Commission on Family Services

Commission on Family Services Meeting Agenda – Skokie Village Hall April 3, 2024 7:00 pm Present: Commissioners Harold Primack (Chair), Marjorie Goran, Jo Hammerman, Hilary Hunter, Daniel Mann, Peggy Molina, Arnie Oskin, Melissa Ponce, Erin Ryan (NC), Nancy Schwartz, Annie Shear, Phillip Shefren, Daniel Stalilonis, London Summerville, Melissa Versch (Staff Liaison) Absent: Commissioners Michelle Friedman, Laila Iqbal, Shajan Jose (Vice Chair), Linda Lara, Valerie Riley, Naadirah Shapley-Wells, Trustee Edie Sue Sutker I. Call to Order: Approval of Agenda Approved by consent. II. Guest Speaker: Jessica Littmann – Experiences sponsoring a Rohingya family Presentation by Jessica Littman, granddaughter of Holocaust survivors and immigrants to the United States. Littmann shared the experiences of her grandmother and the values passed on to her, which contributed to her decision to sponsor a Rohingya family. As a co-sponsor, responsibilities include making a home, raising support and being a friend. Littmann identified “being a friend” as a primary need. III. Approval of March 6, 2024 Minutes Approved by consent. IV. Chair’s Report: Harold Primack The Village reception for board members and commissioners was very nice. It was an opportunity to connect with others and hear about the efforts by the Village to compost and reduce greenhouse gasses. V. Health and Human Service Report: Staff Liaison, Melissa Versch The YWCA’s United Against Racism is this month. This year, instead of a one-day demonstration and discussion, the goal is to promote meaningful change in practice. The YWCA is holding a panel discussion at Fleetwood-Jourdain in Evanston on April 24. VI. Old Business: A. Seniors Subcommittee - Update Jo Hammerman shared results from a survey seeking feedback from people who attended Boomers and Beyond in November. There were 430 people who attended, 92 surveys were returned. Feedback showed that 96% of respondents found information from exhibitors to be helpful. Asked if presentations were helpful, 96% of those who responded marked agree or strongly agree. However, there was a large percentage that marked “NA” which may have indicated that many did not attend the presentations. Regarding health screenings, 31% found them to be helpful. Several comments indicated the health screenings were too full or had long wait times. Overall, there were positive comments about the event. B. At-Risk Youth and Families Subcommittee – Diaper drive update London Summerville reported that the subcommittee has planned a diaper drive for the week before Mother’s Day. Outreach has been expanded. There will be flyers distributed and there are more drop off sites. Instead of a one-day event at the library, Marjorie has  arranged the library to be a collection site all week and commissioners do not have to be present. The police station will also be a drop-off site, in addition to Fire Station #16. The food pantry is an official sponsor, which means the logo will be used and they will help publicize the event. Melissa Versch has started to help with reaching out to clergy. A QR code to the Amazon wish list will be on the poster and can be emailed out. Members of the subcommittee are needed to distribute fliers and help with donation site pickup. The flier may be made to be customizable so that faith groups can promote within their own communities to be a drop-off site. Arnie stated that he has four boxes for collection. C. Disabilities Subcommittee - Town Hall Meeting update Phil Shefren reported that the Town Hall event is upcoming on April 14. The planning committee had a final meeting on Monday, which was a training session. There are currently 22 people registered, capacity is 36. D. Commission pamphlet – Update To help update the commission’s brochure, Melissa V requested a few sentences from subcommittees about the diaper drive and town hall meeting. Farmers Market dates are updated. Updated photos will also be needed. The brochure should be ready for the Festival of Cultures event in May. A recommendation was made to welcome ideas from the community. A new banner may also be needed for the donation drive at the farmers market. E. Produce Initiate and food and clothes drives – Updates  Donation Drive dates: June 30, July 28, Aug 18, Sept 29, Oct 27 London will organize a Signup Genius to send out in May. F. Festival of Cultures and 4th of July events – Update Arnie requested volunteers to help staff a table at the Festival of Cultures event, May 18 and 19. Harold will send an email asking for volunteers for timeslots. Arnie reported the Fourth of July has 46 registered units. Harold presented options: to not attend the parade, to drive a car representing the commission, or to share a float with the Beautification Commission. Melissa suggested thinking about events that coincide with programs the commission would like to promote. G. Dinner meeting, June 5 – Update The May 1 meeting conflicts with a budget meeting, so the Commission on Family Services meeting will be moved to 7:30pm. VII. New Business: A. New subcommittee Deferred until next meeting. VIII. Public Comments: Littmann thanked the commission for inviting her. IX. Adjournment at 8:25pm. Next Meeting: May 1, 2024, 7:30 p.m. - Time Change at Skokie Village Hall