Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2020
- Welcome: Ten members representing eleven agencies attended. Billie Jo announced that the Coalition Board had received $1,600 from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation for assistance to needy families.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Sandy Haggard noted that RSVP has volunteers in Bourbon County working at the Beacon. She is working on a new program that would pair volunteers and home-bound seniors by way of encouraging phone calls. She also mentioned that the organization is selling Christmas poinsettias for $10 as a money-making project. Sandy will deliver the poinsettias to our December Coalition meeting.
- Michele Lyon, DCF, shared that LIEAP applications would be mailed in December to those who have been on the program previously; others can apply online and in the office beginning in January. Michele also reminded members of the Presbyterian Church furniture ministry; if you have furniture to donate or need to refer a needy person, contact the Presbyterian Church or Michele.
- Cinda Reynolds, American Red Cross, shared that she was recently assigned to help with the Hurricane Laura victims virtually. She also assisted with the latest Linn County blood drive. Billie Jo encouraged people in Bourbon County to make appointments to donate as opposed to simply walking in because at the last few Bourbon County drives, walk-ins were not always able to donate.
- David Gillen, The Beacon, explained that sign-up for the Adopt-A-Family and Elks Christmas baskets will end on Friday, November 6. Families will be ready to be adopted on November 16; those wishing to help with the project should contact The Beacon at that time. David also noted that families are now able to enter The Beacon through the front door. Adopt-A-Family gifts will be picked up on December 18 at Community Christian Church; a drive-through system will be utilized. Elks baskets will be distributed on December 20.
- Christine Abbott, Kansas Works, announced that beginning tomorrow, November 5, there will be a Bourbon County office at 17 S. Main Street, second floor. Contact Christine at 620-779-3727 for appointment and program information.
- Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, said that she is accepting applications for a maintenance position. She has several varied sized apartments ready for rent. She also reminded members that through the CARES Act funding is available to help renters and landlords with rent.
- Alice Maffett, County Health Department, noted that they are busy monitoring the Covid cases in the county. Covid vaccine and guidelines for its administration should be announced soon.
- Allen Schelleck, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army, announced that FSCM had also been awarded a FSACF grant to help individuals obtain proper IDs; they can also use the funds to provide blankets and heaters. He has been notified that the Red Bucket Campaign will happen, but he has not yet received guidelines as to how it will be done. In 2019, $7,000 was raised to be used in Bourbon County.
- Robin Griffin, Thrive Allen County, mentioned that the virtual Opioid Prevention Conference will be November 12-13. Robin has funds that can be used to pay the $75.00 registration fee. She is also planning a “first aid mental health” training in the near future; this can be geared to different age groups.
- Program (no programs until January, 2021, at the earliest): As long as the Covid pandemic lingers, we will not be asking outside people to present programs. However, if any Coalition member has something that cannot be covered in the announcement time frame, we will be glad to schedule that member as the program.
- Open Forum: Billie Jo reminded members to be sure to sign the attendance sheet and thanked them for braving the face-to-face meeting.
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be December 2, 2020.