Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
May 1, 2024
- Welcome: Nineteen members representing twelve agencies attended. Billie Jo announced that the Board would be approving swim pass applications on May 7 and applicants would receive a letter with instructions for redemption.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Holly Fritter, Health Department: Billie Jo will forward Holly’s message about the Community Baby Shower in June and the tetanus shots available for those adversely affected by the recent flood.
- Michelle Stevenson, USD 234 Early Childhood Program: Needs to fill slots for her program within the next few weeks due to several pre-school students graduating in June.
- Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: At present, there is no waiting list for one-bedroom apartments; all other sizes have very short waiting lists; she needs applicants.
- Kathy Romero, Angels Care Home Health: They serve about forty patients in Bourbon County by providing services in the client’s home.
- Travis Wilcoxen, Angels Care Home Health: They also offer in-home psychiatric care provided by state certified psychiatric nurses.
- Nick Johnson: USD 234 Pre-School will add an additional pre-school class for the 2024-2025 school year to accommodate the increased need.
- Stephanie Herring, Family Resource Center: Stephanie will be helping Miss Val at the library with a nature walk on May 15, at Nelson Park at 9 and at Third Street Park at 10. She will be working with Heather Shepherd to organize a “Back to School” drive for personal hygiene products; they are planning to be able to offer free haircuts as well. For information on the services provided by The Family Resource Center check the website: thecenterpittsburg.org.
- Heather Shepherd, Community Health Worker for 234: She is working with high school students to maintain the community garden by Medicalodge.
- Shanna Willey, CHC: She is available to help with insurance, Medicaid, Marketplace, some Medicare, financial assistance, SNAP applications, etc.; she is also the point person for the food pantry.
- Renee Hibdon, CHC: Renee works with pregnant moms with education and services.
- Sarah Gengler, First Presbyterian Church: On May 15, from 11:00 a.m. until finished, they will hold a free lunch and learn which will include free spinal screenings.
- Janice Lamb, Coach, CORE Communities: Fourteen core leaders began the course; two were employed during the course and then unable to attend; twelve graduated. The program goal is to make a difference in poverty. Phase 2 now begins; Janice needs speakers who would be willing to share and encourage these graduates.
- Elizabeth Schafer, Pioneer Kiwanis: The Kiwanis ladies will be hosting the Chamber Coffee this Thursday; CASA can always use volunteers.
- Larry Jump, SEK-CAP: Their pre-school goal is to do everything they can to prepare students for kindergarten.
- Janice Durbin, SEK-CAP Head Start: works with students in the home setting.
- Shelby Lackey, SEK-CAP Head Start: Shelby provides support for educators working with families in the program.
- DeeDee Cheney, SEK-CAP: DeeDee is the family home educator for children ages 0 to 3.
- Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State, SNAP Educator: The “Eating Smarter, Saving More” class is beginning in Iola for four weeks. On June 6, 6:00 p.m., a six-week class will begin in Fort Scott. Lea Kay will forward flyers for these She also reminded members of the upcoming ribbon cutting for the Farmers’ Market Pavilion, May 4, 7:45 a.m.
- Lisa Robertson, COPE. Even though the COPE grant will expire at the end of May, the free laundry service will continue at the Five Star Laundry on Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. for one year. Also, BB Go has been funded at least through December.
- Program: Amanda Clasen, K-State Research Community Vitality Agent
June program: Tara Solomon Smith, QPR Suicide Prevention
Amanda presented a power point which explained the history, the services, and the personnel that make up the Southwind District. In order to find class schedules, available assistance, and questions answered, check Facebook or the website: Southwind.ksu.edu.
- Open Forum: Nothing further came before the membership.
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be June 5, 2024.