HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-15-HSC-minHUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minutes of October 15, 2013 meeting
Members presenst: Lea Gardner Elkin,Chair, Norm Cohen(BOS), Mimi Ballard, Barbara Ciampa,
Stephanie Lawrence, Betty Borghesani, Gail Fields, Charlotte Rogers, HSD, Emily Lavine,HSD,
Guest: Jodi Hill,Compass
Emily noted that coming events were listed in the prior minutes.
She gave an update regarding the status of the At -Risk committee that will become a
subcommittee of the School Committee.
She reported that requests from the Lexington Fund from July to October totaled
about $11,000 from 11 families primarily regarding rent.
Discussion of homeless population in Lexington
Charlotte reported on the meeting scheduled for Oct. 24 where involved parties
including the schools, HSD, town govt and interested groups will meet to clarify roles
to develop a co- ordinated response to the issue.
Charlotte reported that there are currently 29 families at the Quality Inn with 31
children under 5. She noted that 10 children are in the schools as compared with
Bedford where 100 kids are in the school. Charlotte has reached out to the manager
and made information available about the services in the town. She stressed the
importance of a co- ordinated response as the first step before having a community
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Lea opened the meeting and welcomed Jodi Hill
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I. Minutes were approved as reviewed.
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II. UPDATES FROM THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT
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Role of Youth Services Council
Emily reported that changes in the Youth Council description involved the last two
bullets that clarify the chain of command.
The Human Services Director will report findings to the Town Manager
The Human Services Committee will report findings to the Board of Selectmen
Emily noted that coming events were listed in the prior minutes.
She gave an update regarding the status of the At -Risk committee that will become a
subcommittee of the School Committee.
She reported that requests from the Lexington Fund from July to October totaled
about $11,000 from 11 families primarily regarding rent.
Discussion of homeless population in Lexington
Charlotte reported on the meeting scheduled for Oct. 24 where involved parties
including the schools, HSD, town govt and interested groups will meet to clarify roles
to develop a co- ordinated response to the issue.
Charlotte reported that there are currently 29 families at the Quality Inn with 31
children under 5. She noted that 10 children are in the schools as compared with
Bedford where 100 kids are in the school. Charlotte has reached out to the manager
and made information available about the services in the town. She stressed the
importance of a co- ordinated response as the first step before having a community
forum.
Jodi Hill the Executive Director of Compass, who has worked extensively with this
population talked about their plans .
She described the population as primarily young single mothers who have faced a
variety of challenges from abusive relationships to unemployment. She described
their plan to do a needs assessment to determine where their resources could be of
help. She noted the need for case management, childcare slots and resources. They
are aware of state funding cuts that will impact this population and the shortage of
housing. They are looking for seed money to bring together families from Waltham,
Bedford and Lexington and provide the resources they need, esp. childcare so that
mothers can work toward being self sufficient. She recalled how graduates from
other programs were eager to give back to new families.
She will provide a list of volunteer opportunities for those who would like to be of
help.
She reported that they have received a grant from Metro West and many generous
donations but are still looking for larger grants to fund their program initiatives.
Ill. COMMUNITY CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE
Betty reported that a questionnaire will go out asking each department to describe
their needs /priorities. Charlotte mentioned that there will be a meeting on
Tuesday, October 22 at Battin Hall to allow public input. The Human Services
Department and Recreation Departments will be the first to move to the new
building, probably in May .Norm reported that the closing will take place Dec. 3.
IV. COMMITTEE RECRUITMENT - Discussion focused on how to attract new members
representing a greater variety of ages, groups, etc. A description of the committee
membership requirements will be given to Lexington Fun and Newcomers. All
members are to think of possible members.
V . Next meeting: November 19, 2013 at 7:30 in room 111 of the Town Office building.
Respectfully submitted
Gail Fields