BoCo Coalition Minutes of Nov. 6

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition General Membership Meeting minutes. The coalition meets the first Wednesday of each month at noon at the First Baptist Church, 123 Scott.

The coalition is comprised of helping agencies that provide services in Bourbon County.

November 6, 2019 Minutes, Submitted by Billie Jo Drake, Chairman.

1. Welcome and Board update: Twenty-nine members representing nineteen agencies attended. Billie Jo announced that the Coalition Board had received $1,000 from the Fort Scott Community Foundation to fund a clothing voucher program, “Threads 4 U.” She thanked Nancy Van Etten for her assistance in writing the grant proposal. She also informed the membership that there will be no January General Membership meeting since the meeting dates falls on New Year’s Day.

2. Member introductions and announcements:

• Michelle Worsley, Alice Leonard, and Kim Feagins, SEK-CAP Head Start programs reminded members they are in need of participants for their programs.
• Steve Jameson shared that he is the SEK-CAP mental health coordinator; he works in twelve counties with five mental health agencies.
• Alice Maffett, Bourbon County Health Department, introduced Holly Fritter. Holly replaces Gayle Greene and provides support for pregnant women and babies up to one year old.
• Malynda Payne, K-State Research, reminded members that she provides nutrition education; she is concentrating on classes in the smaller towns throughout our county.
• Abby Churning, DCF, provides employment and food assistance for those 18-60 years of age with children in the home.
• Kelly Stammer, DCF, explained that he helps qualifying persons find necessary resources.
• Michele Lyon, DCF, noted that the First Presbyterian Church does collect and distribute furniture to those in need. Contact Michele or the church for donations or requests.
• Stormie Rosete, TFI, shared that TFI will be having an Open House on November 13 from 10:00 am until noon at the office at 710 West 8^th, Suite 203, Fort Scott. TFI has an immediate need for toddler beds!
• Carl Jowers, American Legion, reported that they had finally secured enough drivers for their van service. In addition to transporting veterans to appointments in Topeka and Kansas City, they are now providing transportation to the dialysis center in Pittsburg. The Auxiliary is collecting newborn baby items (especially 3-6 month sizes) for babies born to veterans.
• Myra Jowers, American Legion, continues to provide help by appointment to veterans seeking assistance.
• Tina Westbay, Safe Families for Children, provided information on a community gathering, November 23, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Covenant Harvest Church, Pittsburg. The event will focus on the well-being of the most vulnerable children and families in the Southeast Kansas area. She added there is still a need for mentor families and referrals in Bourbon County.
• Sandy Haggard, RSVP, continues to look for volunteers and organizations that can benefit from senior volunteers.
• Robin Griffin, Thrive Allen County, shared her mission to fight opioid addiction to include Bourbon County.
• Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries, Salvation Army, Care Portal, shared that the Red Bucket campaign is coming up; he needs volunteers. He also stated that during the past year, the Salvation Army spent over $7,000 in 213 assists. He also reminded members that all monies raised in Bourbon County are used in Bourbon County. Allen also announced that Care Portal had received a Fort Scott Community Foundation grant to build beds; Shelly Bradley wrote the grant proposal on behalf of Care Portal.
• Bob Eckles, Board Member, told members that the board had approved $100 for the Beacon’s Adopt-a-Child program.
• Megan Rogers, SafeHouse, provided flyers with information about the “In Her Shoes” simulation to be held Sunday, November 10, 2-4:00 pm at the Pittsburg Public Library. This simulation will help participants understand the ups and downs a survivor of domestic violence experiences over the course of many years.
• Tammy Alcantar , Crawford County Health Department, informed members that there is baby formula available for non-profit organizations. She also noted that her programs in Bourbon County are going well and now meeting in the Bourbon County Health Department at 524 S. Lowman.
• Mariah Laskares, Crawford County Health Department, is still enrolling qualifying women in the Early Detection Works program.
• Dick Horton, SEK-CAP, will be publishing a resource guide in the near future. He issued a plea for all agencies to complete the online survey by December 1 to have the correct information in the guide. Billie Jo will blast the survey to all members.
• Mandy H-Woods, Kansas Children’s Service League, announced that the agency now has a home visitor for Fort Scott.

3. Program: Gary Murrell, Director, The Beacon. Gary shared a brief history of the Beacon organization, how it is funded, and the numbers of Bourbon County residents that are aided by services offered. Each month Beacon helps approximately 960 individuals; in addition, he receives an average of 25 family requests for rent and utility assistance each month. At present, the food pantry is desperate for vegetables; all donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries, new blankets, laundry powder and diapers are needed. Gary stressed that there is no charge to receive assistance; clients only need to meet income guidelines and reside in Bourbon County. Gary also shared that sign-up for 2020 Beacon cards will be December 3, 4, 5 from 9:30 am – 12:15 pm and December 10, 5:00 – 6:15 pm. Sign-up will be held at the Beacon office. Adopt-a-Child and Elks Christmas baskets distribution will be held December 20 at the Community Christian Church from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.

4. December program: Gary Miller, Angels Care Home Health, will present our December program.

5. Open Forum: Congratulations Allen Schellack! Allen became a Grandfather! His granddaughter was born on November 4.

6. Adjournment: Next meeting will be December 4, 2019.