2011-06-21-HSC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

TOWN OF LEXINGTON HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE June 21, 2011 Present: Chair, Lea Gardner Elkin, Barbara Ciampa, Mimi Ballard, Betty Borghesani, Gail Fields, Stephanie Lawrence, staff members, Emily Lavine, Laurie Henry, Charlotte Rodgers Absent: Norman Cohen, Ellen McDonald The meeting was called to order by Lea and minutes were read and approved. Updates form the Human Services Department Charlotte will reseed her report and respond to questions at the September meeting. Laurie Henry reported on youth activities: Fun Fest will take place on August 3 with a raindate for August 10. The event is geared to appeal to a range of ages and was well received last year. Human Services will be partnering with the Recreation and Police and Fire De- partments. Race to Nowhere continues to receive interest. A subcommittee made up of a collaboration of members from the original work group and including a teen member have met and established goals for the next academic year. They have also met with Superintendent Paul Ash to share their plans and ask for his support regarding ways to reduce stress and anxiety among teens. A repeat of the film is scheduled for the Fall. PTA funds will be used to provide additional support.to reach a broader range of parents. Another group has also been established, The Middle School Work Group, to focus on ways of reducing stress in the middle school. (Please see the information that Emily sent out for a fuller description of the plans re. the film and the new middle school work group.) The Youth Services Committee has added more members. Concerns about lack of structure /support during the summer. Numbers of people served is higher at this point in the year than at the end of the prior year with many referrals coming from elementary through high school. Referrals are also coming from neighbors who are aware of services. In addition to making referrals to other therapists, Laurie also reported that she helps families access insurance or fill out forms when needed. Plans have been made for coverage during Laurie's 12 week family leave r sf&7, r will write articles and take care of all responsibilities before she leaves I u' G i - t` Emily reported that an intern will also be starting in the fall.: t CD 0 cr%