Director’s Report 1. Director Heather introduced the new student representative, Juliana Jacoboski and gave her a copy of the commission’s handbook. Juliana gave a brief bio of herself. Heather also acknowledged Katie Prozesky with a Certificate of Appreciation and a sweatshirt for her service as a student representative on the commission and REACH. Katie is graduating and
will be attending Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. 2. Fiscal Health of the Agency: Heather reported that the counseling revenue is up significantly and makes it possible to underwrite much of the positive youth development programming. The business model of the agency currently is that the client fee generation supports the positive youth development side of the programming as the drug free grant is completing and other funding sources may be more difficult to is attain Heather had an organizational chart of the agency and discussed in relation to financials that the youth coordinator positions are funded through the
agency rather than the municipal budget. With the data that they have been collecting the last few years, the rise and need in the services are clearly indicated. 3. There is a potential to move the Social Services position to the Town Hall, due to ongoing growth in the need for that departments services and a need for additional administrative support for the Social Services Coordinator Sue Consoli. There was a discussion about the concerns and issues with moving this position out of the present facility, related to client comfort and confidentiality. A review of the intended space will take place with First Selectman and discussion of transitional plan will be made. 4. Heather reported that at a Director’s meeting, the Westbrook director asked about WYFS contracting with OSYFS for the possibility of sharing programs with Westbrook residents. 5. Scholarship determination: Wilderness Challenge and Summer Stock are two of the larger programs where there have been requests for scholarships. Heather reported the process the agency takes for these requests and everyone is considered on an individual need basis and all requests are kept confidential. 6. In-school services: Students in Goodwin and the Middle school would
benefit from continuing services provided through the summer, and they will be held at the Youth and Family building. 7. Heather met with the Superintendent of Schools and they have committed to the $9000 contribution for YFS services, which is consistent with last year. She is putting together an invoice showing what the agency actually provided for services, and at Superintendant’s request, will be working on a memorandum of understanding for services to be provided next school year 8. Wendy Mill, Program Coordinator, and Heather met at the Middle School with all of the 8th graders to discuss the Freshman Retreat
and have students fill out pre-surveys. 9. Summer programming consists of Summer Trips for Teens in conjunction with Park and Rec.; Summer Stock and Movies on the Beach in conjunction with Old Saybrook Police Department. They will be involved June 29th at the Summer Stroll as part of their involvement with Main Street Business Association. 10. Heather reported that the house needs to be painted this summer. She found out that it is not historical so that it could be sided.
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