Kern County Network for Children

Kern County Network for Children

General Collaborative Meeting Minutes

November 15, 2012

The November 15, 2012 meeting of the Kern County General Collaborative was called to order at approximately 8:30 AM at the Larry E. Reider Education Center Building, 1300 17thStreet, Bakersfield, CA.

I.Welcome

Kim Silvacalled the meeting to order welcoming those in attendance.

II.Kern Cares Theme: Youth Substance Abuse Awareness–Adrienne Buckle, Kern County Mental Health

Adrienneprovided an overview of the Kern Stop Meth Now Website. She showed the audience how to navigate around the website and how to do a search on drugs.For more information on Kern Stop Meth Now visit their website at

III.Ways to Support the CAPK Food Bank: Claudia Arredondo and Diane Campbell

Claudia and Diane provided a power point presentation onWays to Support the CAPK Food Bank. The Food Bank was established in 1983 to acquire food and other resources to help alleviate hunger, provide food and meet the nutritional needs of economically disadvantaged Kern County residents. The Food Bank consists of six programs: Backpack Buddies, Emergency Food Response, Snack Attack, Daily Distribution, Donate Don’t Dump and Resource Fairs. Volunteers are needed to provide clerical support, warehouse workers, food distribution drivers, outreach support, and many other forms of aid. To volunteer at the CAPK Food Bank contact Diane Campbell at 661-398-4520.

IV.Caring Corner – A Home Away from Home for Children with Special Needs: Megan Gretona & Edith Ellenberger

Megan and Edith provided a power point presentation on Caring Corner. Caring Corner is a unique pediatric day care program designed especially for nurturing medically fragile children. Utilizing a combination of skilled nursing care, creative activities and a caring touch, the program allows parents to go to school, work or take a much needed rest. For more information on Caring Corner visit their website at or call 661-847-7342.

V.Text4Baby – Tips 4 Mom & Mom 2B: Jan St. Pierre, First 5 Kern

Judith provided an overview on Text4Baby. Text4baby is an exciting and innovative way for the millions of pregnant and new parents across the country to get the most important information they need to ensure their child’s healthy development. Pregnant and new parents who text "BABY" (or “BEBE” for Spanish) to 511411 receive weekly text messages, timed to their due date or their baby's birth date through the baby’s first year. If you’re an expectant or new parent and want to learn more, go to To sign up for free messaging, just text the word "BABY" (or “BEBE” for Spanish) to 511411 and follow the prompts. You only need to provide the baby's due date or date of birth and your zip code.

VI.Community Announcements

Community announcements were given by some collaborative members.Announcements that were submitted are attached below.

VII.Adjourn

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!

Next Collaborative Meeting:

Thursday, January 20 2012

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Larry E. Reider Education Center, Room US-101 –2000KStreet, Bakersfield, CA