Scott Family Net

Advisor Meeting Minutes

11/4/04

 

Present:  Terry Raddatz, Linda Schwichtenberg, Molly Kalow, Lisa Treml, Libby Bergen, Steve Brown, Sara Stack, Sharon Diedrich, Tim Bell, Darren Kermes, Keri Lorenz, Becky Colley and Wanda Houska

 

Resource Coordinator Meeting

 

Approximately 40 people attended the last meeting, which featured a presentation on the Somali culture.  The presenter had great feedback and related well to school staff. Advisors suggested that the same presenter be scheduled for another meeting next spring.  In-service certificates were not available at the meeting and will be sent out to participants.

 

The next Resource Coordinator Meeting will be scheduled for the end of January.  Sharon will check on a presenter on the local Russian culture.

 

Review of Immigrant Grant Plan

 

Wanda presented ideas for a grant to support the needs of new immigrant students and families.  She has discussed needs and strategies with a representative from Shakopee Schools and has laid out a plan that would help coordinate ELL efforts throughout the county.  The proposal is not in direct response to a particular RFP, but rather in response to a need that has been expressed by collaborative partners for the past few years.  A completed proposal will be sent to foundations that support these types of efforts.

 

A request was sent to ELL coordinators at each school district asking that they share their needs, barriers, and ideas.  However, to date, none have replied.  Advisors are asked to follow up with their districts so that Wanda can have adequate information to develop the proposal.  Please share comments on the draft plan that was distributed.

 

Suicide prevention is another issue to be addressed through grants research.   Ideas, needs etc. are to be forward to Wanda.  Items noted today:

            GBLT population is at high risk.

            Steve will send related article on suicide to Wanda.

            The contact at NP is Mike at the high school.

 

Intake Workshop

 

Plans are in place for the workshop on the 18th.  Libby will not be able to attend and has arranged for Brenda Hill, SunPath Social Worker, to facilitate in her place.  There are approximately 30 people registered.

 

List Serv

 

The SFN ListServ is up and running and has already been successfully utilized.  A list of members was distributed.  Advisors are to encourage staff from their agency to be a part of this resource.

Misc.

 

A total of 5 plans have been submitted for review since July 1.  Less than $1,000 in flex funds have been utilized this budget year.

 

There have been some misconceptions of the use of flexible funding.  They are only to be used in support of a wraparound plan and are not available as free standing funds.  As a collaborative, we need to monitor the use of these funds and insure that they are being used appropriately.  On the other hand, we need to encourage staff to utilize these funds when working with families with multiple needs.  Reviewers need to be tactful and use the component checklist as a coaching tool instead of a report card.

 

Sharing

 

BP – has a parent/paraprofessional that has been serving as a liaison to Russian students.

 

Public Health – There is tight screening involved for those wishing to receive the flu vaccine.  Elderly and those that are high risk are encouraged to contact their clinic or public health.

 

CAC – has utilized the AT&T language line and has found that it includes access to an interpreter that specializes in the human service area.

 

Jordan – is planning their Christmas basket distribution.  100 were given out last year.

 

Shakopee – has an increased number of students with multiple needs.  District buildings are full; the newest plan for the High School will soon be available to the public.  The impact of overcrowding is particularly apparent with children having behavioral issues.  The district has been shifting their disciplinary philosophy from that of punishment to one of behavior change.

 

MRVSEC – programs are bursting at the seams.  Plans are to have a new autism program by Christmas.

 

CAP – Energy Assistance will be available on a first-come first-served basis through a statewide database.  Encourage clients to apply early.

 

Court Services – Dana has replaced Tara Hazlet as support staff.

 

NP – school buildings are full.  Enrollment grew by 10% (300 kids) this year.  A building bond referendum will be voted on in December.  Darren expressed that he has excellent special services staff in the district.

 

CMH – Terry has been involved in the county’s human services redesign discussions.  A proposal should be ready by the end of November.

 

Closing

 

Next meeting is December 2.