Aurora House Citizens' Advisory Committee

AURORA HOUSE GIRLS’ GROUP HOME CITIZEN’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 11/08/2022 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: November 08, 2022 PLACE OF MEETING: City Hall, Laurel Conference Room MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: Chair, Christina Goodwin, at 7:01 PM THOSE PRESENT: Committee Members Staff Laura Economos Rachel Kindell Christina Goodwin, Chair Dana Jones Mariam Garriga Christine Katcher City Council Liaison Caroline Lian Others Present: Rick Strobach, Val Cloutier Approval of Minutes: July 19, 2022 Meeting Minutes Approved Group Home Manager’s Report:  Aurora house is experiencing gaps in employment. Currently 4 positions open.  Moving toward QTRP certification.  We are seeing an increase in residents with metal health issues and substance abuse issues. 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 New Business: i) Scholarship Application - Scholarship renewal approved. ii) Trauma Informed Spaces Update - Trauma informed spaces almost completed. Hoping to finish in 2 weeks. The Office of Communications is asking for photos. iii) Fundraising – Ms. Garriga would like to propose events similar to the last fundraising event at Falls Church Distillers which raised $5,000 just before COVID. Would like to focus on a celebration day (i.e. “Taco Day” or a day centered around the residents). Planning a December email-based fundraiser. Would like to do another auction. Quinn’s Auction maybe be able to help or local restaurants. Would like to start thinking about auction items and would prefer to hold an auction/fundraiser in the City of Falls Church. The bowling ally could be an option. Aurora House also usually receives money from Treefest. iv) Internship Update – Mr. Strobach reports that the plan is to refocus. Thinking of looking for an organization in the County to host an intern. The program should probably be a summer program or project. Would like for participants to have exposure to more than just Recreation & Parks and Courts. Possible tie to the school system. Plan to keep the internship program on the CAC agenda. v) Discussion of presenting the CAC Annual Report at the January City Council Meeting. vi) Discussion about resources for Aurora House and its residents particularly for the holidays. The possibility of activities for foster care residents and gift cards for the holidays. Meeting adjourned: 8:05 PM Next scheduled meeting will be on January 10, 2023 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