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"Salute to Health" helps you eat better and exercise more. January 2004 issue is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Inside This Issue:

  • Articles, p.1,2
  • Meeting Minutes, p. 2-4
  • Did You Know That…, p. 4
  • Calendar, p.5

 

 

THE ADVOCATE

The Newsletter of the Greater Taunton Health & Human Service Coalition (GTHHSC) and the Greater Attleboro Taunton Health & Education Response (GATHER)

Volume XII, No.1                                                                                                                                                                             January 2002

 

 

You Are WELCOME

To Attend The

 
 

 

 

GTHHSC Multicultural Committee

Planning Meeting

 

 

 
 
 
TUESDAY
 
 
JANUARY 8, 2002
 
 

 

10:00-11:00 a.m.

 

Morton Hospital & Medical Center Café Annex

 

 

 

GATRA TRAVEL TRAINING PROGRAM

(From the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority)

   GATRA’s Travel Training Program provides quality one-on-one instruction for any individual who would like to use the public transportation system. Any individual who is 14 years of age or older is eligible.

   The training involves a series of steps from initial one-on-one instructor assistance to gradual fading of trainer assistance, which leads to independent travel by the individual. Individuals who need assistance to learn the public transportation system can receive one or both of the following types of travel training:

·         Destination Travel Training teaches the individual to go to and from a specific destination, usually on a daily basis.

·         General Travel Training teaches the individual to use the bus for general travel, selecting destinations of his/her choice. Included is learning to read the bus schedules.

Who Benefits?

·         Schools along with State and Local Human Service Agencies

·         Seniors, any individual including individuals with disabilities, and people transporting to work

·         Individuals preparing to finish school and enter job training

·         Parents and care providers

·         The community

   Public transportation puts an end to isolation. More importantly, it increases community awareness of the capabilities of the rider who is a senior or disabled.

What Does The Program Include?

·         Route Training

·         Landmark Identification

·         Street Crossing

·         Phone & Emergency Skills

·         Stranger Awareness

·         Appropriate Social Behavior

·         Safety Skills

How To Sign Up For Travel Training

   Travel Training instructors are skilled in assisting seniors or persons who are physically or mentally disabled. The individuals are able to overcome fears and build confidence so they can use the public transportation system to the fullest extent possible. Referrals can be made through the Travel Trainer Coordinator.

   Please call 508-226-1102, x222; 508-823-8828, x 222; or       TDD at 508-824-7439.             ¨

Dr. Gerald Croteau, Superintendent of Schools, Taunton Retires
(From The Tauntonian)
 
Happy retirement to Dr. Gerald Croteau, after serving for 22 years as Superintendent of Taunton Public Schools. 
During his tenure, Dr. Croteau was the motivator and facilitator of many programs in Taunton that has made our 
school system a model for others.  
   Among his accomplishments are his leadership skills, his great enthusiasm to education, the support he gives 
every teacher, his commitment to students, an improved school library system, his management and initiation for 
the funding of new schools, his support of the athletic department, the institution of the science fair, and his “vision” 
for Taunton Public Schools, to name a few. He has also received awards and achievements such as being honored 
for exemplary efforts to improve the school system with Instrumental Enrichment, his support of Project B.E.S.T., 
and in the year 2000, Dr. Croteau was honored as Massachusetts Superintendent of the Year. 
   Dr. Croteau plans to work as a consultant on a daily basis during his retirement. He wants to help manage 
building projects and teach the process of building new schools. He would also like to help schools to manage their 
budgets. 
   The community thanks you, Dr. Croteau, for a job well done! We will miss you.                  ª
GTHHSC Monthly Meeting will be held on January 15, 2002, 9:00, 
Associates for Human Services (A.H.S.)
A New Twist On The Concept of Adult Family Care
(Bonnie Ryvicker, Community Liaison)
 
   Twenty years ago, the concept of Adult Family Care was developed to assist frail elders and disabled adults who 
can no longer safely live alone. An important part of the program is the identification and recruitment of people who
 live in our community who are willing to open their homes and their heart to provide care to our program 
participants. Caregivers are paid $1,020.00 per month (non-taxable) for room, board and the nurturing care 
they provide. Training and support is provided by a professional staff of registered nurses and social workers.
   During the past few years, additional community needs have been recognized and met by the program. Any 
person who is eighteen years of age or older in need of assistance with daily living activities, who has a medical 
 
and/or psycho-social need, and who can no longer live alone safely, may be eligible. MassHealth eligibility is also 
a requirement of program clients. The Family Service Association’s Adult Family Care program presently serves 
individuals who are mentally challenged, persons with HIV/AIDS, substance abusers, or those who have a medical 
diagnosis. Our newest participants are new mothers with a medical need or parents and children.
   As we network with professionals in our community, we realize that there is an enormous need to help women 
who are struggling to raise children while they are dealing with their own medical or psychological issues.
   We have identified several caregivers who would be interested in helping these women/parents receive a good 
start for themselves and their child. With the help of a nurturing caregiver and a mom/parent who is motivated to 
have a better life for herself/himself and her baby/child, our long-standing program may be able to help another 
population in need.
   If you know of anyone who might benefit from this program, would like to become a caregiver, or if you would 
like to learn more about the program, please contact us at 508-677-3822. We welcome your interest and calls.            ©

Area Cancer Patients Look Good…Feel Better

(American Cancer Society)

   The American Cancer Society’s Look Good…Feel Better program is a unique event designed to help patients maintain their personal appearance while undergoing treatment for cancer. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association and the National Cosmetology Association, the free program features cosmetologists leading group sessions.

   Look Good…Feel Better offers free, one-time beauty consultations with a licensed cosmetologist or aesthetician to women who are currently undergoing cancer treatment. The beauty professionals provide tips and practical techniques for coping with hair loss and changes in the skin that often result from chemotherapy or radiation therapy. “Being able to look your best makes a world of difference to someone going through treatment for cancer,” said Erin Melito, ACS Regional Executive for Cancer Control. “Sometimes simple changes in makeup or an attractive way of tying a head scarf can create a turnaround in a woman’s outlook and bring back her optimism.”

   There will be a Look Good…Feel Better session Monday, January 14, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Morton Hospital, Taunton. To pre-register, please call 1-888-648-4880, x239. Individual sessions are also available.                            ¨                                        

COALITION/COMMITTEE MINUTES

 

GATHER Domestic Relationship Violence Committee. 12/18/01, 10:00, PACC.

Discussion Highlights:

Massachusetts Violence Prevention Task Force – Due to budget cuts, funding for the Task Force program 
was eliminated from the FY02 state budget. As a result, they are unable to issue any mini-grants this year. 
 
Violence Prevention Month, April – The White Ribbon Campaign can be revisited in Violence Prevention 
Month in April. This could include civic organizations, fire department training officers, first response, and rotaries, 
along with reminder letters to recent participating schools. In addition to WRC materials, they will also be offered 
a speaker from New Hope. This can be sent in February. 
 
Mentors in Violence Prevention wants 25 students to sign up. So far 10 have applied. They may participate in 
dating violence trainings in collaboration with TRY.
 
Holiday Public Awareness - Informational flyers for April’s VP campaign can be sent through MA electric 
(showing a connection with power or electricity) and the TMLP (2 month waiting list.) Possible funding resources 
could include Walmart, Target, Home Depot. A unique “healthy relationships” book could attract the public to VP 
information contained within.  
 
Safe Store Plan – This will be temporarily put on hold in light of the MVPTF grant situation. 
 
Jane Doe is forming focus groups for youths unfamiliar with Domestic Violence issues.

 

Next Steps:

·         To look into other funding from regional foundations, banks, etc.

·         To plan the development of a victim’s packet for police shift coordinators, firemen training officers and chiefs, and first responders, in collaboration with New Hope, for Violence Prevention month in April.

·         To contact United Way for a cable spot on Domestic Violence on holidays such as Super bowl Sunday.

·         To search for PSA’s or advertisements on safety, Domestic Violence and electricity (Milly) for use in MA Electric flyers.

·         To design a glossy, colorful TMLP advertisement using GATHER and New Hope logos.

·         To put together (Paula)  retail and healthy relationships book ideas.

·         To check what local communities have the Safe Store Plan, per Denise Brown’s website.

·         To look into doing the Clothesline Project in a mall after the holiday shopping season.

·         To look into working with New Hope to link as strongly as possible with Jane Doe.

 

Contact Persons:

Anne Kotch, 508-252-5080

Deb Brown, 508-821-1129

 

Next Meeting: 1/16/02, 9:30, CCBC, Church Green, Suite 2

GATHER/GTHHSC Substance Abuse/Addictions Committee. 12/19, 3:00, T.H.S.

Discussion Highlights:
SARTVII – The next meeting will be held 1/11/02, 2:00, at DMR, 21 Spring St. Sunny will do a presentation at the 
March conference.
 
Community Drug Education – The 10th series has finished. Approximately 30/40 individuals attend each series. 
Evaluations are very positive.
 
State Budget – CCBC and the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services took a heavy hit. This causes difficulties 
because when people are ready for treatment, they may not be able to get the needed help.
MassCall – Project Northland starts 1/7/02, at Mulcahey School. This is the 3rd year for this prevention program 
which targets middle school youth. Project Focus was cut due to low student usage. It served 21-25 students after 
school, and 20-40 in the summer.
 
Drug Policies – The Committee has collected policies from 4 schools in the GATHER area. The committee 
hopes to let school districts know that we are a resource to assist them and promote their policy as GATHER 
members. Letters may be sent to Safe and Drug Free School and Health coordinators. The difficulty with testing 
may be answered by medical clearance, safety screening or assessment. These would not be used for disciplinary 
action, but for parental information and medical stability. Parents may be called, or a medical screening may be 
done at the hospital, clearing the student to come back to school or release to a parent. Intervention services are 
paid by a grant. Teachers want students to be able to learn in class, and may appreciate information on warning 
signs.
 
Integrated Curriculum – Grades go up; discipline goes down in after school programs such as those in T.H.S. 
and Dighton-Rehoboth’s academic remediation and enrichment programs. 
 
Next Steps:
To write to Governor Swift and legislators in the GATHER area about the beginning of consequences from the 
state budget cuts.
 
To send a sample of the above letter to the membership with the minutes.
 
To put together a list of warning signs that teachers may use for reference.
 
To work on alternatives to the testing component for school drug policies.
 
Next Meeting:
1/23/02, 3:00, T.H.S. Library Annex.
 
Contact Person:
Phil Shea, 508-824-7224

GTHHSC/GATHER BiAnnual Meeting. 11/18, 8:30, PACC

Discussion Highlights:

Welcome – Richard McMahon commended the membership on it’s accomplishments, challenges and collaboration. A moment was observed for the victims of the 9/11 tragedy.

 

A Look At The Future – GATHER’s FY2002 budget is still future, as it’s not yet fully released. There is no special line item for CHNAs, but several groups contribute to the financial support. DPH is currently looking at where funding can be made up, and hopes to be able to provide full finding.

 
Domestic / Relationship Violence Committee – The Committee has been successfully funded by the 
Massachusetts Violence Prevention Task Force over the past 2 years. Unfortunately, they will not be funding 
mini-grants this year due to budget cuts. Committee accomplishments include the Safe Families, Safe Pets project, 
the Hairdressers’ Project, a training for Law Enforcement Professionals (5 communities participated), and Bullying 
& Harassment Education.
 
Substance Abuse/Addictions Committee – This merged committee has supported the following initiatives this 
year: Substance Abuse Roundtable, Community Drug Education, MassCall, examination of Drug Policies, 
ServeSafe, Parents Making a Difference, Women and Addictions and Alcohol Awareness. A current goal of the 
committee is to look at environmental strategies in alcohol sales and policy.
 
Peer Appreciation – This year is the 7th annual banquet and awards for peer leadership programs and 
community service. The first planning meeting will be held 1/17, 3:00 at CFC.
 
TRY Teen Power Program This physical enhancement program will last for 6 weeks, and will be held at Fairfax 
Gardens. It will include body image and sexual harassment issues. Youth Resource Guides may be accessed at 
www.tauntonreachingyouth.org. An informative demonstration on teen births in Taunton showed that 80% of teen 
parents end up on public assistant.
 
Multicultural Committee – This committee has done several interpreter trainings. Continued funding needs to 
be examined. A planning meeting will be held 1/8, 10:00, at the Morton Hospital Café Annex.
 
Child & Family Focus Committee is collecting time sensitive parent workshop / program information for the 
United Way’s Infoline. (See page 8)
 
Community Health & Wellness – The Oral Health Clinic for adults and children is located at Taunton High 
School. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8-4, and will expand to evenings and Saturdays. Approximately 25-30 
MassHealth or sliding scale fee patients are seen daily. Thanks were given for collaboration with the GTHHSC 
and United Way funding. The committee is now working on Cardio Vascular and Breast Cancer Screening. The 
next meeting will be held 1/23, 9:00, at the Morton Hospital Café Annex.
 
GATHER Website www.oocities.org/gathercoalition holds a sneak peak of the website in progress. 
 
Next Steps:
·         To look into other funding sources for GATHER support.
·         To link the web site to Associated Grant Makers
·         To create links to associated agencies’ websites.
·         To link with list serve, join together and Associated Grant Makers membership recruitment.
 
Next Meeting: 
January Meeting: 1/15/02, 9:00, A.H.S.
 
Contact Person: Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822.
 

Safe Neighborhood Initiative. 12/19, 8:00, Taunton High School.

Discussion Highlights:

Criminal Justice Committee – Due to budget cuts for drug testing cups, a new procedure has been developed where juveniles will be issued a color. Colors will be randomly drawn on a monthly basis and the individual will have 24 hours to report to the court for a drug test. This procedure will begin in January. Most of the juveniles seen are middle school age. There was discussion that habitual school offenders are easily identified but there are no existing resources to interrupt the behavior. A small committee of members will meet to begin to address this problem.

 

Education Committee – A presentation was recently held for the Taunton High School faculty and staff to discuss the safety protocol in the building. Reminder cards, printed at BP, were given to all staff to keep on or in desks. Bill Tranter discussed the recent events at Coyle. The media exaggerated the details of the story. An investigation is in place at this time. Coyle will be holding a Christmas Mass and have invited the families affected by the September 11 events. Donations from the faculty will be given to those families. Also, 1000 children were given toys last weekend during the Coyle annual toy give away.

 

Neighborhoods Revitalization Committee – The Mayor’s Office of Community Development will be working with the Taunton Housing Authority to purchase a home using McKinney funding for 6-8 single room occupancies for homeless individuals. Taunton CARES Neighborhood Watch meetings will continue in January with a speaker from the Secretary of the Commonwealth office to discuss telemarketing and telephone scams. Also, surveys will be sent out in January to residents and businesses in the downtown area to begin a neighborhood watch program there.

 

Youth Committee – Karen Lee discussed the situation at TRY with the cut from the Challenge Fund. A letter from the SNI was sent to our state leaders in support of TRY and the programs that will be lost due to the budget cut. Representative Fagan responded stating he is sensitive to the cuts and will continue to encourage support of these programs in the supplemental budget.

 

New Business/Other – Rev. Sweet stated training for community chaplains for crisis response team will be held on January 8, 2002. Anyone interested should contact Rev. Sweet.

 

Collaborative Highlights:

The Safe Neighborhood Initiative is made up of several agencies and organizations that continuously work and collaborate with each other.

Next Steps:

Each subcommittee will continue to meet prior to larger SNI meeting.

 

Next Meeting: 1/23, 8:00, Bristol-Plymouth High School.

Contact Person:

Bob Cammarata, 508-821-1420.

Did You Know That…?

Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program can help those having a hard time heating their home, by calling 1-877-JOE-4-OIL.             
 
The American Cancer Society Estimates that approximately 600,000 American women will develop some form of cancer this 
year. The five-year relative survival rate of all cancers is 60%.
 
Morton Hospital & Medical Center is offering the following: screenings: Reading & Spelling (Call 508-823-3050); Breast & 
Cervical Cancer Initiative (call 508-828-7078); Hearing (Call 508-823-3050); Smoking Cessation (508-828-7777); Look Good…
Feel Better, 1/14, 6:30 p.m. For location information and registration, please call  828-7777.
 
 

FUNDING RESOURCES

(*All amounts are approximate and may be based on past giving records.)

 

Agency/Program:

Federal Funding

State Justice Institute Grants

$ Available*:

 

Up to $200,000

Deadline:

 

3/4/02, 6/3/02

 

Contact:

 

703-684-6100, x214

Foundation Profiles

Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation

 

Foundation for Improvement of Justice

 

Milagro Foundation

 

$25,000

 

$10,000

 

$1,000-30,000

 

6/7/02

 

6/1/02

 

Open

 

212-224-1174

 

info@justiceawards.com

 

www.milagrofoundation.org

Health

HRSA Health Centers

 

CDC Rape Prevention and Education Grants

 

DHHS Family Planning Services Grants

 

$350,000-650,000

 

$42 million

 

$150,000-$4 million

 

4/30/02

 

4/1/02

 

3/1/02 & 6/1/02

 

301-594-4329

 

770-488-2723

 

214-767-3401

Transportation

FHA 511 Traveler Information Telephone Number Program

 

Up to $400,000

 

Open and 2/4/02

 

336-716-5170

GREATER TAUNTON

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICE COALITION

GTHHSC, P.O. Box 2894, Taunton, MA 02780

January 1, 2002
 
Dear Provider:
 
The Greater Taunton Health & Human Service Coalition’s Child and Family Focus Committee is gathering 
information on area programs for parents and youth. It is our hope to provide the community with a complete 
list of available programs both on-line and in hard copy form through collaboration with the United Way of 
Greater Attleboro/Taunton. This will also demonstrate where gaps in service might be. If you have not already 
responded to the United Way’s workshop survey, please take a few minutes to fill in the following form for 
each of your family focused programs. Form may be faxed to Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-8584. (Phone 
number is 508-823-4822)
 
Name of Program______________________________________________________________________
 
Brief Description______________________________________________________________________
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Eligibility_____________________________________________________________________________
 
 
 
Ages Served_______________Contact Person________________________________________________
 
Cost______________________Program Dates and Times______________________________________
 
Program also provides the following:
 
Childcare           
 
Transportation                   
 
Other  ___________________________________________
 
 

UPCOMING MEETINGS

 

 

January 7, 12:00           GATHER Steering Committee. New Hope, One Taunton Green.

 

January 8, 9:00             GTHHSC Multicultural Committee.  Morton Hospital Café Annex.

 

January 8, 9:30             Emergency Task Force. TEMA Office.

 

January 8, 3:00             TRY Steering Committee. CFC Conference Room, 1 Taunton Green.

 

January 9, 9:00             Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium. Morton Hospital Café Annex.

 

January 9, 3:00             TRY Community Awareness Task Force. CFC Conference Room, 1 Taunton Green.

 

January 11, 2:00           Substance Abuse Roundtable VII. DMR, 21 Spring St.

 

January 15, 9:00           GTHHSC Monthly Meeting. A.H.S., Broadway, Taunton                                       

 

January 15, 10:00         GTHHSC Child & Family Focused Committee. A.H.S., Broadway, Taunton

 

January 16, 8:30           Environmental Strategies (based on the Cambridge Alcohol Project). CCBC,

                                    68 Church Green, Suite 2, Taunton.

 

January 16, 9:30           GATHER Domestic Violence Committee. CCBC, 68 Church Green, Suite 2.

 

January 16, 2:30           Bristol County Domestic Violence Roundtable. Beckwith School, Rehoboth.

 

January 17, 3:00           Peer Appreciation Planning Meeting. Citizens for Citizens, One Taunton Green.

 

January 23, 8:00           Safe Neighborhood Initiative. Bristol-Plymouth High School.

 

January 23, 3:00           GTHHSC/GATHER Substance Abuse/Addictions Committee. T.H.S. Access

                                    Center.

January 23, 9:00           GTHHSC Community Health & Wellness. Morton Hospital Café Annex.

 

This month’s Advocate was published by Lorraine Rosa, Coordinator, with funds from GATHER, CFC, Dues and School-Linked Services. To submit an article, announcement or other information, please call (508) 823-4822, fax 823-8584, or write to GTHHSC, P.O.Box 2894, Taunton, MA. 02780, by January 25th. H