Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

December 1, 2021

1. Welcome: Twelve members representing thirteen agencies attended. Billie Jo shared the following announcements from members who could not attend:

• Michelle Stevenson, Fort Scott Early Childhood Coordinator, has openings in her home visitation program.
• Cinda Reynolds wanted members to know that the American Red Cross is seeking a volunteer to manage the Bourbon County blood drives due to the retirement of Ruth Waring from the position. The next Bourbon County drive will be December 14 and 15.

2. Member Introductions and Announcements:

• Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, has some rental units available now and a few more will be available soon. Rent is based on income; a single person can earn up to $36,500 to qualify.
• Elizabeth Schafer noted that the Pioneer Kiwanis chili feed was a huge success; she thanked everyone who participated.
• Nancy Van Etten, SEK Multi-County Health Department, announced that COVID boosters and vaccines can be scheduled by calling the Health Department. The department also has Pfizer vaccines for children, as well as, flu and pneumonia shots.
• Christine Abbot, SEKansasWorks, introduced Ashley Finnie who is the new Adult Career Advisor. Christine continues to be in the Fort Scott office on Mondays; Ashley will be in Fort Scott on Fridays. They will be conducting a food drive for December; donation box will be located at Luther’s; all donations will go to the Beacon. They will collect food items until January 7.
• Ashley Finnie works with individuals aged 18 and older; she can assist with going back to school, on the job training, child care, transportation, and temporary housing. She now has 62 participating in “on the job” training at the present time.
• David Gillen, Beacon, was pleased to announce that all 77 families have been adopted for the Christmas season. Beacon and Elks will be working together to provide food baskets to those in need.
• Megan Rogers, Safehouse shelter advocate, can be reached at 620-231-8251. They are currently collecting Christmas gifts for their clients; instructions for donations can be found on the Safehouse website.
• Sandy Haggard, RSVP, shared that she is seeking someone in Crawford County to write a grant application in order to start an RSVP program in that county. She also is looking for a Bourbon County event/venue to hand out medicine disposal bags.
• April Jackson, Thrive Allen County and SEK SMP Coalition, is seeking some Bourbon County representation for her coalition that meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. Her coalition has received a sizeable federal grant to work on treatment and recovery services.
• Tammy Alcantor, Crawford County Health Department, reminded members of the programs she has going in Bourbon County: WIC, Baby and Me Tobacco Free, Teen Pregnancy, and Pre-Natal classes (held in Pittsburg).

3. Program: Update on Communities in Schools presented by Rhonda Hoener:

After 31 years as teacher and counselor, Rhonda is now the Communities in Schools student support coordinator for USD 235. She gives support in school so the student can become a productive citizen. She works on a multi-tiered system which ranges from speakers and attendance incentives for all students, to specific one-on-one problem solving to provide support for specific obstacles for identified students. Parental consent has to be obtained in order for a student to be on her caseload.

4. Open Forum: Although Allen Schelleck was not able to attend, Billie Jo reminded members that Allen could still use more volunteers to ring bells for the Salvation Army; all monies raised in the campaign will remain in Bourbon County.

5. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be January 5, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.