Jefferson Whole Child Coalition
Members Present: Tonya Bell, Deveda Bellamy, Jennifer Brown, Michael Curtis, Lori Fewell, Donna Hagan, Edna Henry, Charlotte Hugger, Cindy Hutto, Kristin Jackson, Glover Jones, Nicole Jordan, Sue Loftis, Chief Fred Mosely, Sandy Porras-Gutierrez, Derylene Proctor, Nicole Stookey, Melissa Watson, and Craig Wilson.
Agencies represented: Jefferson County Health Department, Leon County Health Department, Healthy Start Coalition, Jefferson County Extension Office, Jefferson County Schools, Whole Child Tri-County, Department of Children and Families/Access, Children's Home Society, Capital Area Community Action Agency, Monticello Police Department, DCF Circuit 2, Healing Transitions, and My Literacy.
Donna Hagan welcomed everyone and called for approval of the August minutes, Sandy Porras-Gutierrez motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Derylene Proctor, approved./p>
Edna Henry announced there is a Title 1 parent meeting tonight, also if anyone would like to do a presentation at a PTO meeting, let Edna know and she will be happy to schedule you. The Healthy Smart Day has been scheduled for March 27, 2012. Donna Hagan said this will take the place of our Shared Services meeting that month. During the event the Whole Child Express will be unveiled. Edna said they are always in need of volunteers at the school, if you would like to volunteer contact 850-342-0115, background checks are done on all applicants. If you would like to be in the Homecoming parade there is a $25.00 entry fee, you can contact Ms. Wilson at the High School at 850-997-2261.
Glover Jones is with My Literacy, a nonprofit website promoting literacy. Check it out at www.myliteracy.com.
Deveda Bellamy announced that today is the 9th Annual Gay Men Awareness Day, also October 30th is Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day.
Kristin Jackson with the Jefferson County Extension Office announced they will be giving away 2 free tickets to the North Florida Fair and 2 free, 4-H Bus passes for transportation to the fair. Deadline for entry is November 1st. For more information, go to Jefferson@mail.ifas.ufl.edu.
Sandy Porras-Gutierrez with Department of Children and Families Access Program said the Department began replacing the old EBT Benefit Security Cards on April 18th with a new design card. Clients can request a new card by calling 866-430-8999 or 888-356-3281. Sandy is always looking for Community ACCESS Partners, contact her at Sandra_porras-gutierrez@dcf.state.fl.us.
Derylene Proctor with Jefferson County Healthy Start reported their Parents as Teachers program is underway in Jefferson County and they are looking for partners to participate. They also had a very successful car seat/Booster seat giveaway.
Jennifer Brown with Jefferson County Healthy Start reported they are very excited about the Parents as Teachers program, they meet from 10:00am to 12:00 Noon once a month.
Nicole Stookey with Department of Children and Families reported that November is National Adoption month and they are in need of foster homes.
Nicole Jordan is with Healing Transitions Creative Counseling for Children and Families and serves 7 counties. Healing Transitions offers many services and accepts referrals. Nicole can be contacted at 850-322-0041 or nicole.jordan@healing-transitions.com.
Lori Fewell with Department of Children and Families announced there will be an Ice Cream Social on Friday at 3:30pm to recognize Foster Parents at the Leon County Human Services Office.
Tonya Bell inquired if anyone had checked out the Whole Child Profile on the website www.tricountywholdchild.com and encouraged everyone to do so. Lori Fewell said the website is very user friendly and easy to maneuver. If you need assistance or have any questions contact Tonya at tbell@healthystartjmt.org or 850-253-5355.
Sue Loftis with the Children's Home Society said she would be glad to distribute any information from agencies in their newsletter which reaches over 700 families. You may contact Sue at 850-921-0330 or susan.loftis@chsfl.org.
Melissa Watson with Capital Area Community Action Agency reported they have experienced cut backs in their agency. They are now closed on Fridays. They are working with Pilgrim Pride to help clients with employment and getting a GED, they are also looking at a program to help clients purchase a vehicle. They are also trying to start “Adopt a Family for Christmas”. Melissa said they still have the Weatherization program, for more information contact 850-997-8231 or 850-544-1638.
Monticello Police Chief Fred Mosley reported that the department is working on building a foot patrol in various neighborhoods and is also working with the probation office to apprehend offenders. The department is also conducting welfare checks on the elderly and working with the Ministerial Association to help transients who come into the area. Chief Mosley distributed informational handouts on tips as well as Florida Statutes regarding weapons. He answered several questions for the attendees on various topics including individual and child safety tips to weapons and firearms.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Jefferson Whole Child Coalition will be Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 9:30 am.
Minutes recorded by Cindy Hutto