housing; long-term care and more. Services are provided in every county. Contact Mark Franklin at the Law Office of Sherry Jackson at (706)369-7147.
How can I get help with finding employment?
Senior Community Service Employment Program is offered in the 12 county Northeast Georgia Planning and Service Area through a contract with the Athens Community Council on Aging. This program provides training opportunity for adults 55 years and older whose total family income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. To apply, contact the Senior Community Service Employment Program at (706) 549-4850.
