Streamlining the CCAssist Process
The CCAssist Fund remains a source of much-needed relief for employees and their families. The grants provide short-term financial assistance to those enduring unforeseeable hardships, such as the aftermath of natural disasters, like tornadoes or ice storms, funeral expenses, medical bills and other exceptional circumstances.
An updated application has made the distribution of grants more efficient. The new form, which became available in October, was developed to streamline the process not only for applicants, but also for the CCAssist selection committee, which reviews, on average, 100 applications each month.
"One of the things we have added to the form is the additional documentation requirements," says Erik Rasmussen, CCA director, Financial Planning & Analysis, and CCAssist selection committee co-chair. "We have found that the more information we have, the easier it is to make prompt decisions regarding applications. Also, getting more information in the initial application reduces the need to make follow-up requests for information from applicants, which avoids delays between the application and funding dates."
Committee members carefully vet each application to ensure that the stated circumstances are aligned with the mission and guidelines of the CCAssist Fund.
"It's about striking the right balance between not putting an undue burden on somebody who may already be in crisis mode and getting the selection committee the information it needs to confirm that the application fits within the Fund's guidelines and purpose," explains Scott Craddock, CCA assistant general counsel and ethics officer, and CCAssist Fund president.
The committee makes decisions diligently, with aim of ensuring that all of those who qualify and need assistance receive it.
"The new application – if completed in its entirety – leaves little room for questions," says Teresa Marlow, executive legal secretary and CCAssist fund administrator, who processes applications and prepares them for selection committee review. "It's very detailed and helps ensure that applicants get a fair, thorough review and a prompt response."
CCAssist News of Note
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Since its inception, CCAssist has distributed over $1.67 million to CCA employees.
- As of October 2011, CCAssist had distributed more than $369,000 last year.
January 25, 2012
Sound Out
Joyce Knodel at Kit Carson Correctional:
I am glad to see that the application process for CCA assist has been refined. I believe it may have been misused in the past and hope the changes will eliminate that possiblity.
thank you.
Tim Wilkinson at Davis:
I would like to thank the CCAssist committee for their generous contrbution to Jermy Tucker. Jeremy is one of our maintance officers and his wife was killed in a car wreck. Leaving behind two children 1 month old and a three year old. We filled out the form and within two weeks we had the check to present. That is great stuff and what I feel our family at CCA is made up of. A word to all that read this if you are not a member of CCAssist you are missing out on helping those you love. Thanks again to the CCAssist panel GREAT JOB
Cindy Diedrickson at Metro:
I think the CCAssist Fund is a true blessing. This is something that is available to each and every employee through out the company. I know it was a blessing during the 2010 flood here in Nashville. Thank-you and God Bless!