Commission on Family Services

Commission on Family Services Meeting Minutes December 1, 2021 Present: Commissioners Harold Primack (Chair), Yolanda Bender, Bonnie Eckstein, Jo Hammerman, Shajan Jose (Vice Chair), Wendy Katznelson, Daniel Mann, Brian McHugh (Human Services Liaison), Valerie Riley, Philip Shefren, Melissa Versch. Guest: Marjorie Goran. Absent: Commissioners Jaime Garcia, Laila Iqbal, Heather O'Donnell, Joshua Orlan, Arnie Oskin, Nichole Perry, Annie Shear, Mike Stiehl, Edie Sue Sutker (Village Trustee Liaison). I. Call to order at 7:08pm II. Approval of agenda: Agenda was approved III. Approval of minutes: The October 6, 2021 and November 3, 2021 minutes were approved. IV. Welcome and Opening Remarks: Harold noted that three Commissioners have left the Commission due to family or professional reasons - Matt McKellar, Harry Litberg, and Dr. Ed McCarron. V. Guest Speakers: Harold introduced Bonnie Kahn Ognisanti, Niles Township Food Pantry (NTFP) Supervisor, and Ruth Orme-Johnson, Niles Township General Assistance Director, who gave a thorough overview of the Township resources and programs and was followed by questions and answers from Commissioners. A detailed Power Point Presentation was emailed to the Commissioners following the meeting (see attached). Niles Township comprises all Skokie and Lincolnwood and parts of Morton Grove, Niles, Glenview and Golf. The food pantry is funded through property taxes; however, toiletries and diapers are funded through donations. Bonnie expressed her thanks to the Commission's Fresh Produce Initiative as the produce is available to food pantry clients every Monday. NTFP provided all food for 10% of Niles Township household, and 70% of these households are in Skokie. This comprises 7,000 individuals. In addition, 1,100 children are registered at the food pantry. NTFP collaborates and links up with the National Diaper Association and other community agencies, such as Erie health and Asian Human Services. Questions: 1. What if immigrants do not qualify for SNAP? NTFP doesn't ask immigration status so resources are available for everyone. NTFP partners with many community agencies. Skokie has more low-income housing, also the largest population of other towns in the Township. 2. How to donate? Go to the website. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated! 3. How do people who need these services find out about them? Through social media/print media/relationships with and referrals by community agencies and local school districts.  4. Does the NTFP need volunteers? 90% of the volunteers are those with intellectual disabilities, or individuals who are court mandated for community service. There is a community garden that does need volunteers. 5. Is there something as a commission that we can do to help? Yes - send clients, donate clothes, diapers, donate to the gift card give-away at the holidays and the back to school (backpack) program. VI. Health and Human Service Report: Brian McHugh: 1. The Assist-A-Family Program is going well and donations are coming in. 2. A SHIP counselor will be available to help with income tax preparation starting in February and appointments are being taken for March. 3. The Co-Responder Program went out on 88 calls in November. 4. The Lending Closet has durable medical equipment and supplies available. 5. The social worker position at the Village is posted and the hiring process is moving forward. 6. Covid vaccines are available through the Village and people can call for appointments. 7. The mask mandate is due to expire but will most likely be extended. VII. Old Business: A. Boomers and Beyond Senior Resource Fair - Harold reached out to the 2019 event steering committee people. The suggestion is that it be moved to fall 2023 due to Covid and time needed for planning. B. Mission Statement - A subcommittee was formed and met (Commissioners Melissa Versch, Phil Shefren, Harold Primack and Arnie Oskin). Melissa reported that the proposed mission statement uses wording taken from the original purpose of the Commission. It is more general and therefore more inclusive. It is not currently being addressed by any other Commissions. The proposed statement was approved and Harold will submit it to the Mayor to determine if Village Board approval is needed. VIII. New Business: A. Subcommittees - Harold suggested three possible subcommittees - seniors, people with disabilities, and at-risk youth/families. B. Commissioner Mike Stiehl offered to make a presentation analyzing 2020 census data/trends. This will perhaps be at the February meeting. C. January and February Commission meetings - Harold suggested canceling the January meeting. Next meeting will be in February. IX. Citizen Comments: None. X. Adjournment at 8:20pm. Next meeting: February 2, 2022 at 7:00pm