In attendance: Pamela Ferguson, DDS, Lisa Goldsmith, Community Action Pioneer Valley, Michelle Michaelian, Behavioral Health Network, Jordana O’Connell, CHD, Lizzy Ortiz, Mercy Medical Center, Stacy Parsons, NAPS/DESE, Phil Ringwood, DIAL/SELF, Jean Rogers, CHD, Pamela Schwartz, Network, Marci Yazwinski, Gandara Center
YHDP Updates: Hampden County: RFP for project funding is coming out soon. Racial Equity Workshop scheduled for Friday, 3/13, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm., UMass Springfield.
Franklin County: RFP is coming out next week, 3/2. Finalizing project types. Roughly $900,000 to be allocated. Racial Equity work is planned, enlisting Jeff Olivet as the consultant; will include youth and young adults in the process.
EOHHS Announcements:
- Statewide Youth Count – April 13-April 17. See Youth Count 2020 web page: www.mahomeless.org/advocacy/item/youth-count-2020 and http://tinyurl.com/mayouthcount2020). Link to the flyer is here: https://tinyurl.com/mayc2020. More materials and resources will be added in the weeks ahead.
- To see the 2019 Youth Count report go here: http://www.mahomeless.org/images/youth_count_2019_final_report_12-19.pdf
- Training needs? EOHHS wants to know!
Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Teryl Smith and Pamela Ferguson provided additional information around their services. See eligibility guidelines and contact info for DDS Area Offices and Family Support Centers. Thank you to Teryl and Pamela!
FY21 Budget and Legislative Update Pamela provided an update on meetings with Hampden and Hampshire County legislators thus far (more Hampden, Berkshire and Franklin legislator meetings to come). The focus is advocacy around the Network’s legislative priorities and budget priorities.
Career Services Fair: March 25, 10 am – 12 noon, Northampton Community Arts Trust, 33 Hawley St, Northampton. Providers from all 4 counties will be providing information. All providers are welcome!
4th Annual Housing Resource Fair for Providers and Legislator Welcome: SAVE THE DATE: Friday, June 5, 10 am – 12 noon (legislator event 10:00 am – 10:30 am), Kittredge Center, Room 301-303, Holyoke Community College. We reviewed the list of providers offering information at last year’s Fair and based on feedback, Pamela will also invite: Highland Valley Elder Services,Springfield Valley, Western MA Elder Care, Life Path, Greater Springfield Senior Services, AISS, Stavros, Tapestry, Living Room, Recovery Centers, RLC, Club Houses, ROCA. See Flyer HERE. And please go to: www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/4thannualfair to register your attendance.
Network Training Update: Click HERE for summary listing of the Network’s training offerings this Spring.
The Census Count launches by mail on March 14. Now is the time for providers to get educated about surveys, Questionnaire Assistance Centers, etc. and to incorporate this outreach in our daily work. Pamela will send out more information via the blog. Be sure to subscribe – http://westernmasshousingfirst.org
Next meeting date: Wed., April 22, 11 am – 12:30 pm, Frost Building 309, HCC
