Present: Nancy Menard, Dept. of Health; Erin Maguire, Regional Spec. Ed. Rep.; Denise Lamoureux, VT Refugee Coordinator; David O’Brien, 1^st Baptist Church; Barbara Pafiero, VDH/ADAP: Brian Southworth, Casey; Ann Dillenbeck, ECC; Margaret Bozik, CEDO; Judith Prince, CCSU; Anne McBee, ESD; Barbara Rachelson, Kris Hoffman, LUND; Catherine Simonson, Coleen Lillie, Debbie Mintz, HowardCenter; Mary Woodruff, Winooski MS; Lynn Granger, VKAP; Chuck Myers, NFI; Tom Cimock, CHCB; Beth Kuhn, CI; Larry Martineau, FSD; Felecia Lambert, RAC; Mark Schroeter, Jane Helmstetter, AHS Field Director; Note taker: Julie Kenison, VDH.

 

·        Mark Schoeter reminded the group of the upcoming showing of “An American Journey, Vermont’s Fallen,” a video presentation of the military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan and its impact on Vermonters. This free offering will take place on May 31^{s t} at 6 pm in Burlington City Hall Contois Auditorium and is being jointly sponsored by the Military Family Services Network and Field Services.

·        Over 170 people attended the May 11^th BBQ at 1193 North Avenue to celebrate Public Services Recognition Week with the theme “Transforming Human Services – State & Community Partners Working Together and Making a Difference!” The success of this event was due in large part to the planning work of the BTB District Team. Plans have already begun for next year’s event – which will NOT take place at 1193 North Ave. - on May 9, 2008.

·        A Buildings Update for the relocation of the 1193 North Ave. staff will be provided weekly through the Field Services Office. It will also be posted at the District Website. Members who wish to be included in the email list for this update can get this request to Jane.Helmstetter@ahs.state.vt.us . The Proposed plan calls for the bulk of the Family Services and Health Dept. staff to locate in Williston with services sites available for consumers in both downtown Burlington and Winooski. The ESD staff will be located in 101 Cherry St. and Field Services will have office space at DOL and Williston. Once plans are finalized a map will be created to identify locations.

·        Denise announced the Refugee Resettlement Program Focus groups for refugee elders proved to be very successful. 15 were held with multiple ethnic groups. She also shared the VRRP Elderly Refugee Specialist position was slated to be cut at the end of May due to funding cuts. This is unfortunate particularly in light of the growing elder refugee population.

·        The June 21^st RISPNet Mtg. will be extended to focus on Emergency Preparedness for the Refugee population as well as other vulnerable populations.

·        Margaret announced the CASH Coalition served over 1000 people this tax season; 45 low income individuals were given free credit counseling. The credit card educational video “Maxed Out” is available to be shown to college or high school audiences. For ideas on who would benefit from this video contact the CASH Coalition at the CEDO Office.

 

The Topic for this meeting was led by Erin and Jane. The Team split up into seven groups – in alignment with 7 areas of intersection between AHS and Education. The task was to identify both what is currently working and what gaps need filling. Departments targeted for this discussion included: Family Services, Economic Services, Vocational Rehab., Mental Health, Health Department, Developmental Services, and Early Childhood/BBF. Highlights from the discussion are listed below.

 

 

It became apparent another meeting was needed to complete the process of prioritizing issues and developing an action plan for our district. A small group will meet to take on the planning for the next meeting. It includes: Erin, Chuck, Coleen, Ann, Julie and Jane. The group was also asked to consider some items that were not addressed in the discussion today including the connections between Education and Corrections and Education and OVHA and to also look at the big picture and some of the issues discussed that cut across departments. The June Meeting will be shifted to accommodate this task. If Leadership Members are interested in joining this process, they can contact Jane.

 

Please remember to visit the new AHS Burlington District Website to catch all the updates and news … http://humanservices.vermont.gov/burlington.