Youth Service Advisory Board

NORWICH YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING May 13th, 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 May 13th, 2014 in Room 335 in Norwich City Hall. Those in attendance were as follows: Angelo Callis-NYFS Staff Angela Rae Duhaime-Community Member Officer Michael McKinney-NPD Calla Tetreault-Youth member Jodi Vara-President Guest: Deb Kievits Excused: Erin Wood Katie Wagner Kay Eyberse Absent: Duncan Profit Vouise Fonville Mark Irons Jaime Miller The meeting was called to order at 8:30. YBS Programs~ Angelo and Jodi briefly reviewed all NYFS programs, including: • Cool Directions- Is on track to meet their success rate for the year. • SYEP- NYFS is currently accepting applications for youth employment. Final figures have not arrived yet from the Sate regarding money, but it is understood that a minimum of 85-90 youth will be hired this summer. • NYAC – It was reported that the kids just executed a highly successful food collection drive a Stop and Shop for CFNs/NPS weekend backpack program. Young children identified as food insecure or being sent home with food bags on Fridays for the weekend. They are also planning a Summer Family Fun Night on Tuesday June 10th at the Senior Center. Flyers were handed out. • Summer Jam and Learn- Recruitment has begun for the summer diversion program. Youth from 8-14 at-risk are eligible. New Business • The budget for Youth Services appears stable at this time • Big News…..Bev has announced her retirement as Director of Human Services! Hurray Bev. No word as to what any of this means for the department. Norwich Prevention Council Subcommittee- • The final “Youth Alternative” event will take place on Friday June 27th….”Summer Dance Night” • Marijuana education series is being planned with Sachem School in June. The entire school will participate. • The Norwich Suicide Prevention Alliance supported the 3 high schools in their Suicide Prevention Week ….the week of April 21st. They had a series of events occurring all week and it ended with the 2nd Annual “Take the First Step” Suicide Prevention Walk on Saturday April 26th. Next Board meeting will be July 8th 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!