Bo Co Coalition Minutes of May 3

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

May 3, 2023

 

 

1. Welcome:  Twenty-four members representing twenty-one agencies attended.  Billie Jo announced that a vacancy continues on the Board of Directors.  She also noted that the Board had approved swim pass applications and would be notifying those recipients as soon as the new pool manager and pass regulations were in place.

 

2. Member Introductions and Announcements:

• Billie Jo shared the following information from Vicky Wright, SEK Mental Health: May is Mental Health Month.  They will be hosting their first annual “Spring into Summer Self-Care Fair,” on May 23, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00p.m., at the Fort Scott Middle School.  Seventeen vendors are currently sign up to participate, but they continue to take registrations.  This is a free event with the possibility of door prizes!  Contact Vicki for further information:  vwright@sekmhc.org or 620-212-9391.
• Kathy Romero and Travis Wilcoxen with Angels Care Home Health were first time members.
• Nick Johnson, USD 234 PreSchool Center: Round-Up will be held on Friday, May 5.
• Michelle Stevenson Fort Scott Early Childhood Program: Fourteen children are ready to exit her program, she now needs referrals!
• Maggie Young, CHC Tobacco Succession: The program will be starting next month for Bourbon County.
• Shana Willey, CHC Community Health Worker: Can help families and community members with applications and resources.
• Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department: Teen Pregnancy and Baby and Me Tobacco Free programs continue to be available in Fort Scott.  Tammy also reminded members that the Bourbon County Community Baby Shower would be held on June 22, 10 a.m. until noon, at the County Health Department.  Holly could still use donations of gifts for the mothers and babies.
• Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: All 190 units are currently full. There are already 25 on the waiting list but she is still taking applications.
• LeaKay Karleskint, K-State Research: She has several classes in progress with another to begin on May 18.  LeaKay continues to look for partners who can supply space for her classes.
• Lisa Robertson, CHC COPE and Lindsey McNeil, KU: The “Diabetes Education Event” will be May 10, 5:00 p.m. at 104 N. National;  a “ Self Care Mental Health Awareness” will be May 18 at HBCAT office.  Contact Lisa for more information.
• Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT: Contact Rachel for grant opportunities.
• Cassidy Lutz, K-State Research: Will present “What the Tech?! Phone Safety for Parents” on May 31 at 104 N. National, at 5:30 p.m.
• Megan Smith and Amy Hagan, Family Resource Specialists with CHC: They strive to connect families with resources; Megan through the office setting and Amy in the homes.
• Christine Abbott, SEKWorks: Reminded members about Workshop Wednesdays which are 15 minute video/chats found on the website; Christine can send the QR code for those that are interested.
• Sydney Herring, Response Advocate with the Family Resource Center: Sydney works under a grant that keeps children in their homes as long as it is safe.
• Elizabeth Schafer, CASA and Kiwanis: These organizations need more volunteers.
• Sandy, RSVP:  Sandy matches non-profits and volunteers.  She noted that the Uniontown Teammate program is completing a successful two years.  The next Red Cross Blood drive will be June 15/16 at Buck Run Community Center.  Contact Sandy to volunteer for a two-hour shift.
• Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries/Salvation Army/Ministerial Alliance: Allen will be working again with Evergy to distribute fans; last year the program provided seventy fans for needy persons.  Allen also informed the members that the Ministerial Alliance helps transients going through town by provided a night in a hotel and bus ticket as needed.  Bus station now is in Fort Scott at Pete’s.

 

3. Program: Bourbon County transportation program presented by COPE, LHEAT, and SEK-CAP. The June program will be an explanation of KanCare/Medicaid by Dawn Cubbison.  April Jackson, Thrive Allen County, will present our August program.

 

Scott, Director of Transportation for SEK CAP, explained how the General Public Transportation works in other counties and what would be needed for the program to be implemented in Fort Scott and/or Bourbon County.  This program would be 70% grant funded with 30% matching funds from county and city governments, local programs or grants, or private support or donations.   Passengers would not be charged fares, but donations would be accepted, typically $1.00 per ride.  Bourbon County demographics certainly confirm the need for such a service.  Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT, will be working with SEK CAP toward the goal of implementation.

 

4. Open Forum:  Need monthly programs beginning in September.  David Gillen, Beacon, was not able to attend the meeting but wanted members to know that he is looking for an Assistant Director.  The job would require sixteen hours each week with an additional two hours on the third Thursday of each month; salary is $1,000 per month.

 

5. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be June 7, at 1:00 p.m.