Aurora House Citizens' Advisory Committee

AURORA HOUSE GIRLS’ GROUP HOME CITIZEN’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 01/10/2023 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: January 10, 2023 PLACE OF MEETING: City Hall, Laurel Conference Room MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: Chair, Christina Goodwin, at 7:05 PM THOSE PRESENT: Committee Members Staff Laura Economos Rachel Kindell Christina Goodwin, Chair Dana Jones Mariam Garriga Christine Katcher City Council Liaison Val Cloutier Caroline Lian Others Present: N/A Approval of Minutes: November 8, 2022 Meeting Minutes Approved with spelling corrections. Group Home Manager’s Report:  All residents had an amazing holiday break with activities and gifts made possible by the CAC and CFCPD.  Continuing to recruit for Residential Counselor and Residential Supervisor.  Report of Scholarship balances.  Received 2 Scholarship Applications. 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 Olom-Porzel College Scholarship Fund Reports:  Goal to reach out as much as possible for fundraisers.  Grow the list of contacts as much as possible.  Goal for each member to reach out to all contacts. Scholarships Fund Balance Reports:  Discussion was had to make the maximum scholarship amount $2,500.  Scholarship #1 was approved after discussion regarding the scholarship paying for classes and books but not living expenses. CAC members would like to see the recipients 2 prior applications. Discussion was had about applicant dropping a math class.  Scholarship #2 was approved. New Business:  Would like a review of the Internship Program. Expand to other departments beyond Parks & Recreation and Courts. Would like to work with schools. Utilize Ms. Katcher’s assistance. Ms. Economos will speak with Ms. Katcher and Rick Strobach.  Ms. Garriga reports that Clare & Don’s is set to host the auction in May 13th (International Every Girl Wins Day) from 4:30p-8:00p. They will have a limited menu and a portion of the proceeds will go to Aurora House. Tickets purchased in advance will be used for admission instead of a donation at the door. $15-$20 per ticket? Possibility of a drink ticket and a couple’s ticket. There will also be musicians at the auction. There may be a presentation regarding Aurora House focusing on efforts of the auction and sponsors. Clare & Don’s has also offered to host an additional fundraiser. Ms. Garriga would like to get some sponsors for auction items and would also like to get gift cards for the performers. Ms. Garriga asked for volunteers to send out a letter asking for auction donations (gift cards, basket items, etc.). The fundraising goal is around $10,000. Meeting adjourned: 8:31 PM Next scheduled meeting will be on March 14, 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