HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-21-HSC-minTOWN 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'
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Emily reported that an intern will also be starting in the fall.:
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Fund for Lexington Brochure
Emily reported that the Lexington Fund Committee members expressed support for
the brochure and offered to underwrite the printing. Stephanie and Gail had met
twice with Emily and Charlotte to review plans and establish a timeline. They will
investigate printing /design options and Charlotte and Emily will work on the fast
draft of content giving specific examples. The primary purpose of the brochure will be
to educate the community about resources available through the department and to
offer ways that residents can help. The timeline includes review by the Lexington
Fund at their September meeting. The Human Services Committee will be involved in
distribution.
Community Center Task Force Update
Since committee liaisons Stephanie and Gail had not been able to attend any of the
meetings, Betty who is also a member gave an update. She reported that a list of
questions had been developed to allow various groups to give input on their needs.
Several concepts are being looked at with the possibilities of focus groups and visiting
other community centers either in person or online to gather information. Representative
from the various groups i.e. Senior, Recreation, Youth will be invited to discuss their
needs and address a series of questions developed by the Task Force. The League
meeting in the Fall will offer an opportunity for a dialogue about a community center.
The Hingham model is one of the models being looked at. Charlotte reported that they
had also visited to look at the Lexington model. Much work is needed to be done with the
expectation for planning to be completed by March.
New Membership
No prospects currently and Lea will work on during the summer.
New /Other Business
In response to a question regarding the status of the Veterans Officer position, Charlotte
and Emily explained more about the position, constraints and current handling of needs.
The position has not been filled but outreach continues to find possible candidates who
meet the Federal criteria.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Fields