Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
January 4, 2023
- Welcome: Nineteen members representing fourteen agencies attended. Billie Jo announced that there was an opening for a Coalition Board member.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Sandra Haggard, RSVP: Sandra was not able to attend but sent word that she had had five RSVP volunteers at the recent blood drive at Buck Run; three new ones and several others from the Coalition. The next blood drive will be February 16; contact Sandy if you can help.
- Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: Applications are still being taken; however, there continue to be waiting lists for all size apartments.
- Michelle Stevenson, FSECP USD 234: Her program is full but she continues to take referrals.
- Vicki Wright, SEK Mental Health: They will be hiring ten additional therapists; sizeable signing bonuses are being offered.
- Christine Abbott, SE Kansas Works: Can assist those aged 16 to 24 with GED, job training, etc. She maintains office hours at the HBCAT office two days each week.
- Lisa Robertson and Lindsey Waterman, CHC SEK COPE: They can help with free resources for families. They are especially interested in providing a warming station for the homeless.
- Audrey Ricks, CHC SEK, Program Manager for Building Health: Her specialty is service for the homeless. She has established a place in Crawford County and is working with Lisa and Lindsey to establish a place in Bourbon County.
- Rachel French, Fort Scott Forward: Announced the “Community Involvement Fair” to be held at the Ellis Center on Thursday, February 2, 5:00 – 6:30. For more information or to reserve a booth space, contact Rachel at 620-644-8523 or rfrench@myonestop.com .
- David Gillen, The Beacon: 319 families, including 1,045 children, were helped in December. Seventy-three (73) families benefitted from the “Adopt a Child” program and twelve new families were approved for benefits during the month.
- Nick Johnson, USD 234 FSPS: Reminded members that preschool screenings take place the first Friday of each month; appointments may be made by contacting the Pre School. He also alerted members to the “Child Aware” workshop to be held at the USD 234 Board Office on Thursday, January 26. Information can be found on the link on the Pre School webpage.
- Janelle Tate, Early Childhood Block Grant: Head Start will be resuming on January 9.
- Lea Kay Karleskint, SNAP Education: Reminded members of the upcoming classes: Walk with Ease, Eating Smart and Saving Money, and Fresh Conversations. For more information contact the Extension Office.
- Elizabeth Schafer and Linda Noll, CASA: CASA needs more volunteers!
- Craig Campbell, FSACF, Landbank, GNAT: In 2022, FSACF awarded over $53,000 to Bourbon County agencies; grants for 2023 will probably be geared to “transformative” grants, more information to be provided later. The Landbank is working to improve and make available properties gained from tax sales. GNAT continues to build ramps, clean yards, paint, etc. They are also able to help people with applications for grants to help make homes livable. Craig can be contacted at 620-224-0167.
- Program: Lorina Bowman, Museum of Creativity
The Museum of Creativity, 102 S. National, is a non-profit institute that appreciates all sponsors, volunteers and donations. Lorina noted that the Museum of Creativity was opened to provide a safe space for families. The Museum is open on Fridays from 9am until 10 pm and Saturdays from 10 am until 6 pm. Admission is $2.00 per child and $1.00 per adult. They have craft nights, Lego clubs, game nights and can host parties. For more information visit their Facebook page.
- Open Forum:
Adjournment: Next General Me