Commission on Family Services

Commission on Family Services Meeting Minutes – Skokie Police Dept. Headquarters March. 5, 2025 7:00 pm Present: Harold Primack (Chair), Commissioners Michelle Friedman, Marjorie Goran, Hilary Hunter, Shajan Jose (Vice Chair), Peggy Molina, Arnie Oskin, Annie Shear, Daniel Stalilonis, London Summerville, Melissa Versch (Staff Liaison) Absent: Commissioners Sharon Cohen, Jo Hammerman, Linda Lara, Naadirah Muhammad (Shapley-Wells), Melissa Ponce, Valerie Riley, Erin Ryan, Nancy Schwartz, Phillip Shefren, Trustee Edie Sue Sutker I. Call to Order: Approval of Agenda Meeting called to order at 7:04pm. Agenda approved by consent. II. Approval February 2025 Minutes Approved by consent. III. Guest Speaker: Fatima Rasoul, Community Engagement Specialist, HIAS Immigration and Citizenship Presentation: “HIAS Immigration & Citizenship: Ways to Engage in Refugee Resettlement Work “ IV. Chair’s Report: Harold Primack Chair Harold Primack acknowledged risks to funding at federal and local levels, including programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, housing, and disability assistance programs. The focus of the Commission will remain on the community. Chair Primack has shared the Commission’s advocacy efforts with mayoral candidates. Commissioners discussed potential cuts to seniors and people with disabilities. A suggestion was made to reach out to state and federal representatives, especially to advocate for organizations serving Medicaid recipients, special education, and veterans. V. Health and Human Service Report: Staff Liaison, Melissa Versch Melissa Versch shared that the Health and Human Services Department is watching to see how any cuts may affect Medicaid and services, like the food pantry. Commissioners discussed concern about support to farmers and food pantries. The Commission can focus on the needs of the community, and initiatives like the Diaper Drive will be important. VI. Old Business: A. Village events: 1. Festival of Cultures, May 17 & 18, 11am – 6pm 2. Skokie Pride Event – June 22, 1pm-4pm 3. Juneteenth Celebration – June 14, 1pm-5pm Commissioners are requested to volunteer for upcoming events and to help promote commission activities. Melissa Versch reported that the Human Relations Commission is willing to partner with the  Commission on Family Services for the Pride event. Versch will follow up about whether the Commission can partner with the Village for the Festival of Cultures, and possibly Juneteenth events. B. Seniors Subcommittee – Report on senior’s resource fair, Live Well Age Well Skokie. The Senior Resource Fair Planning Committee has approved a new name and logo for Live Well Age Well Skokie, formerly called Boomers and Beyond. The Advocate Health Care van has been confirmed to provide health screenings. Vice Chair Shajan Jose is checking to see if the Lion’s Club is available to provide vision screenings. A Save the Date email is being sent to the vendors from the 2023 event. C. At-Risk Youth and Families Subcommittee – Report on Mother’s Day diaper drive London Summerville reported that a Diaper Drive is being planned for May 2-11. The subcommittee is partnering with community organizations for promotional activities, including using digital signage at the Niles Township office. D. Disabilities Subcommittee – Report. ADA 35th Anniversary, ADA compliance, Emergency Preparedness Michelle Friedman reported that the subcommittee has concerns about follow up on recommendations of the Village to conduct an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition, especially regarding unknown budgeting for next fiscal year. Commissioners discussed barriers, including lack of staff time and budget challenges. Advocacy efforts may include providing a written statement of concerns to Village staff and requesting progress with new electorates. Hilary Hunter suggested setting up a forum for local candidates, though time constraints would be an issue for commissioners. Arnie Oskin suggested that a replacement trustee be appointed to the Commission. Commissioners discussed the possibility of assisting with emergency planning for people with disabilities, including Smart911, which is utilized by emergency responders. The Medical Reserve Corps will be holding a meeting regarding emergency planning for people with disabilities, which commissioners are invited to. VII. New Business: A. Dinner meeting in April? The Commission usually has dinner catered for one meeting each year. A recommendation was made to hold the dinner meeting in June as a wrap-up before the summer break. B. Requirements for subcommittee meetings. All commissions and boards are reminded that the Commission is a public body and subject to requirements of the Open Meetings Act, including that meetings must be posted ahead of time, held in an accessible location, usually a Village-owned facility, and that a quorum must be present to make decisions. Anytime there is a majority of a quorum gathered, commission business should not be discussed unless the gathering is following Open Meetings Act guidelines. VIII. Public Comments: None. IX. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 8:39pm. Next Meeting: April 2, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at Skokie Village Hall