Family Services Committee Meeting Minutes
June 13, 2017
In attendance: Jane Banks, CHD, Shelly Benoit, BHN, Yoshi Bird, YWCA, Joel Cox, NEFWC, Hilary Cronin, VA HUD/VASH, Anthia Eliott, Safe Passage, Fran Lemay, ServiceNet, Jane Lindfors, DTA/DV Unit, Heather Marshall, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Luis Martinez, CHD, Yeisie Mateo, DCF, Michelle Michaelian, BHN, Donna Nadeau, DHCD, Steve Plummer, Springfield Partners, Jenni Pothier, Tenancy Preservation Project, Pamela Schwartz, Network, Janna Tetreault, Community Action, Janette Vigo, Way Finders, Mandy Winalski, Community Legal Aid
Family Homelessness Resource Fair Feedback Discussion:
See attached summary of attendees (based on sign-in sheet) and feedback provided at the event. Overwhelmingly positive – great information, great energy, great way to meet people and discover resources – with agreed upon suggestions for improvement:
- more space
- more time for break-outs
- bigger separation between break-out groups and main hall
- break-out schedule more broadly posted (suggestion to have it posted on a big screen in the main room)
- names and contact info of all participants provided in one hand-out
Additional comments from the meeting today:
Program staff really liked it; it was great to finally attach faces to names; great to feel the unity; impressed with breadth of experience and diversity of providers; so well set-up and professional (huge kudos once again to CHD)
HCC has offered to try to secure us the whole multi-purpose room with classrooms next year. Advised to get them a date ASAP.
So the group decided first choice was: Thursday, June 7, 2018, 8:30-1:30, 4 classrooms allowing for 4 break-outs to be repeated twice (with 45 minutes for each break-out group)
Second choice: Thurs., 7/14
NOTE: since this meeting date, HCC reported that 7/7 is not available but 7/14 is, so the Fair date is confirmed for Thurs., July 14
We celebrated this accomplishment with a toast and cake! (Thanks again to Jane for providing). And we had the bonus celebration of Janette’s birthday!
FY18 State Budget:
Pamela reported that the budget is now in Conference Committee where differences between the House and Senate budgets are being resolved. The estimated revenue shortfall is appropriately concerning; unclear what will unfold, but it’s important to weigh in with the Committee. Pamela will send a summary advocacy email early next week.
Homes for Families Visioning Day: 8/10, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm at Worcester Centrum. A great and inspiring day. Join if you can! Jane will send out notice and Pamela will relay.
Next meeting dates:
Tuesday, July 11, 1-2:30 pm, CHD
NO AUGUST MEETING
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 9:30-11:00 am, Northampton Senior Center
Attachments area
