Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
December 12, 2012
In attendance: Shannon Barry, Springfield Public Schools, Lisa Goldsmith, DialSELF, Sarah Kline, North Adams Public Schoos, Kim Majewski, Gandara Center, Jordana O’Connell, Holyoke Public Schools, Cindy Rodalakis, Chicopee Public Schools, Jean Rogers, Center for Human Development, Pamela Schwartz, Network coordinator, Sarah Slautterback, DESE
Resource directory update:
Reviewed MHSA unaccompanied youth resources directory. Gandara, CHD, DialSelf have changes to make. Jean Rogers has generously offered to collate information (thank you, Jean!). Please send to jrogers@chd.org. Agreed on deadline of 12/19.
Also look to include Loreto House (transitional housing), Broderick house, SRO supportive living, both through Providence Ministries.
Intern update
Pamela received email earlier this morning from a Smith College MSW intern who saw our blog posting on this pursuit and expressed interest! Pamela will follow-up and schedule a meeting. Lisa and Kim agreed to join.
Agreed that intern focus should be on counting population in a “pilot” area, presumably Springfield as this is where intern is based and largest homeless population. Agreed first task would be to research counting methods and experience in other communities, particularly in Worcester which has engaged in youth counts in prior years. Suggested to contact Laurie Ross of the COMPASS project in Worcester to get her information. Also contact MHSA (Caitlin) to get their input.
Agreed that if this intern didn’t work out, Kim would inquire more specifically of Gandara about their intern capacity (learned that bachelor level intern would be available) – when available.
Other updates:
DialSELF: David Vogel, executive director, resigned. Interim director in place. North Quabbin housing project for 18-25 year olds is on hold while finances are being negotiated.
Gandara: all 8 beds are full. Support service needs are high. Youth are supportive of each other, which is a real positive.
Next meeting: Tuesday, January 22, 11 am – 12 noon, Picknelly Adult and Family Education Center, Room 301, 206 Maple Street, Holyoke.
