C. Clark is a junior at OSHS. She explained that as part of her “English in Action” class at OSHS, she decided to start a support group for middle school students in 4th – 8th grade who have parents with a chronic physical illness. H. McNeil helped C. Clark find a shadow placement working with the “Chill” group from November 2017 to May 2018. C. Clark’s group, which will be called “Healing Hearts,” will be starting in the fall 2018. She talked about developing a curriculum which includes encouraging the kids to share their stories while getting support from peers. They will also work on developing positive coping skills by using things such as stress balls.
Kelly Leach is finishing her internship with OSY&FS tomorrow. She has graduated with her MSW degree.
J. Welsh talked about defining the vision statement for this commission. She previously asked Commission members for responses which she put into a compilation and distributed at tonight’s meeting. The topics were as follows: Most important part of the agency’s Mission statement (what do we want to support), Our desired impact, Priorities for our constituency (ies) and Our common vision must do. There also was a list of many charitable advocacy groups with their vision statements listed. The Commission did an exercise in which they narrowed down their vision in each area by working in small groups.
The results were as follows: Mission statement highlights: positive and healthy well-being, collaborative, relationship, life skills, inclusive
Priorities: collaborative, support & programming establish new programs in partnership with OSY&FS to address community issues, identify to be the voice for groups that might not have clout or organized membership.
Our desired impact: advocate for OSY&FS, continue long-term partnerships with other town departments, supportive guide for staff and the activities the staff facilitates. The group created the following vision statement together:
“A collaboration to support and advocate for positive and healthy relationships in an inclusive community.”
Summer goals/timeline: H. McNeil asked if the Commission could meet in August to discuss the OSHS Freshman Retreat and Family Day in September. There will be no July meeting. Due to busy summer schedules, the Commission members decided to meet next on Monday, August 6, 2018 at 9:30 a.m.
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