Youth Service Advisory Board

NORWICH YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING January 11, 2011 ROOM 335, NORWICH CITY HALL (860) 823-3782 - FAX (860) 892-6031 Email: nyfs@cityofnorwich.org MINUTES The Norwich Youth and Family Services Advisory Board Meeting was held on May 10th, 2011 in Room 335 in Norwich City Hall. Those in attendance were as follows: Kay Eyberse-Coordinator Jodi Vara-Norwich Free Academy, President Laura Wraight-Norwich Public Schools Soledad Busto-Juvenile Court Duncan Profitt-Community Member Vouise Fonville-DCF Deb Kievits Excused: Angela Rae Duhaime-Community Member Guest: Ross Anderson Absent: Ryan Kelsey-NPD Kay Eyberse called the meeting to order at 8:30. Kay started the meeting by having everyone introduce him/herself, sign in and update any email information. The minutes from the March 8th, 2011 meeting were distributed and read. The minutes were approved as written. Guest: Ross Anderson, the NPS Extended Learning Coordinator, reviewed the upcoming summer programming. The Summer program is already full at Stanton school. There will be parent pick up and drop off this year and a small fee is being charged. 185 kids will attend from 8:30-3:30. He is currently writing a grant to bring after school programming to Thames River Academy 3 days a week, but has learned that will be no new funding coming up for SS/HS and Learn and Serve $$ have been cut entirely. Program Review ~ • The Quarterly Report from January-March was dispersed and reviewed by members. • Norwich Youth Action Council- NYAC is meeting regularly and planning volunteer and fund raising events. Their funding raising event “Flocking Flamingos for Summer Fun” begins on Monday May 16th and will continue until Friday June 17th. Their goal is to raise $1200-1400. They also will be cosponsoring a blood drive at the Rose City Senior Center on Monday June 20th. The NYAC youth attended the Governor’s  Public hearing at Norwich City Hall on March 9th to thank him for his support of YSBs across the State. • Girls Circle- Girls Circle will continue until the end of the month. • Strengthening Families- The Strengthening Families program is in full swing and getting rave reviews from participants. This program is for at-risk children and their parents. The program is geared towards 10-14 year olds. • COOL Directions- COOL Directions continues its work with youth in work, education and training. We are anticipating funding for a Summer Youth Employment Program and are awaiting details from the State regarding funding amounts. • Both Adult and Teen Leadership trainings are wrapping up and are in the project phase of their training. PEP (People Empowering People) has begun at Thames River Family Program. All transitional housing recipients are participating. • All of the Norwich Prevention Council events ( 2 SADD events, one at the Otis Library in late March, and one at Family Fun Night in early April; 2 KICK BUTTS Days at each Middle School in early May) were highly successful. The Council continues to plan its media campaign. New Business Updates ~ • Last night was the final public hearing before the Council passes its proposed budget. Kay, Jodi, Duncan and Debbie made themselves available to speak and thank the Council for reconsidering proposed cuts. As of now there will be no cuts at the City side of the budget. Wrap-Up ~ • “What does Youth and Family Services need from me?” • “What can Youth and Family Services do for me?” Next Board meeting will be July 12th, 2011 from 8:30-9:30am. Room 335 in City Hall Refreshments will be served. All are welcome! NYFS is now on Facebook. Check it out for program updates, tips and upcoming events!