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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-03-13-HSC-min.pdf Minutes Human Services Committee 3/13/91 Present Renee Cochin, Bob Cushman, Co-Chairmen Ann Irving ; Barbara Levine ; Dennis Murakami Jack Sarmanian Leo McSweeney, Selectman Marion Shepp and Martha Ziegler , Lexington Citizens with Special Needs ; Steve Baran, Human Services Coordinator Absent Dick Dougherty Minutes The Minutes of 2/7 were approved Cuordinator ' s Report Steve reported that between 20 to 30 individuals came each week to the Food Bank The Food Bank representative had commented that there was considerable turnover among those who came for food ; the numbers of Cambodians had diminished significantly The Fair Housing Committee was p inning for diversity training ( respect for those who are different, e g , minorities people with disabilities ) for town employees and other groups in Town Student Government Day included a student Department Head representing human services Bid packages were being sent out to a list of potential providers of services to youth and the developmentally disabled Steve thanked Renee and Dick for their expert support There was a sizeable turnout to a hearing sponsored by the Board of Health un the subject of AIDS/Sexually Transmitted Diseases education Young people saw a vital need for fostering communication with parents on this subject Some clergy are very much involved An updated report showed that there was a balance of $532 for the fiscal year after expenditures of $5, 218 Increasing attention is being given to making loans , instead of grants , where it is realistic to do so AIDS training_ Renee commented that the Superintendent was committed to training un the subject of AIDS in the school system ( Human Services Committee 3/ 13/91 Page 2 Human Services Fund Steve was asked to explore with Juan Halverson camperships in relation to the Human Services Fund as well as the Recreation Department' s Enterprise Account Renee is planning to meet with the clergy in relation to replenishing the Human Services Fund and fundraising Report of Human Services Committee to the Selectmen Renee and Bob reported on the Committee' s appearance before the Board of Selectmen on March 4th The Committee' s report was well received, particularly around the need to respond to emergency situations related to the recession by contributing to the Human Services Fund Renee asked Mr McSweeney to clarify to the Selectmen that the Committee desired support in the amount of $7 500 in addition to funds which might be available through the Trustees of Public Trusts Leo McSweeney said that the Committee' s report and presentation were both excellent He felt there were opportunities for fundraising to respond to emergency need and agreed to take the ( leadership by approaching various funding sources He noted that the Selectmen had already made a commitment to obtain $7, 500 for the Human Services Fund for next year Human Services Committee planning Renee suggested that the Committee might plan for next year around the following "Town Report Card" needs assessment, exploration of trends in recreation, and maintaining people in their own homes It was agreed to hold a special meeting at Renee' s home on Saturday, May 18, from 9 to 12 to further discuss planning Community Partnership Grant Jack Sarmanian presented possibility of Community Partnership Grant as both a planning vehicle and means by which the Town might obtain considerable funding to combat substance abuse A number of community entities might join together with a focus on prevention and improving quality of life This would foster a climate conducive to combatting drug and alcohol use Lexington Citizens with Special Needs Marion Shepp and Martha Ziegler, Co-Chairmen of the Lexington ( Citizens with Special Needs, presented the history of their group and its accomplishments in obtaining housing, particularly through the Mass Department of Mental Health Since last Human Services Committee , 3/ 13/91 Page 3 summer , they had been involved in meeting a number of requirements put forth by LexRab to show the readiness of four young developmentally disabled adults to become tenants of new housing on Waltham Street and Park Drive Mr McSweeney suggested that the Human Services Committee should support the Special Needs Committee in its representations to LexHab The Special Needs Committee requested that it , together with the Enablement Committee, become a single subcommittee concerned with the generality of special needs in Lexington. The Human Services Committee agreed to support the Special Needs Committee application to LexHab Moreover the Special Needs and Enablement Committee were invited to pursue their interest in subcommittee status by finalizing a suggested charge setting forth their principles, purposes and goals Respectfully submitted, _ � �� ���V Stephen Bar ( �M� Human Services Coordinator