Commission on the Social Status of African-American Males

M I N U T E S MICHIGAN CITY COMMISSION ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES Wednesday, May 11, 2014 Commissioners Present: Commissioners Absent: Arthur Payne, Jr. Albertine Allen-Out of town training Joan Ganschow James Stemmler Rodney Washington Nila Williams-Job training-out of town Faye Moore Duane Parry-Council Liaison Lester Norvell Marty Corley- Job Trng. Florida Geri Jones Willie Milsap Pastor Damon Carnes Also Present: Andy Steel- Cameraman SPEAKER: Magistrate Greta Friedman Kimberly Williams- Stepping Stone Staff MISSION STATEMENT: To identify and recommend public remedies to increase, broaden and improve the economic, educational, social and professional status of the African-American male locally. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at approximately 12:06 pm by Commissioner Arthur Payne, Jr. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Faye Moore called the roll – Attendance and absences are reflected above. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: We DO NOT HAVE A QUROM, approval of minutes tabled for next meeting. GUEST SPEAKER: Attorney Greta Friedman –Superior Court Magistrate for 6 years Magistrate Friedman passed out a packet of materials, articles, and websites on the subject of, “Drug Courts.”  The Legislature has over hauled the criminal code, which will go in affect July 1, 2014  Felony- Level 1 is the highest and Level 6 is the lowest level  Violent offenders in Prisons and Jails  Community Corrections allow you to work and attend treatment – LaPorte County new facility opened November 2013  Alternatives to jail: GPS/ Home Detention Unit – ankle bracelet; Home Detention/ Community Corrections; SCRAM = Secure Continuous Remote Access Monitoring 24/7; Road Crews; Drug Court  Drug Courts – 18 month Program (3 graduates out of twenty-five) o Serious Addicts o Alcoholics o Phase 1 – Group Therapy three hours- once a week (30 days) + Random drug screens o Phase 2 Group therapy three hours –three times a week + random drug screens + self help group + find a job/school or volunteering (90 days) + see your counselor twice a week. o Phase 3 All of the above + you must try something outside your comfort zone, i.e. go to a church, if you never attended church; go to a church of a different denomination if you do attend church. o Phase 4 - All require you to pay fees ($50) a month plus sliding scale fees for treatment –(6 months) o Phase 5 – Buy Out – Learning how to balance life without drugs or alcohol – Graduation in July – Superior Court #1 Judge Boklund and Judge Alevisos o TEAM: Defense attorney; Choices Counseling, Inc.; Swanson Center; Community Corrections; Case Managers; Parole; Probation; Prosecutor’s Office; Evaluator (PNC) collect data; LaPorte 1  County Drug Free Partnership- everyone on the team has had extensive training and are certified through State. Meetings take place every week and information is shared. Home checks are done over the week-ends. Best practices – 24 hours in jail is a possible sanction; incentives are given for good behavior and to encourage participants; coins with positive sayings are given to encourage participants. 75% who graduate will NOT RELASPSE. o Veterans Court – Magistrate Friedman explained this program as well. There were several questions and answers, please review at: www.accesslaportecounty.org This presentation was very informative and lasted over forty-five minutes of the one hour meeting session, therefore the minutes have been condensed. TREASURER’S REPORT: No Report – Commissioner Corley at training. COMMITTEE/COMMISSIONERS REPORTS: (Round Table): Commissioner Joan Ganschow: ICJA speaker was ex-addict, ex-offender who now runs a homeless shelter. His presentation was excellent and very informative of a success story. PAVE – Picnic –May 31, 2014 – all vendors welcome – Noon- 11 pm at the Jaycee Stage area in Washington Park. For more information contact: Commissioner Marty Corley (219) 229-9691. Commissioner Arthur Payne, Jr.: Passed out flyer – Thursday – June 12, 2014 Job Expo at A.K. Smith Center – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (Must bring driver’s license, have passed GED test or high school diploma) Gary Commission and East Chicago along with Michigan City Commission will be putting together another Expungement Workshop – more information will be forthcoming. OLD BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS: None PUBLIC COMMENT: Kimberly Williams – Program Manager- Stepping Stone Stated she enjoyed the presentation and made the following announcement: First Annual Step into the Nite June 6, 2014 @ 7:30 pm – Starting at Health Linc -7th & Franklin (Please wear purple) Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Norvell, seconded by Commissioner Jones. We adjourned at 1:18 pm. Submitted by Secretary Faye Moore- June 4, 2014 NEXT MEETING JULY 9, 2014 AT NOON –City Hall West Conference Room 2