Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
August 4, 2021
Click below to view the Bourbon County Coalition Resources Book
- Welcome: Billie Jo welcomed six members representing six agencies to the meeting. Following a brief discussion, consensus was that the Coalition would plan on a face-to-face meeting in September with the option of a Zoom meeting or combination meeting if Covid things change.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
Michelle Worsley, SEK-CAP, noted that there are openings for the 0-3 and 3-5 homebased Head Start programs. These programs are income based and require that the workers go into the homes to work with the children.
Elizabeth Schafer, CASA and Feeding Families, shared that CASA court cases continue to be through Zoom. Feeding Families serves between 250-300 each week and will continue to be a drive-through service due to lack of space to seat such a large number of participants. Billie Jo added that the Monday Feeding Families at Community Christian Church will continue through the month of August.
Nancy Van Etten, American Red Cross, reminded members there is a blood drive scheduled for August 17 and 18 at Buck Run Community Center.
Holly Fritter, Bourbon County Health Department, noted that the “Mommy and Me” program will be held this month on August 25 at 3:00 p.m. at the Health Department. This month’s subject is breast feeding; the program is open to all mothers and pregnant ladies. They are always in need of diapers and will take donations at the Health Department. Members were reminded that The Beacon is always in need of diapers also.
Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, and Sandy Haggard, RSVP, shared how the Resident Advisory Board has teamed with RSVP to give back to the community. They have recently done a collection drive for toiletries and toys for DCF and first night bags for TFI. Patty also noted that the Housing Authority has a short waiting list for all types of apartments.
Mandi H-Woods, Kansas Children’s Service League, sent word that the Healthy Families is accepting families that speak Spanish at this time. She also reminded members to check KCSL.org for parenting tip cards, resources, and monthly training opportunities. 1-800-CHILDREN is a 24-hour parenting line available to all parents for support and resources.
- Program (no programs until September)
September program will be presented by Jody Hoener, Healthy Bourbon County.
- Open Forum: Billie Jo recently received an inquiry about the availability of a Bourbon County Resource Guide. A copy of the latest guide is being sent to Coalition members along with these minutes; however, there may be a more current guide available. If possible, a copy of the newer guide will be forwarded at a later date. Nancy also reminded members that Aunt Bertha.com is an excellent resource we can easily access.
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be September 1, 2021.