Aurora House Citizens' Advisory Committee

AURORA HOUSE GIRLS’ GROUP HOME CITIZEN’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 09/08/2022 PURPOSE OF MEETING: The Aurora House Citizens’ Advisory Committee provides consultation to the Aurora House Manager regarding community resources and public awareness; advises the City Council and Arlington County Board of Aurora House's needs, budget, and services; and serves as community liaison through area organizations, civic groups, and other boards and commissions. DATE OF MEETING: July 19, 2022 PLACE OF MEETING: City Hall, Laurel Conference Room MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: Chair, Christina Goodwin, at 6:04 PM THOSE PRESENT: Committee Members Staff Laura Economos Rachel Kindell Christina Goodwin, Chair Dana Lewis Mariam Garriga Christine Katcher City Council Liaison Caroline Lian Others Present: Rick Strobach Approval of Minutes: February 08, 2022 Meeting Minutes Approved March 08, 2022 Meeting Minutes Approved May 03, 2022 Meeting Minutes Approved with modifications Old Business: Did not receive many internship applications. May have to begin process earlier in the future. Should also look at streamlining the process. Would like to talk to Mr. Karintonas and others higher in the organization for input. The City of Falls Church complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This document will be made available in an alternative format upon request. Call 703-248-5005 (TTY 711). The Aurora House • 420 South Maple Avenue • Falls Church, Virginia 22046 TEL 703-237-6622 • FAX 703-237-6624 • www.fallschurchva.gov Group Home Manager’s Report:  Currently 5 residents with 2 pending referrals.  Receiving more referrals from Alexandria and Fairfax with efforts for expanded service to Prince William and Winchester.  Also involved in strategic planning efforts with Merrifield Mental Health Services to possibly serve SA clients and with DJJ specialist to discuss spectrum of respite services. More substance abuse treatments are needed within the community than is currently available.  Aurora House received a 99.8 for 3-year DJJ Certification audit.  New policies have been put in place by Director Floriano for PREA and by Deputy Director Holmon for supervision of resident searches of transgender and intersex residents.  Received a Scholarship Application.  Received a grant of $1,000 from Arlington Bar to use towards special activities. New Business: i) Food Class – Ms. Katcher has a volunteer. ii) Scholarship Application – When students reapply, CAC would like to see their grades. iii) Providence Players – Ms. Garriga has a contact that may participate in the community theater workshop and behind the scenes opportunities. iv) Trauma Informed Spaces – Painting for the Group Room has been approved and some scheduling challenges have been worked out to finish some of the work Facilities will move the chair downstairs to the phone nook as requested. Volunteer for mural painting is pending approval. Aurora House will only need to pay for the materials for the mural. Rachel will check with DJJ regarding changing out some switches for dimmer switches. The whole budget from the X Fund for the project has been used. The money in the Falls Church City Budget for new carpeting, would be better spent on luxury vinyl. Meeting adjourned: 7:08 PM Next scheduled meeting will be on November 01, 2022 SIGNATURE OF RECORDER: Amy Howell The City of Falls Church complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This document will be made available in an alternative format upon request. Call 703-248-5005 (TTY 711). The Aurora House • 420 South Maple Avenue • Falls Church, Virginia 22046 TEL 703-237-6622 • FAX 703-237-6624 • www.fallschurchva.gov