HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-08-16-HSC-min.pdf Minutes
Human Services Committee
8/16/00
Present: Barbara Ciampa, Co-Chair Helen Gravis, Co-Chair Bob Dentler Steve Kelly'
Khalil Khatri; Christine Yedica; Cathy Abbott, liaison from the Board of
Selectmen; Steve Baran, Human Services Coordinator/Staff
Absent: Macy Delong; Roz Gittleman
Minutes of 6/28: accepted with additions and corrections. Roz Gittleman, in addition to acting as a
liaison to the Support Committee for Battered Women, will be the liaison to the Central Middlesex
Association for Retarded Citizens. Cathy Abbott was absent.
The Last Taboo:Steve Baran asked the Committee if they would like to act as sponsors for a
planned series of events and seminars related to the Bill Moyers' PBS death and dying initiative
programs. The committee referred Steve to the COA with Christine Yedica and Steve Kelly
expressing an interest in providing support as individuals.
No Place for Hate: Cathy Abbott explained the campaign being undertaken under the auspices of
the Mass. Municipal Association and the Anti-Defamation League to counter anti-Semitism,
racism and bigotry The campaign in Lexington will foster civility and co-sponsor 'Love Makes a
Family' a community calendar and a clearing-house to announce efforts in town favoring
diversity and countering bias. Cathy also noted diversity training getting underway for Town
employees as part of a four-town (with Lincoln, Concord, and Bedford) effort.
Bob Dentler suggested highlighting to the community new households moving into Lexington and
how they reflect diversity more than simply generation differences. He further noted the
phenomena of bigotry toward children because of sexual orientation: "the adolescent agony of
children who are despised' and the activism of lesbian mothers. Youngsters use homophobic
terms whether or not appropriate. It has become more acceptable to be anti-gay than racist.
The Human Services Committee unanimously endorsed the No Place for Hate Campaign with
Steve Kelly offering to serve as liaison.
The Children's Room: Phyllis Rolfe Silverman, expert on bereavement and Lexington resident,
addressed the Committee on the subject of the Children's Room This is a program which was
developed originally at the hospice on South Street in Waltham. It provides a place for children
who are bereft and is run by highly trained volunteers. Children are able to realize "they are not
the only ones. The program is now located at the First Parish Church in Arlington under Judy
Oliver Director
There are three children's groups, a pre-school group, an adolescent's group in the planning
stages, and a parents'group facilitated by Phyllis. Children are asked the question: what would
you say if you could have one more conversation? Parents are under great pressure trying to
respond to their own and their children's needs.
Phyllis, as a member of the board and one of the founders, stated that the program was 'running
on air" Last year a fundraising supper was able to raise $7,000, but the program is actually
budgeted at $50,000 and is serving 50 children.
The Committee responded with ideas for locating funding: through the School Department and
its current emphasis on wellness, the Lend A Hand Society The Donuts,the Temple Isaiah
Social Service Fund, hospices, the Town of Lexington and the Kennedy School.