Present: Kathy Barrett, Nancy Bell, Tonya Bell, Deveda Bellamy, Michele Black, Lessie Bolden, Rhonda Brooks, Michael Curtis, Donna Hagan, Cynthia Harris, Cindy Hutto, Emily Ketring, Deborah Latson, Molly Lord, Linda Murphy, Sharon Neelands, Linda Peacock, and Joseph Ward.

Agencies Represented: Early Steps, Leon County Health Department, Taylor County Schools, Taylor Co. Head Start, Healthy Start Coalition, Refuge House, Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend, Department of Juvenile Justice, Elder Care Services, Guardian Ad Litem, Whole Child Tri-County, and Taylor County Health Department.

Donna Hagan called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. Donna called for approval of the August minutes, Lessie Bolden motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Rhonda Brooks, approved. Donna announced the Coalition is still seeking a Taylor County Board Member; please send all nominations to Cindy.

Deborah Latson announced Elder Care Services will present their 13th annual Oktoberfest on Friday, October 14th at the Goodwood Museum and Gardens' Carriage House. Tickets for the event are $50.00 and can be purchased on line at www.escbigbend.org or by calling Sharon Davidson at 850-921-5554.

Deveda Bellamy announced that the 9th Annual Gay Men's Awareness Day is tomorrow, also October 30th is Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day. Deveda introduced Joseph Ward as the new Sexual Violence Prevention Program Director replacing Melissa Auter with the Department of Health.

Joseph Ward is the Sexual Violence Prevention Program Director with the Leon County Health Department. Joseph will be conducting training in our area. For more information contact Joseph at 850-606-8264 or Joseph_Ward@doh.state.fl.us.

Emily Ketring reported she is doing Public Service Announcements for the local radio station, and can get your agency's message out. If you are interested, please email Emily at Emily@ketring.com.

Linda Peacock with Guardian Ad Litem covers Taylor County and reported an increase in case loads involving sex crimes against children. The agency is always in need of volunteers and provides free training. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, contact 850-584-2159.

Tonya Bell inquired if anyone had checked out the Whole Child Profile on the website www.tricountywholdchild.com and encouraged everyone to do so. If you need assistance or have any questions contact Tonya at tbell@healthystartjmt.org or 850-253-5355.

Nancy Bell with the Taylor County Head Start program said they do everything possible to refer children in need of help. Nancy introduced Michele Black who is new to Head Start.

Lessie Bolden reported that Taylor County Head Start is at capacity and they now have a waiting list.

Sharon Neelands with the Department of Juvenile Justice reported their contract for trauma informed care for kids in the system has been renewed and their funding increased.

Molly Lord with the Early Learning Coalition reported enrolling 2300 children from their wait list last year. Molly said they receive a lot of referrals from WORKFORCE and the Department of Children and Families and she encouraged everyone to go to their website www.elcbigbenc.com and check out the everybody's a Teacher video.

The next meeting date was discussed and it was decided to change the date from the 24th to the 31st of October.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be October 31, 2011 at 9:30.

Minutes recorded by Cindy Hutto