(Seated l-r) FSCAA's Bernice Edwards, exec. director, and Dr. Anne Farley, board president; DSU's Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, dean of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies, and Dr. Darren Blackston, DSU@Georgetown director. (Standing) FSCAA officials Bruce Wright, Cagney J. France and Jaime Sayler; DSU's Lisa Perelli; and Brad Whaley of the Sussex County Office of Community Development pose after the signing. — *In this photo:* (Seated l-r) FSCAA’s Bernice Edwards, exec. director, and Dr. Anne Farley, board president; DSU’s Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, dean of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies, and Dr. Darren Blackston, DSU@Georgetown director. (Standing) FSCAA officials Bruce Wright, Cagney J. France and Jaime Sayler; DSU’s Lisa Perelli; and Brad Whaley of the Sussex County Office of Community Development pose after the signing.

On Campus

University and First State Community Action sign accord

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Delaware State University’s DSU@Georgetown location has joined forces with the First State Community Action Agency (FSCAA) to pool their resources to improve the quality of life of Sussex County residents.

The University signed an agreement with FSCAA to partner in better serving the educational and training needs of individuals and families in Southern Delaware who are seeking such opportunities.

The First State Community Action Agency is a nonprofit organization that for more than 50 years has worked to serve the poor and disadvantaged in Sussex County and elsewhere in Delaware.

The DSU@Georgetown location will provide training in connection with the following programs: Adult Culinary Arts Training, A Second Chance Re-Entry, Senior Companion, Comprehensive Case Management, Promoting Safe and Stable Families, and Senior Community Service Employment.

The FSCAA will be responsible for promoting among the communities it serves the educational opportunities and community learning events that result from the partnership, as well as provide the training space. The social service agency will also incorporate participation in University training into its clients’ case management action plans when appropriate.

“Today is a momentous day for all of us, and we are tremendously grateful for this partnership,” said Bernice Edward, FSCAA executive director. “Delaware State University is a dynamic University that is birthing some incredible change agents, and I am confident that together, we will produce even more greatness and services.”

Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, dean of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies at Delaware State University, noted that by 2025 all individuals who don’t have a degree will need a marketable skill that will require training. She said that the partnership aims to provide individuals with the chance to develop a vocational skill that is not just life-sustaining, but one that also can be fulfilling.

“(Delaware State University ) is working very hard to provide certificate opportunities,” Dr. Gilliam-Johnson said. “We believe that (this partnership) is an opportunity that will enrich the lives of those that First State Community touches, and we know that (FSCAA) touches a tremendous number of lives here – and it is an opportunity for Delaware State University to partner with an agency that has that kind of impact.’