HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-22-2016 Minutes
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
MINUTES
February 22, 2016
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Human Services Committee Meeting was called to order at 4:05 pm on Monday, February 22,
2016 at 25 West Main Street, Auburn, WA
Committee Members present: Barbara Derda, Jason Berry, JoAnne Walters, Lela Brugger, Maryelyn Scholz
Staff present: Director of Administration Dana Hinman, Community Services Assistant Emily Pearson
and Veterans & Human Services Coordinator Erica Azcueta
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Member Barbara Derda moved to accept the January 25, 2016 minutes; Member
Maryelyn Scholz seconded the motion. All Committee Members were in favor of
adopting the minutes as submitted.
The February 22, 2016 minutes were approved.
III. AGENDA
Miscellaneous
Chair Jason Berry asked the Committee for feedback regarding the retreat held on
February 8, including any topics that were missed but should have been discussed.
Member Lela Brugger stated that she enjoyed the impact story shared by Dana R.
JoAnne Walters remarked that she’d like to see impact stories be a part of
presentations made by agencies when applying for funding. Jason told the group he’d
still like to discuss ways to ensure that we’re a welcoming environment in order to
attract a broader, more diverse population of potential committee applicants.
Maryelyn Scholz announced that she had 3 candidates in mind for recommendation and
that she’d email their contact information to Emily Pearson. Barb Derda asked if the City
had open positions for boards & commissions posted anywhere publicly. Dana Hinman
told the Committee about the email blast recently sent out seeking candidates to fill two
open positions on the Planning Commission. The process includes a call for interest,
filling out a survey and answering supplemental questions, similar to the process used
to recruit for the Mayor’s Homeless Task Force. Those that express interest but aren’t
ultimately selected are still encouraged to stay involved in their community in other
ways. The Human Services Committee could do the same thing to recruit two more
members; new members are appointed by the Mayor and recommendations are still
made by current Human Services Committee members. Dana suggested a 2-week
timeframe once the email blast is sent out. JoAnne asked about the local newspaper
being involved; the Auburn Reporter is on city email lists so they’ll be aware of the call
for applicants as well.
Jason Berry introduced Sylvia Fuerstenberg, the new Executive Director of Auburn
Youth Resources (AYR). Ms. Fuerstenberg said AYR is currently in the process of
completing their 3-5 year strategic plan and that she was hired on to implement that
plan. She spent her first 3 months engaging and validating process improvement,
meeting contract goals, examining systems and planning from the bottom up. AYR
focuses on youth and young adults as well as their families, whether it’s their biological
family, adopted family, etc. Many South King County communities want AYR in their
cities doing this great work. AYR has grown and expanded their programs, including
mental health services, chemical dependency, Enumclaw Youth & Family Services,
SKYS, etc. They’re working on building capacity and infrastructure. Their major capital
project is the Severson House which will provide outreach and transitional case
management to their clients. Wrap-around support services will be available at the
planned 12-bed transitional unit. Barb asked if it is similar to Phoenix Rising, and Sylvia
said that they do offer some similar services. Fostered youth are some of the most
vulnerable as they still need plenty of support at age 18 when they age out of the foster
care system. Severson House will help fill the gaps in services for youth and young
adults ages 18-24. A recent $40,000 grant has allowed AYR to be open an additional 11
hours each weekend, which is critical as AYR is deeply engaged with the urgent needs
of addressing youth homelessness in South King County. Maryelyn asked how many
youth are currently being served through AYR. Sylvia said the numbers are between
6,000-7,000 and they’re assisting in 9 school districts in the south sound region. AYR is
interested in partnering with the Parks department once the City’s new youth center is
open.
IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor’s Homeless Task Force Meeting # 5 is Thursday, March 3, 2016.
The next Human Services Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 28,
2016.
V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
APPROVED THE _____ day of ________________, 2016
_______________________________ __________________________
Jason Berry, Human Services Committee Chair Dana Hinman, Director of Administration