Youth Service Advisory Board

NORWICH YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING September 9th, 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 September 9th, 2014 in Room 335 in Norwich City Hall. Those in attendance were as follows: Kay Eyberse-Coordinator NYFS Angela Rae Duhaime-Community Member Officer Michael McKinney-NPD Calla Tetreault-Youth member Jodi Vara-President Erin Wood-Community Member Katelyn Wagner-NPS Jaime Miller-Norwich Tech Duncan Profitt-Community Member Guest: Deb Kievits Absent: Mark Irons-Juvenile Probation Vouise Fonville-DCF Mike McKinney-NPD The meeting was called to order at 8:30. Review of meeting minutes: The meeting of July 8th was cancelled due to difficulties with attendance, so the minutes from May 13th, 2014 were reviewed, the spelling of Calla Tetreault’s name was corrected and the minutes approved with that correction. YBS Programs: Kay reviewed recent programming, including:  Cool Directions- COOL Directions has begun recruiting new young people for the 2014-2015 school year!!! Last year’s success rate averaged 90%, measured across several measures.  SYEP- We employed 113 youth this summer, most of them in the City of Norwich. We had a 92% success rate (not fired or quit and positive feedback)  Summer Jam and Learn- We had a successful summer again, with 20 young people receiving services. Old Business:   Lee-Ann Gomes, the Supervisor of Social Services, is covering Bev Goulet’s responsibilities for the three Human Services Department until the City Manager makes a final decision about the department.  The issue of our 40th anniversary came up---again----and Board members were encouraged to come up with appropriate ideas to mark the year.  Kevin Saythany…..a young UCONN student…..will be joining us as our newest Community Member!!! By the next meeting. New Business:  Jodi reminded members that our usual meeting day in November (the 11th) is actually Veteran’s Day and most Board members will not be working. We agreed to move the day to Monday, November 10th.  Election of Officers will take place at the meeting in November. Jodi, Angela, Katie, and Jaime volunteered to be on the Election Subcommittee. Norwich Prevention Council Subcommittee-  After much discussion, NPC decided to focus on two primary issues for the upcoming year…..prescription drugs/heroin and suicide prevention awareness.  Angela announced to the group that SERAC was awarded the Drug Free Community Grant this year…..$125,000 per year for five years. They are in the process of purchasing a new building in Norwich to relocate to.  There is a mandatory meeting with SERAC regarding the upcoming LPC grant process on September 25th, which Kay will attend. Next Board meeting will be January 13th 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!