Human Service Collaborative Body
Meeting Notes
December 9, 2009
Members and Alternates Present: / Sue Fulton, Marilyn Bradford, Patti Nowak, Ted Westmeier, Bill Sleight, Nancy Rosso, Pamela McConeghy, Joan Abbey, Kathleen Kline Hudson, Judge Hackett-Garagiola, Mac Miller, Charlie Kline, Anita Gibson
Others Present: / Lindsay Beaudry-HSCB staff, Captain Jennifer Ortman- Salvation Army, Lori Gnegy- 4C, Diane Yax- St. Joes, Donna Gehringer-United Way, Donna Gehringer- United Way, Terese Gainer-DHS, Monica Cory-OLHSA, Joan Lesley- OLHSA, Jean Garrett-LESA,
Agenda Item / Discussion Summary / Decision/Action To Be Taken
Welcome and Introductions / Ted Westmeier called the meeting to order at 12:03PM and asked for introductions around the room.
Review and Approval of Minutes / Ted Westmeier called for the review of the minutes from the October 28, 2009. With corrections noted, Sue Fulton moved to accept, Joan Abbey supported.
Approval of Agenda / Ted Westmeier called for the review of the December 9th, the agenda was approved Pam McConeghy moved to accept, Nancy Rosso supported.
Call to the Public / No additions.
Announcements and Sharing / Joan Abbey shared about the Annual League Forum where many leaders shared about the state of Michigan’s budget. Abbey shared about the forward discussion held, more information can be provided upon request.
Mac Miller encouraged the HSCB to look at advocating early in preparation for the 2011 budget. Cuts and changes are likely to have a lager impact on services in the county.
Jean Garrett shared that some of the Great Parent Great Start dollars were reinstated and programs are now being offered in a few communities including Chilton, Ladson, and Fowlerville.
Captain Jenny announced that the Salvation Army is out of rental assistance dollars at this time.
Bill Sleight added that Michigan Works! has started a partnership with the local bowling alley that will allow individuals who are unemployed to bowl for free and meet with potential employers. This is NOT a job fair, it is an opportunity for engagement.
Patti Nowak shared with the collaborative about an announcement out of the Transportation Coalition. The Job Access Reverse Commute service will begin soon that will run additional routes up and down the Grand River Corridor in the AM and PM.
The Basic Needs Livingston County Resource Guide was shared with the collaborative. The folder is available on the web or in hard copy form and contains information about various health and human services that individuals who are newly accessing services may need.
Weatherization Presentation / Monica Cory presented to the HSCB the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency is currently being funded by ARRA dollars to provide weatherization services in Livingston County. Cory shared about the programs and the benefits of weatherization and also highlighted the abundance of money available within the county. Cory also shared that the eligibility requirements are 250% of poverty, which is much higher than typical government assistance programs. Benefits to clients include lower energy bills, safer environment, etc. Monica provided contact information (517-546-8500) to the collaborative and asked for each agency representative to spread the word about the services.
F.A.K.S. Workgroup Report / Terese Gainer presented to the HSCB about the Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Services (FAKS) Workgroup of the HSCB. Terese shared the purpose and goals of the group and discussed a few of the activities and services that are offered through the FAKS group including resources to help foster parents prepare for new children to enter their home, respite services, etc. Gainer shared a poem written by a Livingston County foster child and encouraged interested community agencies and individuals to contact her about joining the FAKS Workgroup.
Nominations Committee Outcomes / The collaborative heard the nominations for the Executive Committee and listed the following as their recommendation: Sue Futon, Ted Westmeier, Scott Menzel, Charlie Kline, Bobette Schrandt, Patti Nowak, Erica Karfonta, Nancy Rosso, Mark Robinson. Nancy Rosso will fill the chair position and Mark Robinson will fill the vice chair slot. The collaborative unanimously supported recommendations Mac made the motion, Bill supported.
Strong Families Safe Children / Lindsay shared that the Strong Families/ Safe Children contracts are all issued and services are being delivered. The eligibility requirements for the SF/SC programs has changed over the years and may change again in subsequent years. More information about the final allocations should be coming out soon.
2009 Annual Meeting/ 2010 Meeting Schedule / Lindsay invited the HSCB to attend the upcoming HSCB Annual Meeting on January 8, 2010 from 8:30-10:00AM. The collaborative will be welcoming Ishmael Ahmed. Nominations for the Collaborative of the Year and Leadership Award are still being accepted.
Community Highlights / Ted Westmeier shared that the H1N1 vaccines are now open to all age groups and open clinics are being held. Expanded clinics will be available to walk-ins, vaccines are free.
Patti Nowak shared that Arc is having its annual fundraiser that provides scholarships for kids who want to go to specialized camps.
Joan Abbey shared that there are GIS maps available containing 0-5 data including infant mortality, risk factors, etc. These GIS maps will be added to the HSCB website as soon as possible.
Donna Gehringer shared that the Community Hunger Council is off and running. Many committees are looking for additional membership.
Other / Happy Holidays
Next Meeting, Date, and Location / January 27, 2010 from 12:00PM-1:30PM in the Spartan Room of LESA
Adjournment / Meeting was adjourned by Ted Westmeier at 1:45PM
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