Cultural Connections Committee

Ethnic Awareness Committee Meeting January 17, 2013 Room 208 Nashua City Hall In attendance: Tom Lopez, Collin Lever, Carlos Camache, Sharon Dalton, MaryAnn Ginelle Testa, Claudia Mahan, Muchuma Niva, Pat Howson, Scott Jaquitz, Andrew Smith. Not in attendance were Ann Ackerman, Paul Bergeron, 1. Introduction of Members and visitors - Ronni Karlsberg announced that in Ann Ackerman’s absence, she would be running the meeting with Muchuma Niva. The members of the committee introduced themselves. Visitors: - Juana Pagan from the Nashua Soup Kitchen - Ginelle Tesla from Rivier College - Augustin Ntabahganyimana of Lutheran Services - Amy Marchildon from Lutheran Services 2. Motion to approve minutes from last meeting by Tom Lopez, seconded by Carlos Camache. The motion passed. 3. Motion to change the order of business to allow presentation/discussion with guest by Sharon Dalton, seconded by Pat Howson. The motion passed. 4. Guest speakers Augustin Ntabahgamyimana of Lutheran Services, which has been facilitating the meetings of the Gate City Immigration Initiative Group shared information on their group. He was accompanied by Amy Marchildon. Highlights include: a. Gate City Initiative lost their funding but they continue to meet to resolve some issues. b. Lutheran Services has been facilitating the group. c. They meet monthly on the 4th Monday of the month where they give updates on refugees and what is happening with city services. They also discuss legal and illegal immigration issues. d. The ultimate goal is for refugees to become acclimated to the community. e. There will be an open house on 2/7/2013 from 5:30 to 8:00pm at 18 Franklin Street. f. There is a desperate need for services. g. Perhaps psychology interns could work with refugees. h. They are trying to raise awareness and to get more volunteers. Tom Lopez asked how long the refugee families Augustin replied that every case is different, but basically the funding for refugee families is for 6 months. Niva asked what the group’s position is as far as mental health issues, adding that mental health should be a priority.  Amy responded that services are sorely needed. On the state level the agency is the Minority Health and Refugee Affairs. They are looking for a holistic approach in dealing with the mentally ill. Tom stated that Community Council and Harbor Homes are already in place. There is no reason to reinvent the wheel. Sharon asked about difficulties with languages. Augustin responded that they operate a Language Bank. Claudia asked if there are people in place who are prepared and understand new people when they settle here. She stated that she was concerned about using psychology interns. Amy explained that they offer several training, especially trauma training. Niva asked if the group is prepared to service the new people coming in. Augustin responded that there is not a lot of preparation for new groups coming in. He added that in the next 10-15 years it is expected that 50,000 refugees will be coming into the U.S. Sharon stated that maybe the EAC can help with volunteers. 5. Old Business a. Carlos Camacho updated the committee on the Nashua Police Department’s work with the Latino Community. There will be a police officer training on January 23rd that will deal with the youth. Some of the newest officers will be in attendance. He added that Ed Lecius is the contact person for the Latino community. His email is LecuisE@Nashua.com. b. Reception/gathering of diverse Nashua ethnic groups. There was a consensus of the committee that nothing has been done regarding this. Ronni Karlsberg reported that there had been an issue with the Jewish community attending an event on a Friday night. She was informed the event would take place from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm at the library for a “meet and greet”, not a meeting of any kind. She will discuss it again with Ann Ackerman. 6. New Business a. Election of Officers – Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary. There is no need for a Treasurer.  Motion by Tom to Nominate Niva as Chair (seconded by Sharon Dalton)  Motion by Niva to nominate Tom as Chair (seconded by Carlos)  Claudia made a motion to close the nominations for Chair (seconded by Tom)  Clarification: Niva does not want to run against anyone. He would run for Vice Chair if Tom wants to become Chair.  Motion to withdraw the nomination by Tom, seconded by Andrew.   A vote was taken on the slate as presented: Tom as chair, Niva as Vice Chair and Ronni as secretary.  A roll call vote was taken. The motion passes. b. Andy reported on the DMC in Nashua, announcing that Judge Leary is attending the meetings. He added that he finally feels there is some “traction”. 7. Motion by Claudia (seconded by Niva) to adjourn the meeting at 4:45 pm.