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Baraksfl
Business Plan
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Barak source For Learning
Business Plan
117 Oliver Lane
Durham North Carolina 27713
919-824-3627
919-695-7095
www.baraksoureforlearning.org
Table of Contents
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1. Table of Contents
2. Business Description
3. Definition of the Market
4. Description of Products and services
5. Organization & Management
6. Marketing and Sales Strategy
7. Financial Management
8. Executive Summary
9. Appendices (statistics)
Organization Description & Vision
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MISSION
Baraksfl is a think tank of Educators and designers who believe in the advancement of
humanity through self-awareness and education. Our mission is to elevate people with
programs and workshops that offer training, and allow improvement and success.
We believe that only by embracing the totality of learning can we as humans reach our
full potential. We exist to improve the lives of all people regardless of race, religion, creed,
color, sexual preference or social status.
We are dedicated to true community service by educating the uneducated, tutoring the
struggling, re-training the aging, refining the professional and reinforcing leadership and
community awareness.
VISION
The vision of Baraksfl is to see all people become healthy, productive and informed
citizens. We plan to achieve this vision by connecting community outreach with professional
training, information and the individual.
Goals
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Our goal is to offer educational and informational assistance to individuals, communities
or organizations, groups and school systems(public, private or alternative) through
differentiated instruction, to include seminars retreats programs or vocational training which
will lead to future employment, enhance existing employment and better equip and train
healthy members of the community.
Objectives
It is our mandate to work with diverse communities of all social ethnic and religious
groups in an attempt to bridge cultural divides through diversity training and conflict resolution.
We are focused on rehabilitating ex-offenders and at-risk youth through educational
models designed to teach self expression, the arts and mass media. We are dedicated to
improving the lives of families with the use of marriage counseling, planned parenting and
sexual health and awareness workshops.
We are an organization that believes mental health is one of the keys to prosperity of
any kind and therefore design curriculum to educate the community on mental health and its
effects on citizens, communities, societies and the world.
Definition of the MarketBusiness Industry
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Baraksfl business industry is education and community building focused; we provide
enrichment programs or training to organizations already in operation that want to maximize
their community outreach development through diverse programming. As educators our market
is the student or learner that needs additional help to master learning.
Public schools and other educational systems across our nation are suffering from
students that perform lower than wanted. Many of our school would benefit from a group that
is ready to partner after school hours to reinforce things learned during the school day.
Community centers have children and staff but need innovative and resourceful ways to
are many parents are overwhelmed no matter what their socio economic status on how to
support their child’s education they want an afterschool experience that is holistic and positive.
Our programs are designed with these needs in mind.
We see our group affecting significant growth and change throughout Durham, N.C.
With specific programs being useful to Durham County and eventually of National useful, AEP
has targeting the underserved communities and communities that have the resources but lack
clarity of how they can be of use in Durham, N.C. Or its surrounding area.
These communities make up a diverse economic market. Our clients have ranged in
class and educational background. We have found that all children that take standardize testing
can benefit from our programs and most members of our nation can benefit from programs that
relate to stress anxiety or the inability to process what they have learned in an effective and
timely manner. Since our programs can be tailored to the academic achievement level of the
children whether above average to EC (educationally challenged) or ESL (English as a second
language). Our programs have been proven more effective to the clients. Baraksfl currently has a
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1% market share in educational programming. We anticipate a 15%- 25% market share. What
we offer competes with many “educational organizations” because of our approach and the
relationship we build with our clients and partners.
Target Markets
YouthBaraksfl would like to offer this before and after school programs and services to youth,
adults, young adults and seniors. This is a program designed to meet several community needs
to include gang prevention education and mental health.
The Community center programs hours of operation will be 8 a.m. and run until 8 p.m.
or otherwise scheduled, Monday through Friday. The program will also observe all DPS school
Closing Schedules and calendar. The three year plan also includes a summer enrichment
program and room for professional development courses.
Reading/Writing /Math (supplemental education) focuses on supporting existing lessons provided by school of each student. EOG and EOC coaching Standardized test taking practices. Differentiated learning models used to address concrete thinking skills.
Visual/And the Arts focuses on video production, video and journalism written word
and multi media. Multimedia includes acting singing visual art (painting drawings).
Acting coaches and workshops. Television production and Technology. Dance and
movement to include martial arts as movement.
Mental Health/health focuses on building and/or repairing self esteem, fostering self
awareness and a responsibility to society through community outreach, and providing
positive alternatives and experiences. Programs encourage artistic expression, and
conflict resolution and diversity awareness. Health programs vary from Sports to
personal fitness programs or camps designed for community centers and their
members. Mental health can also include referral to professional or licensed
professional in the Mental and General health fields.
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Young Adults/Adult and other members of community
We recognize that we must also support those closest to the youth, “their families”.
Many of the educational gaps can be filled if parents and guardians or older siblings are able to
assist. We accomplish this by offering services that empower the entire family unit and
community. We have designed programs for groups in the community that are not always
targeted, but are equally as important and in need of assistance too.
During the school hours the community centers or programs will be utilized to serve
those that are still in the community and in need of services. We will offer services and
programs to educate young adults in alternative learning situations or adults in need of
furthering there educational needs to include senior citizens. Parenting classes, personnel
enrichment and GED or educational alternative classes will be offered. Also during the morning
hour’s services to the elderly will be provided such as educational enhancement or information
relating to their specific needs.
Description of Products and Services
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Baraksfl designs programs to fit a variety of needs and situations. Each program is
uniquely designed to address the customer’s specific needs or goals. Our service includes core
components to our mission like Literacy, Conflict Resolution, awareness of diversity and
Solutions oriented dialogues and actions. We can be has both products and can be used as a
service. As a product or programs can be implemented by any organization and as a service we
can provide training or design and implement programs.
We use these core components to design a myriad of programs targeting
individuals/organizations or the business community. Our products are our services; we aim to
serve the community in hopes of producing improvements in individuals and the community at
large. We provide supplemental education like tutoring and tutorial services to educational
workshops and trainings. We provide training to staffs on several topics in communication and
team building.
Supplemental education
We have partnered with Certified DPS instructors to provide tutoring to students
involved in the programs. Students will be assigned a tutor or tutors for the entire duration of
program. Students will also be allowed to log onto specific DPS educational websites during the
tutorial period complete assignments or receive educational supplement while encouraging the
use of the DPS tools.
Fieldtrips are also an important part of allowing information to transfer. Fieldtrips allow
the learner to see the practical use of the information given in class. we encourage practical
opportunity to learn and tries to foster teachable moments inside and outside the classroom.
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Need addressed, Involvement in pro-social school activities, school connectedness, strong
school motivation and increase in academic skills.
Visual and Arts
We also partnered with groups interested in fostering better community members and
artist. Apel innovation is a group willing to provide time and knowledge and we are partnering
with other groups that provide equipment and space and time for low cost or as a non-profit
entity to provide programs that will teach video production journalism and artistic expression
not just as personnel enhancers, but as alternatives to negative behaviors and tools of self
expression.
The Arts are also useful everyday inferences to explain how science, math, writing and
multimedia are used and enjoyed by all. Both groups encourage community involvement,
education and self empowerment. These groups are for profit and Non-profit eligible and
prepared to serve the community. Needs addressed mentoring, interpersonal skill building and
increase in academic skill levels.
Mental Health/health
Baraksfl is a group created by educators who utilize, in specific, Howard Gardener’s research into multiple intelligences as one reference for our programs. We focus on
teaching the “whole child” through programs and curriculums engaging youth, teaching core
basics, and providing them with a strong and positive sense of community and self. We also
include Maslow’s approach of meeting or Reaching Basic needs as a support to Education and
personnel health.
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We recognizes that the health of our students and community is also important to our
educational system. We encourage all needs being met so individuals can be at their healthiest,
and able to gain the benefits that come with a healthy lifestyle. We have also partnered with
organizations that share our vision for health we believe in a holistic approach to health
including Mental, Physical and emotional. We have partnered with mental health professionals
healthcare providers and groups to include Conflict resolution and diversity awareness trainers
to develop a program that will address several important needs that help develop a community
member; that is healthier and a student more prepared for the school day and educational
experiences.
These agencies are also prepared to serve age groups above k-12 to help better equip
families and their support systems. Needs that will be addressed are Social /economical and
educational support and community awareness for adults and young adults.
Marketing and Sales
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We markets to and provides supplemental education to many community throughout
Durham NC and Individuals living in or surrounding Durham County. Since many Communities
such as Durham suffer from increased gang violence, higher youth drop-out rate, and
joblessness. We market to those not directly being served at higher rates. Durham and the state
of North Carolina are already in need of services such as ours.
With the addition of the School systems being distressed from student apathy and low
test scores we have seen a need for increased services in the supplemental and complimentary
educational Industry. Durham counties Parents and guardians are in need of support and
training to equip healthy living choices and communities and are our market also. Durham
county statistics verify the need for programs such as ours and these types of services. We plan
to market to schools community centers or agencies that would benefit from our unique style of
programming.
In Durham we will directly involve our services in low income, gang targeted
neighborhoods and the communities stressed by violence. Baraksfl believes the only way to
directly effect change is to create change. We target youth offering varieties of alternative
programs. Our programs include; confidence building and goal setting, conflict resolution and
diversity training, physical fitness and health education, in English and Spanish instruction. Our
programs can be used in agencies that have 501c status or receive federal funding or grants. Our
programs are designed with partnership in mind and incorporate principals that include Conflict
resolution, diversity training, leadership, volunteerism and mentoring as their core. Programs vary
to the needs of those requiring service. Services can include tutoring, counseling, mediations or
trainings. Our programs can also vary in lengths to include summer camps, retreats,
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before/afterschool programs, seminars and open forums. Educational programs are supported by
curriculum and come with tutors and teachers to assist in individual needs.
We advertise with the help of local news, radio and television we also use the internet
as a resource. By doing so, we keep our advertisement over head low. Our programs are also
situated in area of need as previously described. Programs are designed for small groups
keeping cost or expenses’ low and charges competitive. Programs are designed with the
community in mind, Volunteerism, mentoring and internships are always encouraged training
is also provided also to offset prices.
What we offer competes with many “educational organizations” because of our
approach to our clients. Baraksfl staff engages in direct contact with our clients through
mentoring and instruction.
We provide the community with access to working professionals who offer tutoring,
mentoring, training and professional development. We employs highly trained and qualified
instructors, mentors and Para-professionals.
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Organization and Management
Barak Source For Learning or Baraksfl is a nonprofit 501c3 formed to design
supplemental educational programs with a purpose. We partner with entities that could benefit
from tailored programs or additional support. There are three program designers with room for
expansion. Program designers tasked with design and implementation and logistics of programs
while other organizations may be contracted to provide services and deliverables of program
needs. Executive board members make the business and partnership decisions. We are created
by Educational Organizations with a full board and operates as a nonprofit organization. Daily
business is run by the Director and Program Managers. The executive board and program
developers have been involved in education, community development and personnel
empowerment initiatives for youth in excess of 18 years for both personal and professional
reasons.
Director
Barry S Archer Sr.
Mr. Archer Has been involved in education for over 25 years in several states working in
the school system and community and is the father of six children. Mr. Archer has worked in
Wayne County Indiana to conduct youth forums/summits/town hall meetings; dealing with
diversity, conflict resolution and democratic dialogue he has also design and implemented
programs and camps for churches elementary, middle school high school, colleges and
community centers in Maryland, Indiana and Durham (Indiana University East received chancellors
award of excellence). In Durham North Carolina The New Shiloh Christian Educational was
designed recently as a Barak Source for Learning program.
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Financials
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Executive Summary
Baraksfl founders, executive officers and most of the board members are educators or
have worked for several years in the community. We all share the common belief that with proper
information, training and opportunity we can all collectively produce a healthy self, community or
society.
Baraksfl is an organization formed by educators that love to learn and pass on the skills
of learning. We are primarily staffed by educators or professionals from diverse backgrounds and
work in the fields that support community or promote empowerment of individuals and
neighborhoods.
Our members in its entirety have had ties to the community for over 30years and as a
company served Durham for 3 years providing tutoring, summer camps, martial arts and tennis
programs along with healthy alternatives to crime.
The Baraksfl programs for supplemental education and curriculums are innovative in its
approach to how we utilize our professionals. Our programs like of compotators are designed to
allow the learner to grasp the concepts given to them in school with the use of hands on
application and repetitive activities
Baraksfl also incorporate complete holistic support incorporating Maslow’s Hierarchy of
needs and Multiple Intelligences. Each program is tailored to the specific person or community.
We looks forward to building relationships and providing service that will benefit any
person business or community.
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Appendices
Statistics
DEMOGRAPHIC, EDUCATIONAL, AND ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
The following section will characterize the status of Durham County residents using
selected demographic and economic indicators. Such statistics will give us a clearer
understanding of the population dynamics of the county while providing documentation
of recent demographic trends that have occurred in the last ten years.
Demographic Indicators
Table 1 presents selected demographic characteristics of Durham County residents in
comparison to peer counties (Wake and Orange) and the state of North Carolina overall:
Table 1. Selected demographic characteristics of Durham County, peer counties, and
the state, 1998*
Durham County Wake County Orange County North Carolina
Total population 202,411 570,615 110,116 7,546,493
Gender
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% male 47.3 49.4 48.6 49.3
Race/Ethnicity
% White 60.4 75.6 79.4 75.5
% African American 37.2 20.9 16.3 21.9
% Latino 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.02
%Asian 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.01
% other 0.002 0.003 0.003 0.001
Age
< 17 22.7 24.7 21.3 24.2
18-24 13.5 10.7 18.2 11.8
25-44 36.7 37.3 33.8 32.5
45-64 16.3 19.6 17.4 19.4
65+ 0.1 0.7 1.0 12.5
85+ 0.1 0.9 0.3 1.3
*Source: Statistical Information Staff, Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau
(September 15, 1999). Population estimates for counties by race and Hispanic origin:
July 1, 1998. [On-line]. Available:
http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/county/crh/crhnc98.txt.
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In general, Durham County has similar age structure and gender breakdowns as the
state and peer counties, despite it being significantly smaller than Wake County and
almost twice as large as Orange County with regard to population size. Durham County
has a significantly larger African American population than either the state or its
neighboring counties, as well as a smaller white population. As stated earlier, it is
difficult to make a conclusive statement about the proportion of Hispanics in the county
because of the dual impact of recent in-migration coupled with under-representation in
the 1990 U.S. Census. However, examination of 1990 U.S. Census population projections
and 1997 data from the Durham Public Schools do give some indication as to the rapid
growth among this particular cohort (Tables 2 & 3):
Table 2. Projected Hispanic population growth, Durham County, 1991-1994*
Year Total Hispanic Population
1991 2,121
1992 2,264
1993 2,357
1994 2,517
% Change 15.7
*Source: Government Information Sharing Project. 1997. Oregon State University, Data
Provided by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, Bureau of Economic Analysis, National
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Center for Educational Statistics, And the MESA Group. [On-line]. Available:
http://govinfo.kerr.orst.edu
Table 3. School aged population, by race, Durham County, 1997*
Race 1995-1996 1996-1997 % Change
White 10,941 10,930 -0.1
African American 15,274 16,084 5.3
Hispanic 606 726 19.8
*Source: Durham Public Schools. 1997. Average Daily Membership: school month
09,95/96 and school month 04, 96-97
The rapid growth in the Hispanic population of Durham County is expected to have a
dramatic impact on the overall county in the coming years and will challenge county
leaders to address the changing dynamics of both the city of Durham and the county as
a whole.
Among the aged, Durham County generally has fewer people over the ages of 65 and 85
in comparison to the state and peer counties. This indicates that it has a relatively young
population that is most likely involved in the workforce. The rapid in-migration of young
Hispanics into the county is expected to further offset the impact of aging baby
boomers, the oldest of whom are expected to reach retirement age in the near future.
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Of the 202,411 Durham County residents, approximately 85% are characterized as urban
residents (City of Durham) in comparison to slightly over 50% statewide (USBC, 1996).
This indicates that Durham County reflects, in large part, the make-up of the city of
Durham and further suggests that activities within its primary urban center will affect
the county as a whole.
Both the county and city of Durham have experienced rapid growth over the past
twenty years. Between 1970 and 1990, Durham County grew approximately 30% and is
projected to grow another 26% by 2010 (Herald-Sun, 1999). This rapid expansion is
expected to continue causing significant changes within the county, both in terms of
demographic make-up, economic development, and environmental pressures.
Education
Table 4 presents the level of educational attainment for Durham County residents, its
peer counties and the state:
Table 4. Percent educational attainment for Durham, Wake, and Orange Counties and
North Carolina, 1998*
Level of education** Durham County Wake County Orange County North Carolina
12th grade or less 21.1 14.6 16.4 30.0
H.S. graduate 22.1 21.3 18.5 29.0
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Associate degree 0.07 0.09 0.06 6.8
Bachelor degree 19.0 24.4 22.5 12.0
Grad/prof degree 14.4 10.9 23.5 5.4
*Source: U.S. Census Bureau American FactFinder (1999). D-2. Social Characteristics:
1990 Geographic Area: Durham County, North Carolina [On-line]. Available:
http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/BasicFactsServlet.
**Percents based off of 1990 county population 25 years and over
In general, Durham County residents have similar levels of educational attainment as
their peer counties, with a significant proportion having some sort of college education
or advanced degree. This is most likely due to the presence of the Research Triangle
Park and Duke University, which draw people with higher levels of education into the
county for career opportunities. However, there is still a significant proportion of
individuals with less than a high school education, most likely due to racial disparities
within the county (Table 5):
Table 5. Race by educational attainment- percent of Durham County residents, 25
years and over, who have not graduated from high school, 1990*
White 15.8
African American 31.7
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American Indian, Eskimo, Aleut 21.5
Asian or Pacific Islander 6.9
Hispanic 29.3
*Source U.S. Census Bureau American FactFinder (1999). P058. Race By Educational
Attainment - Universe: Persons 25 Years And Over Data Set: 1990 Census Detailed
Tables - Sample Data (STF3) [On-line]. Available: http://factfinder.census.gov/
Similar findings are evident in the breakdown of educational performance scores among
Durham County students (Table 6):
Table 6. Percent Durham County students, by race, performing at or above current
grade level, 1997-1998*
Race/Ethnicity Percent
White 85.5
African American 52.5
Asian 87.5
Hispanic 51.3
Other 57.1
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*Source: North Carolina Department of Education. (1999). [On-line]. Available:
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/Accountability/reporting/reportcard/1998/index.html.
In the 1997-1998 academic year, Durham Public Schools reported a school enrollment of
29,278 students (36% White, 58% African American, 3% Hispanic, 2% Asian, 1% other);
total expenditures per pupil were the second highest of the surrounding school systems
(Wake, Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Guilford) at a total of $5,890 per pupil (Durham Public
Education Network, 1999). A school merger in 1992 attempted to close the racial gaps in
educational attainment by consolidating city and county schools into one large county
school system. Recent statistics released by the Office of Public Affairs report that
progress is being made. Eighth grade African American students reading at or above
grade level increased by as much as 25% over the past five years, and African American
SAT scores were 51 points higher than state levels for this cohort in 1997 (Marshall,
1999). Still, there remain large gaps in the levels of educational attainment between the
various racial groups of Durham County that require continued attention.
Economics
In Durham County, median annual family income (half of all incomes are higher and half
are lower) is $38,758 (USBC, 1996). This is comparable to that of the state of North
Carolina and nearby Orange County (Figure 1). Nearby Wake County is higher at
$47,856. Median income statistics for these three areas are shown in Figure 1:
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*Source: U.S. Census Bureau (1995). Model-Based Income and Poverty Estimates for
Wake County, North Carolina in 1995 [On-line]. Available:
http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty.html
**Source: U.S. Census Bureau (1996). [On-line]. Available:
***Source: U.S. Census Bureau (1995). Model-Based Income and Poverty Estimates for
Orange County, North Carolina in 1995 [On-line]. Available:
http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty.html
****Source: Cook, B., Dillingham, L., Elmore, R., Siano, C. (1998). Latinos of Durham
County: A Community Diagnosis including Secondary Data Analysis and Qualitative Data
Collection. Unpublished manuscript, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Also shown in Figure 1 is that within Durham County, there is a considerable difference
in income between White and African American families, at $46,120 and $25,917
respectively. The average income figure of $31,437 for Latinos, however, is probably a
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poor representation of the true economic status of the Latino community. In a study of
the Latino community conducted by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill students
(1998), it was suggested that the U.S. Census count of 1990 failed to include many
members of the Latino community. The students believed that those who were included
in the census may have been disproportionately affluent relative to other community
members. They did not believe that this figure was a reasonable estimate of median
income given the large proportion of members of the Latino community who are
employed in low-paying jobs (Cook et al, 1998).
The disparity based on race is better seen in the number of families living below federal
poverty level, as seen in Figure 2:
Source: Durham County (1996). Demographics of the Working Poor 1996 [On-line].
Available: http://www.ncesc.com/.
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The federal poverty level for 1997 was defined as $7,890 for an individual and $16,050
for a family of four (ESC, 1999). Despite the fact that Whites make up 60.4% of the
population of Durham County, and African Americans 37.2%, there are far more African
American families living in poverty than in the White community. Once again, we cannot
make a conclusive statement about the poverty levels of the Latino community because
of its size and under-representation in population surveys.
Other summary poverty statistics indicate that Durham County fares somewhat better
than the overall state of North Carolina. In 1990, as shown in Figure 3, 11.9% of Durham
County families were estimated to be below the federal poverty level, compared to
12.5% of North Carolina. The unemployment rate of Durham County is also better than
that of the state at 2.3% compared to 3.6% (Figure 3, 1997 rates).
It should be noted that the low unemployment and median income figures for Durham
County are not necessarily reflective of the true economic status of its residents. As
discussed earlier, many of the higher-paying jobs, particularly those in research and
technology, may be held by residents of neighboring counties who commute to Durham.
The inability of many Durham residents to obtain some of these higher-paying, higher-
skilled jobs will be discussed in the qualitative section of this document.
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Source: North Carolina Department of Commerce (1998). County and Regional Scan [On-
line]. Available: http://cmedis.commerce.state.nc.us/countyprofiles/
Finally, Figure 4 illustrates household composition and home ownership information:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (1990) [On-line]. Available: http://factfinder.census.gov/
It is evident that Durham County has a greater proportion of households headed by
single females, and a smaller proportion who own their homes, than the state of North
Carolina as a whole. This could be an indicator of the buying power, economic stability,
or itinerancy of Durham County residents.
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In summary, it is evident that while Durham County residents appear to have similar
demographic characteristics, educational attainment, and economic viability as the
residents in the surrounding peer counties, severe racial disparities underlie most of
these similarities. African Americans and Hispanics typically have lower levels of
education and family income than do Whites, and it is expected that such gaps will only
increase as the number of Hispanics migrating into the county rises in the coming years.
These disparities are also discussed at length in the qualitative section of this document.
Financial Management
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Appendices