Youth Service Advisory Board

NORWICH YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING March 13th 2012 ROOM 335, NORWICH CITY HALL (860) 823-3782 - FAX (860) 892-6031 Email: nyfs@cityofnorwich.org MINUTES March 13th 2012 The Norwich Youth and Family Services Advisory Board Meeting was held on March 13th 2012 in Room 335 in Norwich City Hall. Those in attendance were as follows: Kay Eyberse-Coordinator Jodi Vara-Norwich Free Academy, President Sorna Sarker – Youth advisory member Anthony J. Gomes – NPD Laura Koniecko - NPS Vouise Fonville-DCF Absent: Soledad Busto-Juvenile Court Duncan Profitt-Community Member Janet Paton Deb Kievits Excused: Angela Rae Duhaime-Community Member Kay Eyberse called the meeting to order at 8:30. Jodi Vara started the meeting by having everyone introduce him/herself, sign in and update any email information. The minutes from the January 2012 meeting were distributed and read. The minutes were approved as written. Program Review ~ • Norwich Youth Action Council-…is having its next meeting on March 26th 2012. The group is having a Tiger's cleanup day at Dodd stadium on April 14th. Member Aracely Reyes has been announced as a finalist for the Liberty Bank Youth in Action award. She will be allowed to donate $100 to the nonprofit of her choice. A NYAC sub committee has worked to develop a draft of formal bylaws for NYAC. They are in the process of firming them up in time for their next meeting. They are hosting a free Movie Night on March 23rd for young children. The movie will be the Ant Bully, in keeping with the anti-bullying theme. The spring Family Fun night has been postponed to June, but NYAC is very involved in the planning of the upcoming World Youth Day, on May 4th.  • Girls Circle… has expanded to 2 days/week. They continue to work on curriculum that is evidenced based and pertaining to self-esteem and decision making. The girls are planning a camping/team building trip in June and will be doing special yoga/art afternoon with Lindsay Mieklam. • Strengthening Families….. We are actively recruiting families for a session to begin in May. Several families have already signed up. There is a limit of 12 families possible. It is going to be taking place Wednesday nights. • JRB and FWSN Boards – are both “overwhelmed” with cases – Kay will be writing a grant to the Community Development Advisory Committee to seek funds for a case manager for both diversion boards • Teen Leadership – is in its 6th week and the kids are starting to formalize their final project, which is going to be about poverty and homelessness. New Business Updates ~ • Empty Bowls is taking place in April at Three Rivers Community College. The proceeds raised will benefit St. Vincent DePaul’s Soup Kitchen. • DCF – referrals are coming in through the new Differential Response network and there is a plan to have a worker assigned to each school. • NFA will be bringing a condensed version of the NFA “R word” campaign to Middle Schools. • Anthony Gomes is working to bring a team for kids with special needs to the Norwich Little League. • National Youth Service Day will be celebrated on May 4th 2012 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 May 8th 2012 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!