Aurora House Citizens' Advisory Committee

AURORA HOUSE GIRLS’ GROUP HOME CITIZEN’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 09/12/2023 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: September 12, 2023 PLACE OF MEETING: City Hall, Laurel Conference Room MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: Chair, Christina Goodwin, at 7:03 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: Rick Strobach, Deputy Director, Arlington Court Services Unit Approval of Minutes: May 9, 2023, Meeting Minutes approved. Group Home Manager’s Report:  We currently have 5 residents and 4 pending referrals. Two residents were successfully discharged.  Olivia Aponte has started as Residential Counselor. We have 1 vacancy to fill - seeking a bilingual candidate. 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   Brainstorming ideas to provide substance abuse services to Aurora House residents and parents. Plan to collaborate with Arlington County community programs.  Aurora House submitted their CSA renewal application to Arlington County. In the final stages of obtaining signatures. Deciding on renewal of Evidence Based Associates contract for youth stepping down from Bon Air for Independent Living.  Reported scholarship balances.  No scholarship applications. Olom-Porzel College Scholarship Fund Reports:  No applications Scholarships Fund Balance Reports:  Approximately $15K between both accounts. New Business:  The question was asked if we should place an ad in the News Press for an opening with the CAC?  In exploring ideas for residents beyond Aurora House, Mr. Garriga suggested programs run by Pete Baroody.  Mr. Strobach would like to bring guests from other programs with similar missions (such as Girls Outreach) to try to get people that might be at risk involved in program which will help keep them from getting into trouble.  Ms. Lian reported that the Mary Riley Styles Library has a strategic plan that includes how to target age groups. Library programs could be an option for residents.  Ms. Goodwin reported that Book Club went well and that the residents enjoyed it. Ms. Goodwin is thinking of new books for future Book Clubs.  With regard to providing substance abuse support for residents and their parents, the following programs and options were mentioned: NETCAP/Phoenix House, Parent Groups, and HHS has grant money to use toward substance abuse prevention. Concerns were shared about the difficulty of finding appropriate programs. Meeting adjourned: 7:31 PM Next scheduled meeting will be on November 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