Youth Service Advisory Board

Youth and Family Advisory Board Meeting May 15th, 2018 Time: 8:45 a.m. In Attendance Angelo Callis (NYFS), Steve Callender (Norwich PD), Sue Dubb (Uncas Health), Christine Posisch (PFS), Tiana Powell (PFS), Kern Sissch (Joshua Center), Pat McMahon (Community Member/Young Marines), Jodi Savage (NFA), Jaime Miller (Norwich Tech). Old Business/Program Updates • City Budget: Angelo Callis reported that some recreation positions were restored. They have been supportive of youth activities. Still cut up to 5%. Thanks to all who wrote letters for the state budget. Voices for families had to be let go. • Mindfulness Program – 8 kids at Kelly and 7 at Teachers meet 45 minutes a day. Erin reported that they are starting to see improvements. New Business • Summer Jam: Looking for volunteers. They will go through a training with Erin. • Summer Leadership: Starting mid-July open to incoming freshman. We already have 8 signed up. They will pick a topic and create something for middle schoolers. For current NFA students they will be in for 5 days, 4 hours a day. Last year they chose diversity and racism. There are 6 kids signed up. • Joining Forces: Steve Callender reported that they had their last field trip together playing Bingo with Sheltering Arms and went bowling. Their Blood Drive is on June 2nd at the Senior Center. • Family Day: will be on September 16 and will include family music, dance, a race, fishing tournament and activities. Norwich Prevention Council • Suicide Prevention Week – There was 160 people at the Take the First Step Walk and they did everything they set out to. Jodi Savage reported that there was a QPR training, cup sleeves with 211 info were handed out, the heart collage was on display showing what people love to do, information pamphlets were given out during the LAX game, posters were posted and morning announcements were made. • Open Mic Night – Will be on June 5 at 6pm at the Recreation Dept. It’s open to 7-12th graders and the winner gets a $100 Amazon gift card. There will be pizza and drinks. • Compliance Checks/Party Patrols – Alcohol and tobacco checks are in the works and they have to be done separately. From now until August there will be 20 patrols for underage drinking parties. Kids will be brought to JRB or a 7 week program with Christine. Announcements Joining Forces Blood Drive will be on June 2nd at the Senior Center Next Meeting June 19th, 2018 @ 8:45am at 75 Mohegan Road Norwich, CT – Meeting adjourned at 10am