HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-22-2015 MinutesCITY OF
'AUBURN ��i� HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
l„J MINUTES
WASHINGTON June 22, 2015
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Human Services Committee Meeting was called to order at 4:05 pm on Monday, June 22, 2015 at
25 West Main Street, Auburn, WA.
Committee Members present: Barbara Derda, Bette Van Gasken, Jason Berry, JoAnne Walters, Lela Brugger
Committee Members not present: Maryelyn Scholz
Staff present: Director of Administration Michael Hursh, Community Services Assistant Emily Pearson
and Veterans & Human Services Coordinator Erica Azcueta
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• Member JoAnne Walters moved to accept the April 27, 2015 minutes; Member Lela
Brugger seconded the motion. All Committee Members were in favor of adopting the
minutes as submitted.
The April 27, 2015 minutes were approved.
III. AGENDA
• Miscellaneous
Emily Pearson distributed a flyer for the upcoming Debunking the Myths of Mental Illness
workshop. Director Michael Hursh encouraged the members to attend the forum, hosted by the
Senior Center on Friday, July 10.
Mr. Hursh reported on the progress of the Consolidated Plan that Erica Azcueta has been
working on for several months. It has recently come to light that many cities in the region have
been submitting their plans incorrectly. This is ultimately delaying the timing in which cities
receive funds from HUD. Member Lela Brugger asked how this would impact us, as to which Mr.
Hursh answered that we expect to get our money by September. Member Barbara Derda
mentioned that a few citizens had asked her about Housing Repair funds and when they might
be available. The program is on hold until we receive our funding from HUD.
• Community Learning Center Update
Chair Jason Berry presented to the group on the Community Learning Center. The partnership
between the City, YMCA and the Auburn School District was developed about 4 years ago.
Following incidents of violence, the community sought support for middle school -aged kids and
the Summer Takeover was created. It was initially a free summertime program but is now year -
round at Cascade Middle School. Funding sources include YMCA fundraisers, City
contributions, and an Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) grant. Receiving this
grant was key for the program as it's a competitive application process that typically gives
precedence to inner cities over suburban areas. Mr. Hursh noted that the City's funding comes
from the general fund and is granted outside of the general fund application process. Member
JoAnne Walters asked why the Olympic Middle School program is only held during the summer
IV.
months. Mr. Berry said they have an established relationship with Cascade Middle School but
there are plans to expand to year -round programs at other schools in the future. They typically
see 70+ participants in the summer and 120+ during the school year. The program recently held
its first graduation for 8th graders; nearly 200 students & families attended the end of school
year celebration. This shows that the program is successfully bridging the gap for families and
that the program is working, thus showing the need for more funding in South King County.
• Domestic Violence Advocacy
Michael Hursh introduced Shelly David, Domestic Violence Victim Advocate and Diane
Gamlem, who serves on the Domestic Violence Victim Support Team ( DVVST) task force. Ms.
Gamlem is a City of Auburn employee and also teaches a parenting class. Ms. David has
worked for the City for over 12 years, helping victims of domestic violence by connecting them
to emergency housing and getting court- ordered protection orders. She partners with Auburn
Food Bank, Auburn Youth Resources and others to provide financial relocation assistance
through the Shelter for Sisters program, and also acts as a liaison between victims and public
defenders, YWCA, DAWN and Consejo. Jason Berry asked why victims are encouraged to
move, and Shelly David said that it's a safety issue. Abusers often know the patterns and paths
of their victims and it makes it harder for them to break the cycle.
JoAnne Walters asked if there is assistance with job placement. Ms. David said it can be a
lengthy process, but they start by contacting the employer and asking if they can transfer the
victim to another location. Member Brugger then asked what the courts are doing on their end. If
prosecuted, offenders attend a Domestic Violence Impact Panel class. Throughout the 1 -year
program they are counseled about changes, choices and decisions. Many decline to prosecute
their abusers; on average, a DV victim will experience seven instances of abuse before finally
choosing to press charges. The ultimate goal of the DVVST is prevention - and to be proactive,
not reactive.
DWST will hold its first annual awareness event at Grace Community Church on October 16.
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has provided a grant to have Denise Brown, sister of Nicole
Brown Simpson speak at the event. They're expecting over 500 people to attend the upcoming
private fundraiser.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next Human Services Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 27, 2015.
V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
APPROVED THE day of 12015
Jason Berry, Human Services Committee Chair Michael Hursh, Director of Administration