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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-03-20-HSC-min.pdf Human Services Committee March 20, 1996 Meeting Minutes Present: Julie Fenn, Ros Gittleman, Donna Hooper, Jeanne Luongo, Rick Safford Absent: Eva Glick, Jolley Anne Weinstock, Steve Baran Minutes of January and February were set aside for approval at the April meeting. April meeting date was changed from the first Wednesday to the second Wednesday in consideration for Passover and Holy Week. Rick Safford shared with the Committee that the Center for Mental Health & Retardation was seeking new Board members. Interested persons should contact Ellen Attiliades. 1. Coordinator/Chairperson Report: Donna Hooper shared the recent announcement that Linda Crew Vine has been appointed Assistant Town Manager Julie Fenn briefly explained the meeting she and Steve Baran had with Jennifer Wolfrum, Health Protection Coordinator for LPS. LPS is developing a "wellness" facility for students and residents The center, at a yet to be determined location, will include exercise equipment; workshops and literature on nutrition and diet, videos on exercise, drugs, self esteem, etc. It appears that funding is the issue. They are developing a 'wish list' Donna briefly referenced a December, 1995 report issued by the Massachusetts Department of Education, entitled "Children First: A Plan for an Early Care and Education System for Massachusetts" She will provide a copy to Steve Baran. Information will assist with the Committee's addressing of early childhood issues. 2. SubCommittee Reports HPAC. Jeanne Luongo explained that the Health Protection Advisory Committee is concerned with the prevalence of drug abuse in the recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey Jeanne explained the March 13th HPAC meeting had members explain the ways in which their committees (Human Services) address issues raised by the Youth Risk Behavior Survey Jeanne reported that the Human Services committee is formulating its goals and objectives for the upcoming year and is striving for improved communication and information sharing between agencies and individual citizens. Jennifer Wolfrum provided a copy of a resource listing to Jeanne. The Prevention Center , a long-term resource for cost-free training, resources, etc. for communities, has moved to Salem, MA. It is now not as accessible for Lexington. The MIAA has trained persons available to schools to address drug awareness. The drug awareness program offered by RePlace as part of its contract with the Town of Lexington, has not been well-received by the coaches for the sports teams. The eating disorders programs offered at the High School have been successful. One has been rescheduled to May due to snow! ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL. Rick Saffored reported that the Alliance for the Mentally Ill has provided posters to RePlace. The Drop-In center at Hancock Church has been very quiet. 3. Goal Setting Discussion: The committee established the following long-term goals and objectives for the upcoming year Lone Term Goals 1. Inventory resources and services available to Lexington citizens and promote integration of services, identify where town structures and services overlap, where gaps may exist and promote development of communication among Town boards and agency administrators. 2. Evaluate effectiveness of human service agencies responding to community needs and carrying out human services policies, recommending contracts between Town and human service agencies. 3. Respond to emerging community human service issues. 4. Establish a comprehensive community center. FY97 Objectives 1. Identify the major service categories and initiate compilation of a resource listing, to be updated annually, using available resource guides, including human service yellow pages. Resource compilation shall solicit senior volunteer involvement and consider inclusion on the Lexington home page on the Internet. 2. Identify the Lexington related human service issues and current services. Connect with and interact with current providers and provide for involvement with other Town agencies and entities. 3. Respond to emerging issues, including early childhood and recreation issues. Promote enhancement of cross-sectional subcommittees with programs including recreation, aging, and health protection/LPS. 4. Research various community center models and services, including an intergenerational design. Work with the council on aging, public schools, chamber of commerce, business community and other Town departments for a comprehensive approach. 5. Develop and implement an evaluation tool to be used for assessment of performance of contracted agencies and as a basis of recommendations for future contracting.