Youth Service Advisory Board

NORWICH YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING January 8th, 2013 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 th January 8 , 2013 in Room 335 in Norwich City Hall. Those in attendance were as follows: Kay Eyberse-Coordinator Jodi Vara-Norwich Free Academy, President Deb Kievits-Community Member Janet Paton-Community Member Vouise Fonville-DCF Absent: Duncan Profitt-Community Member Anthony J. Gomes – NP Sorna Sarker-Youth Member/Secretary Soledad Busto-Juvenile Court Angela Rae Duhaime-Community Member Excused: Laura Konieko The meeting was called to order at 8:30. The minutes from the minutes from the meeting on November 13th, were distributed and read. The minutes were approved as written. Kay reviewed the YBS Programs~  Norwich Youth Action Council- The Christmas movie night on December 19th featured the movie “Elf”, for kids preschool - 3rd grade. It was a great success, with 55 parents and children showing up for the festivities. The November 18th Pancake Breakfast/Silent Auction at the Senior Center did well. They raised $994 for the post 9/11 Memorial. Future plans include an upcoming Family Fun night and an evening cooking for the Hospitality Center.  Girls Circle- Girls Circle began in early October for 2012-2013 and continues to go well. We were recently informed that we were awarded $3000 from Dime Bank to expand GC efforts. This will allow us to include an 8 week Mother/Daughter component to be rolled out in the Spring.   Strengthening Families- Strengthening Families will begin at the end of the month. There is room for one more family.  Juvenile Review Board/FWSN- FWSN work has been expanded to Norwich Free Academy.  Cool Directions - We currently have 21 new youth certified for the current year.  Adult/Teen Leadership- Recruitment efforts have been very successful this year. In addition, to the adult program at Three Rivers Community College, Sherry F. was able to get a second training scheduled at Adult Education for ELL adults. It will be co facilitated by the civics teacher at the school.  Norwich Prevention Council Subcommittee- o The first of the Youth Alternative events was held on November 13th at the Otis Library. 50 youth participated in an event that features singing, instrumentals and poetry. The next dates are January 29th at Otis, March 21st at NFA, and June 20th at NFA. o The prescription drop box has arrived. A subcommittee was formed including Deb, Jodi and Kay to discuss roll out plans. o The Youth Impacted by Addiction group has begun at the Sachem Street School and will continue through spring. o The Council will be exploring the possibility of creating a video using the NFA SADD youth that could run on public access and morning announcements that would educate youth about changes in the marijuana laws. New Business ~  NYFS is meeting with personnel at NFA to brainstorm creative solutions to the youth homeless issue. Estimates of up to 60 youth are currently at risk and insecure in their living situation.  Jan, Debbie, Jodi and Kay will be meeting as a subcommittee to review bylaws. Suggestion for new meeting times and places were discussed, including meeting with SRO Gomes at the Middle School.  It was announced that the southeast regional CYSA will be hosting a Legislative Breakfast to educate new members about the importance of Youth Service Bureaus.  Vouise gave the Board an update on DCF changes, which includes an increase in the hiring of ARGs and the addition of 2 new Child Consultants for each Region. He also reviewed the work he does individually, recruiting youth to tour historical black colleges. He typically takes 40 students per year and works closely with Leo Butler at NFA. Next Board meeting will be March 12thth 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!