Commission on Family Services

Commission on Family Services Meeting Minutes– Skokie Village Hall Dec. 6, 2023 7:00 pm Present: Commissioners Harold Primack (Chair), Marjorie Goran, Hilary Hunter, Laila Iqbal, Shajan Jose, Linda Lara, Daniel Mann, Peggy Molina, Arnie Oskin, Melissa Ponce, Valerie Riley, Naadirah Shapley- Wells, Annie Shear, Phillip Shefren, Daniel Stalilonis, London Summerville, Melissa Versch (Staff Liaison) Absent: Commissioners Michelle Friedman, Jo Hammerman, Nancy Schwartz, Trustee Edie Sue Sutker I. Call to Order: Approval of Agenda Meeting called to order at 7:09pm. Agenda approved by consent. II. Approval of Nov. 1, 2023 Minutes Approved by consent. III. Chair’s Report: Harold Primack As a reminder, we have talked about the importance of subcommittees working collaboratively with the Commission and other organizations to extend the reach of what we can do. When we partner with other groups, we increase the impact we can have. Boomers and Beyond, the Town Hall Meeting and the Produce Initiative are good examples. The subcommittees are innovation centers and organizers. After completing an initiative, there needs to be a review about how to improve and whether we do it again. It’s important for subcommittees to work as a team. That’s how we can be successful. IV. Health and Human Service Report: Staff Liaison, Melissa Versch Skokie Health and Human Services volunteers have been taking Medicare Open Enrollment appointments. To date, SHIP counselors have met with 105 people, about half of whom have changes plans. SHIP counselors meet with people year-round for Medicare issues. New applicants may get help with enrolling in Medicare through the Social Security Administration. V. Old Business: A. Seniors Subcommittee - Boomers and Beyond 2023 The November 3 event was successful. 430 people attended and 40 exhibitors participated. Many compliments were heard and vendors asked to be invited back to the next event. The Park District, Library, North Shore Senior Center, CJE, Chamber of Commerce and Advocate were all very helpful partners. There were six speakers who did educational programs. Thank you to everyone on the Commission who helped with that event. We will be having the volunteers and people on the planning committee for a dinner on December 18. The event will likely be done again in the year 2025. B. At-Risk Youth and Families Subcommittee - Diaper Drive London reported that the Diaper Drive collected almost 10,000 diapers. 70% came from the Amazon wish list. Most of the other donations were dropped off at the fire station. All diapers were delivered to the food pantry. The library site did not collect as many donations. There has been discussion about doing another drive in May, possibly in collaboration with other  organizations. We feel we can publicize it better. We also discussed adding diapers to the summer farmers market donation drive. Arnie shared that the flyers and posters included a QR code, which made it easy to go to the website and have donations go directly to the pantry. This helped make the drive successful. A Commissioner asked about expanding the drive to other items. If expanded, there would need to be a demonstrated need. For example, feminine hygiene products may be needed. However, the simplicity of the Diaper Drive may have contributed to the success. C. Disabilities Subcommittee - Town Hall Meeting Harold, Michelle, and Melissa met with the Mayor to discuss the goals of the Town Hall Meeting: to get feedback about what is working well and what can be better. Recommendations can then be made to Village Trustees. We don’t know what recommendations will be. With support, hopefully it will be successful. The event is scheduled for April 14. Keshet, Orchard Village, Shore, Library, JCFS, Douglas Center, D219 are involved. There was discussion about including other organizations, possibly more regarding mental health providers. D. Jan. 3, 2024 commission meeting is cancelled. The next meeting will be February 7. VI. New Business: A commissioner asked about outreach to migrants. Melissa V responded that local organizations and welcoming centers provide case management to help immigrants access resources. Community members have made donations to local groups, like the clothing closet and food pantry. If wanting to offer housing or other support, people are encouraged to contact organizations that are already doing the work. VII. Citizen Comments: None. VIII. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:52pm. Next Meeting: Feb 7, 2024, 7:00 p.m. at Skokie Village Hall