Youth Service Advisory Board

NORWICH YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING January 14th, 2014 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 January 14th, 2014 in Room 335 in Norwich City Hall. Those in attendance were as follows: Kay Eyberse-Coordinator Angela Rae Duhaime-Community Member Officer Michael McKinney-NPD Katie Wagner--NPS Guest: Deb Kievits Excused: Vouise Fonville Jodi Vara Calla Tatro Erin Wood Absent: Duncan Profit The meeting was called to order at 8:30. The minutes from the minutes from the meeting on November 12h, were distributed, but a quorum was not available for a vote. They will be redistributed at next meeting. YBS Programs~ Kay briefly reviewed all NYFS programs, including:  Cool Directions-Has certified all of it’s participants for the year. This is a grant renewal year and competition will be fierce. OPP will be applying for access to this funding cycle.  Juvenile Justice Programming (JRB, FWSN and NFA FWSN) The “Color of Justice” forum is being held on January 16th at the Owens audition and is open to the public. It addresses disproportionate minority representation amongst youth of color.  NYAC recruitment/Leadership recruitment- Kay reported that we have great participation this year from Norwich Tech in NYAC and have several youth from Sachem campus who have connected. Leadership will be getting off the ground in February.  Counseling and in-school supports – Kay reported that Angelo is providing services to Sachem campus and Teachers Memorial, in the form of both individual and  group support. The entire senior class at Sachem will soon be involved in a senior group.  Girls Circle—Membership in Girl’s Circle contains new youth and some from last year.  Strengthening Families—Staff is actively recruiting from the 4th, 5th and 6th grades this year for a group to start in February. All of the public schools will be informed and the students will receive info in their backpacks. Kay reported that they are recruiting from the IDCS this year as well. New Business Kay reported that she has no news about the upcoming budget at this time. Norwich Prevention Council Subcommittee-  The Youth Impacted by Addiction group at Sachem Street School will begin it’s second round after exams in January.  The first SADD Coffeehouse is being held on 1/28 at the Otis Library  The Norwich Suicide Prevention Alliance has decided to focus on Q,P,R trainings throughout the City. They are as follows: 1. 1/30… NFA youth 2. 2/7 … St. Mark’s youth and adults 3. 2/10… Norwich Tech youth 4. 2/23….St.Pat’s youth 5. 3/12….Tech Teachers 6. 3/13….NPS teachers 7. 3/20….NFA paras 8. 3/26th…Soup kitchen mixed 9. 4/10…..NPS paras Kay also reported that the Alliance is investing in an across the road banner and tee shirts that will support a week long Suicide Prevention Awareness Week by the High Schools in the Spring. There has been some discussion about changing the date of the “Take the First Step” walk a thon to the end of that week to support the efforts. Next Board meeting will be March 11th 2013 from 8:30-10:00 am. Room 335 in City Hall All are welcome! NYFS is now on Facebook. Check it out for program updates, tips and upcoming events!