Aurora House Citizens' Advisory Committee

AURORA HOUSE GIRLS’ GROUP HOME CITIZEN’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES DATE OF MEETING: November 16, 2021 PLACE OF MEETING: Aurora House MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: Julia Peterson at 6:17 p.m. THOSE PRESENT: Committee Members Staff Laura Economos Rachel Kindell Christina Goodwin Dana Lewis Julia Peterson, Chair Nancy Vincent Mariam Garriga City Council Liaison David Tarter APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the July 13, 2021 meeting were approved. GROUP HOME MANAGER’S REPORT – Attached. NEW BUSINESS: Budget process – Ms. Vincent discussed how the overall budget process for Aurora House works and how the Arlington County contributions are determined. Aurora House and Argus House are joint Falls Church/Arlington County programs with Aurora House being run by Falls Church and Argus House being run by Arlington County. Each jurisdiction’s share is determined based on their utilization percentage minus any grants and direct payments for service. Activities and needs of Aurora House residents outside of budget – Members discussed the importance of making the facility a home with a nice environment. Ms. Garriga offered to do an interior decorating review. Donations are available to use for some expenses. Ms. Goodwin is securing donated laptops and asked to be informed of the number needed. Members also asked to be informed of volunteer needs including a list of ongoing needs, one-time needs, and when volunteers are needed. Ms. Kindell listed math tutors, financial management, yoga, study habits, and preparing for college as potential needs. Members also asked to be informed of any needs for gift cards. Ms. Kindell listed holiday needs as basic clothing, reading, journaling, and coats. Fundraising needs – Ms. Garriga discussed fundraising efforts undertaken in the past as well as potential future efforts. She is maintaining a connection with Tori McKinney and is planning an auction in connection with her event on December 14, 2021. Potential summer internship program – Ms. Economos discussed a possible summer internship program with Arlington County. Members were in support provided it was a paid internship. Ms. Kindell also expressed support. Election of new Chair – Ms. Goodwin was nominated to serve as Chair. Motion passed unanimously. Other new business • Ms. Peterson offered to do an annual report to City Council in February. • Ms. Vincent will be retiring January 4, 2022. • The next meeting will be January 11, 2022 at 6:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Nancy Vincent