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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-05-16-HSC-min.pdf Human Services Committee Minutes 5/16/97 Present: Jolly Anne Weinstock, Chair Barbara Ciampa; Helen Cravis; Julie Fenn; Rick Safford; Nancy Freed; Bonny Saulnier and Arnie Berger RePlace/Wayside; Steve Baran (recorder). Absent: Barbara Ciampa, Roz Gittleman, Eva Glick, Lauren MacNeil Minutes of 4/2/97 Deferred. Revision of Policy Statement Deferred. RePlace/Wayside Bonny Saulnier reported that Joan Abraham was unlikely to return to her position as ( Director due to illness. A party would be held for her at RePlace in June were she not to return. Those wishing to express their appreciation could write to her at 70 Ralph St. Watertown, MA 02172. Bonny further commented that it had not been a good year for RePlace, but Wayside was committed to keeping RePlace functioning. The difficulty of Joan's absence was compounded by the departure of Joanna Ives, Administrative Assistant. Now Wayside was rebuilding step by step. On May 19th, Becket Rhodes was to begin at RePlace as a full-time clinician primarily responsible for counseling and crisis intervention. Arnie Berger added that RePlace had experienced programs that did not attract kids even though the programs were well conceived. Bonny noted that Laura Kurman who was taking over as administrator had a lot of experience with community-based preventive programs. It was important to meet with the schools when planning for these programs. Nancy Freed said that the Town was committed to an open dialogue. Wayside would be given every opportunity to succeed. A meeting was planned with Bonny and Eric Masi to discuss the directorship of the program and programs for next year Another meeting with the schools would focus on programs to be created and eliminated. Helen commented that the very name of the program, RePlace, spoke to where it had been rather than reflecting an entirely new model that was needed. Should RePlace take over new programs such as domestic violence while the schools pursued clinical counseling? b Human Services Committee Minutes 5/16197 ( Page 2 A $25,000 grant to Wayside and the Police Department was noted by Bonny The funds are for families where there is domestic violence. The full-time clinician will develop a pool of advocates who will be on call. Helen recommended outreach to hospitals in order to identify potential clients before they become victims. Aggression in elementary schools Julie Fenn related her observations of considerable sexualized aggression and bullying at the elementary school level. Helen related the success that a mediation approach had in her school where fighting had been drastically reduced. She felt it was important for leadership to set the tone of a safe environment and tolerance of one another Preschool programs Steve Baran reported that the Parenting Resource Associates proposal for a parent support group had been sent to the Children's Trust Fund. It was a superior effort. A reply would be forthcoming at the end of June. Helen Gravis reported on a large scale program which was not income-related and had state funding in Milford. The School Department was committed to the program and had ( donated space Funding went through the schools and required a community-wide approach. Julie Fenn reported on a similar program in Walpole. Steve said he would follow up on these leads. Enablement Steve and Rick reported that the Enablement Committee was working in a number of areas to improve physical accessibility Jolley Anne Weinstock expressed her concern about the front door of the post office. It was heavy and difficult to open, particularly for people with packages and baby carriages, was no doubt difficult for people with disabilities. Steve agreed to draft a letter to be sent to the Town's Post Office Committee.