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YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES COMMISSION - Draft
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 2008
Members present: |
R. Allen, S. Barnes, S. Cummins, K. Hanratty, B. Ruth |
Also present: |
Director Larry Freundlich, Recording Secretary Linda McCall |
Excused/absent: |
M. Gesick, I. Rosser, P. Viggiano, J. Welsh |
I. |
Call to Order: Chairman Barnes called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. |
II. |
Comments from the Public: none |
III. |
Review of Minutes of October 7, 2008: Reviewed the minutes. Allen made motion to approve the minutes as typed; seconded by Ruth. Vote taken and the minutes were unanimously approved. |
IV. |
Chairman’s Comments: Welcome to new School System Representative Kate Hanratty. Introductions all around. |
V. |
Director’s Report: Written report was mailed with minutes. Allen asked if the Clerical Assistant position would be posted. Director reported he’d been asked by First Selectman to review applications submitted when job was originally posted (prior to Bell’s hire in March) and to make contact with other potential candidates interviewed at that time. |
VI. |
Local Prevention Council Business: Healthy Communities Healthy Youth Business: * Initiatives Update – Anti-Defamation League Program – Cummins reported on program and recommended as a
follow-up that small group meetings (one period) be planned, mixing up groups. Director showed a brief video of the program and reported an abbreviated version is being planned for Middle School (6-8 grade) in February 2009. Discussion ensued regarding needs at Middle School. – Family Day – Discussion initiated by Barnes included the following suggestions for next year: live music for part of the day; climbing wall was missed; more outreach/activity for senior citizens. - Search Institute Community Training– Director reported he is working with Search Institute, the Middlesex United Way and Rushford to
schedule a countywide training on Asset-Building for new teams. This will enable us to get new people trained for our Saybrook team. Training will probably take place in February or March 2009. |
VII. |
Old Business: 1. Drug & Alcohol Counselor Position – Director reported he is still on the interview panel for this 18-hour school system position, which was re-advertised; more interviews will be scheduled. 2. Youth Coordinator Position – Director reported this position was re-advertised and 14 applications received. Director, First Selectman and
Chairman will be conducting interviews tomorrow. 3. YFS Foundation – Heat Initiative – Director reported $8,000-9,000 received in donations so far and a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser is scheduled for tomorrow evening. He reported the Freshman Class donated $250 and requested tickets be given to families in need. He reported the Women’s Club approved a donation of $1,000 last evening. He also reported HEAT is sponsoring a raffle beginning at the Spaghetti Dinner and ending during February’s Chili Fest. Director also reported the Youth and Family Services Foundation Board has been meeting
frequently and has addressed by-laws, mission statement and is updating the brochure. He noted he attended a workshop for non-profits today on “Leave a Legacy”. |
VIII. |
New Business: 1. United Way Campaign – Director reported a joint Memo to Employees was released from the First Selectman, Superintendent of Schools and Director. He noted the United Way gives Old Saybrook $30,000 for Early Childhood and Assets in Action initiatives and $50,000 for the HOPE Partnership. The memo encourages employees to donate to United Way via payroll deduction. 2. Holiday Giving Program – Director distributed the timeline for this year’s program and encouraged anyone interested in volunteering to contact Social Services Coordinator. |
IX. |
Other Business: 1. Ruth asked how we may support parents and kids to deal with the issue of suicides in the community. Discussion ensued and resulted in suggestions including speaker/community education for parents, article on what to look for to raise awareness; counselors have been made available at school for kids to go to. It was noted that last school year a speaker on Grief was sponsored – will explore sponsoring a similar program again.
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There being no further business to discuss the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda B. McCall
Administrative Assistant
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