Youth Service Advisory Board

Youth and Family Advisory Board Meeting March 20th, 2018 Time: 8:45 a.m. In Attendance Erin Haggan (Youth and Family Services), Tiana Powell (PFS), Jodi Savage (Norwich Free Academy), Jaime Miller (Norwich Tech), Judith Post (Community Member), Susan Dubb (Uncas Health), Kerri Sisson. Old Business/Program Updates • Parent Workshops – It is open to parents of any grades. Five people have signed up for each event. Some dates have changed due to snow days. • After School Programs – Wellness Program at Kelly Middle has 26 kids signed up. They will participate in activities like yoga, karate and hula hoop and learn leadership skills 3 times a week. • Staffing Updates – Vicky from the Rec Dept. has retired and Janice from Norwich Human Services is part time until her replacement is ready. Angelo is back from surgery and will be working part time. New Business • School Based Diversion Initiative Grant – New grant will address out of school suspension kids and kids at risk of being arrested. It will involve 8-10 kids, 4 days a week, mediation, relaxation, on 5th day of week CBT group to work on learning to change behavior. Allows us to also contract someone to help for 7 hours a week to assist with JRB and FWSN Case Management • NYAC – o Earth Day event on April 12 at the Senior Center will have arts & crafts, vendors related to energy and going green. Coordinating with volunteers from Norwich Tech. o On April 10 there will be a hygiene project at Wequonec, teaching kids about germs and good hygiene practices through puppet show and coloring book, including giving kids hygiene products. o NYAC is also working on an anti-bullying project for Uncas school. • FWSN Referrals – Ages 5-17 years old. Not all go to FWSN Board. Kids will not go to court. • Boys Council – Boys council starts today with Norwich Human Services intern Andre. It will include 10-12 boys at each of the middle schools (Kelly Middle and Teachers 6th Grade.) Norwich Prevention Council • Suicide Prevention Week/Walk – Suicide Prevention Week is held the last week in April (23rd-27th) and the Take the First Step Walk is on April 28th (Saturday). o Jodi reported that they will do a collage and video project of kids doing what they love. EMPS will have a table at the high schools during lunch. NFA approved the 211 message for the sleeves for the hot/cold cups and they will order them. There will be representation from the Prevention Council at the Lax to Live Lacrosse Game at NFA on April 24th at 4pm with the Brian Dagle Foundation. Additionally, students will create “Who Can Help You?” posters to humanize the counselors/social workers. Morning announcements will be made throughout the week as well. • Norwich Unhooked – Tiana presented NorwichUnhooked.org to show what the website offers and if you would like any events posted on the website or Facebook please contact Tiana. Announcements Joining Forces Blood Drive will be on June 2nd at the Senior Center Next Meeting April 24th, 2018 @ 8:45am at 75 Mohegan Road Norwich, CT – Meeting adjourned at 10am Page 2