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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. 2-7
  • Did You Know That…, p. 7
  • Calendar, p.8

 

 

THE ADVOCATE

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

Volume XIII, No7,8                                                                                                                                                                        July/August 2003

GTHHSC MULTICULTURAL COMMITTEE BOOKLET NEARS COMPLETION: YOUR HELP NEEDED

What is your race or ethnicity?

What are some things that are offensive to you regarding your race or ethnicity?

What are some things that you would like others to know about your culture?

   Taunton area youth and adults worked side-by-side for over one year, to create a diversity awareness booklet for local high school students, with the intention of fostering discussion of race and ethnicity. Through a youth survey, students presented heartfelt responses to the above youth generated questions.

   Because the entire diversity of the youth in our community could never be condensed into a single, small brochure, participating students selected the following racial/ethnic groups to be included in this pilot volume. Number of responses follows each group:

·         White (150)

·         Portuguese (28)

·         Puerto Rican (18)

·         Cape Verdean (19)

·         Asian/Philippine (7)

·         Various Spanish speaking (20)

·         Jewish (2)

·         Native American (4)

·         Arab/Indian (2)

·         Black (16)

   The Multicultural Committee will meet on 7/23/03, 9:00, at CCBC, 68 Church Green, Suite 5 Conference Room (enter through Suite 2) All are welcome to help finish this exciting, informative brochure. Printing expenses for the completed project has already been secured, the information has been gathered, but your help is essential in getting this booklet into the hands of our community members. Without you, the project cannot be completed. Would you and/or your youth group be willing to volunteer a small amount of time to help complete this project? Please contact Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822, with your ideas or questions.                                 

GTHHSC Networking Meeting

NO MEETINGS JULY AND AUGUST

Have a Great Summer!

Next Meeting: 9/16/03

9:00, A.H.S., 29 Broadway, 3rd Floor

Funding for the GTHHSC, GATHER, The Advocate, and Staffing are critical. Please attend this important meeting, and

Please remember to submit your FY04 dues: our only funding resource

 

ONE OUT OF MANY LOSSES

(A Shared Farewell Letter)

 

Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2003 10:01:52 EDT

 

Hi Lorraine

I have been meaning to call you and let you know that the TRY office officially closed it's doors as of June 30.  I will be unavailable to work on the multi-cultural project, as I am no longer employed by Citizens for Citizens Inc. My lay off is a direct result of the budget cuts imposed upon our community by our current state administration.   All Teen Challenge Fund communities (17 in all) will most likely close it's doors by summers end.  Teen Pregnancy Prevention was slashed beyond repair by conference committee and it is not expected to be increased.

As you know, I have been working in Taunton for the last 6 years and I have a high interest in it's youth and the community overall.  Please keep my name on your list serve so that I can stay involved.

Also, please pass this information about the TRY office along to the coalition, SNI, the Advocate, and other committee members.  I was informed of my lay off in 1 day and I had no time to call people or even send a letter.   I was scrambling to complete reports and such.

Thank you Lorraine and good luck to the coalition and yourself.

Take care,

Katie Kelly                                                                                                                                                                ♣

COALITION/COMMITTEE MINUTES

Community Crisis Intervention Team. 6/16/03, 8:30 a.m., 18 Broadway.

Discussion Highlights:

Budget – Without additional funding after 6/30/03, Lorraine will no longer be on staff for minutes, next steps, etc. Two small grants have been written.

May CCIT Training – 16 of the 24 evaluations indicate that the training was positive. A large portion of the budget for the training ($318) covered refreshments. If presenters made their own copies, etc., the cost of the training would come down, and a $1000 grant should be enough. A debriefing of the training will be held on 9/18/03.

Fall CCIT Training - A Fall training will take place in Taunton, and include slots for the outlying towns of Greater Taunton, (Berkley, Dighton, etc.) served by Morton Hospital and Medical Center and Taunton District Court, along with a small number from Attleboro / Norton. Representatives of the towns would bring back the information to their area, and set up their own relationships and teams. If they decide to pursue a CCIT, the committee can offer to mentor them. Because the basic CCIT training is kept general, it is easily replicable. The training should be overbooked to assure 30 participants, with an overflow list kept for a future training. Offering CEUs provides an incentive.

Future CCIT Training – A future training, beyond the fall training described above, could be open to key individuals in the Greater Attleboro area, who have already shown interest. This changes the hospital (Sturdy Memorial), police, and agencies, but the crisis center and catchment area remain the same. In addition to more Taunton State Hospital and CCBC representatives, the seven key Attleboro/Norton representatives would be invited to see what a CCIT training is like, what we have done, what type of commitments they need, and what they need to have in place in their communities. This is similar to what committee members experienced in Maryland. Classes could be split between Attleboro and Taunton, two days in 1 location and 1 day in the other.  This would be a first step for Attleboro/Norton, which they could then duplicate within their own group of police, DMH, DMR, and courts, using committee members as advisory resources. They would be given the tools needed to fill in details for their particular community.

Next Steps:

Bring RSVP for 9/18/03 debriefing to agencies, police, etc. (Kathy, Mike B)

Create an analysis of the May training evaluations (Lorraine)

Pursue a pharmaceutical or local grant (Debra, Ted)

Develop an invitation list for the fall training for 30 individuals from Taunton and Raynham Police, filling in spaces for police from Attleboro and outlying Greater Taunton towns, DMH, DMR, Morton Hospital Emergency Room, ARC, Community Care Services, High Point, the Housing Authority, Samaritan House, Arbor Fuller, and Councils on Aging (Gail Thurston).

Contact the Galleria Mall for meeting space (Kathy)

Send fall training invitations at the end of July.

Next Meetings:

CCIT: 7/28/03, 8:30, 18 Broadway.

May Training Debriefing: 9/18/03, 8:00-12:00, Margaret Stone Conference Room, Morton Hospital.

CCIT Fall Training: 11/18/03-11/20/03

Contact Person: Kathy Lalor, 508-823-9416.

GATHER Domestic Violence/Violence Prevention Committee. 6/25/03, 9:30, AHS.

Discussion Highlights:

Target Grant – A $1,000-5,000 opportunity funds violence prevention initiatives. Taunton has a Mentors in 
Violence Prevention program, which features healthy relationships and the bystander issue. This a promising 
program, currently under evaluation. The Target Grant could fund a community awareness exhibition: a ½ hour 
presentation over the summer for 5-7 youth. A Clothesline Project, at approximately $350, could partner with an 
MVP project. Two new high school students could be sent to the MVP training, at a cost of $325 each, along with a
n adult, to train as a trainer, perhaps to expand the program into the Attleboro area. The grant could be used to 
purchase film, markers, T-shirts, paper and paint for an art display at the Attleboro Museum and school systems to 
engage students in healthy relationship artwork. 
 
Teen Topics will no longer be presented at middle schools, because funding has been decimated. In this program, 
peer leaders presented healthy decisions topics, such as violence prevention, drug prevention, smoking prevention, 
pregnancy prevention, HIV, and healthy relationships.
 
Group Counseling has been cut from New Hope, due to budget cuts.
 
Hewitt-Packard Grant – A letter of intent has been sent to HP, to support a comprehensive website for violence 
prevention. 
 
Teen Dating Violence is no longer funded. Safe and Drug Free Schools has funded speakers, and sponsored 
“The Yellow Dress” at Health Awareness Day. 

Next Steps:

Begin Target application (Lorraine)

Contact Target for application details (Lorraine)

Contact Nancy (Barbara)

Call Dori at Attleboro Museum.

Next Meeting: 7/16/03, 11:30, AHS.

Contact Person: Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822

GATHER/GTHHSC Substance Abuse Committee. 5/28/03, 6/25/03, 3:00, CFC

Discussion Highlights:

BSAS Grant – The Committee did not receive the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services grant for $100,000. This would have secured continuation of staff, peer leaders and programs, as well as the Coalition. Losses include Erica’s position, as well as peer support of Roundtables, Teen Topics, TRY, Peer Appreciation, Taunton Youth Council. The ripple effect extends into other areas, such as the Multicultural Committee youth project. The impact of state budget cuts has begun, although not yet final, with programs ending abruptly.

Debriefing – Two Committee members attended a 2-hour review of the BSAS Grant, in Boston. Twenty-eight of 54 proposals were funded. Strengths included past performance and past recruitment methods. Suggestions for future proposals include focusing on one grant at a time, program design & focus, and science based curricula.

OJJP Grant – Federal grant awards for $100,000 will be announced in the fall.

The Bristol County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation Grant will support the YELL project from 12/02-12/03. A diverse group of participating youth from area high schools was photographed on Taunton Green. A social marketing campaign will include posters featuring these exemplary youth, with a brief positive message that shows they are Youth Endorsing Legal Lifestyles (YELL), and the project is possible by the BCSB. MADD may also wish to collaborate. Posters (Doctors’ offices, businesses, police station, athletic and fitness clubs, other public venues), flyers, and perhaps even a billboard in the future, will feature representatives from Dighton-Rehoboth, Coyle, Bristol-Plymouth, Taunton High and Bridgewater-Raynham. Also suggested were city and school cable spots. Information will be based on the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey or a newer survey completed at Taunton High School, with results due in September. 

Safe and Drug Free Schools – Funding continues for SDFS program. The grant can be partially used for security and smoking violations. A survey has been administered to students, with results due back shortly. Focus groups will be conducted this summer in middle schools. Statistics show there is a need for violence prevention. Statistics for substance abuse are not as available, but age of onset keeps dropping.

Nitrous Oxide is sometimes an abused/misused substance, and may be purchased without identification. The Committee will continue to keep alert of this product.

SART – Substance Abuse Roundtable IX ideas were shared, as follows: New faces of prevention, a program based on feedback from the Community Drug Education program, and mediation using proven tools.

Next Steps:

Processing of digital photos of youth.

Designing of posters.

Recruitment to the Committee by membership

Next Meeting: 7/30/03, 3:00, High Point, Crocker Building, 4 Court St.

Contact Person:

Phil Shea, 508-824-7224.

Greater Taunton Health & Human Services Coalition. 6/17/03, 9:00, A.H.S.

Discussion Highlights:

Emergency Task Force – Bridge House still has 2-3 bedrooms open. At the end of June, they may have a bed for a male. DHS has lost six staff, and will lose three part-time, seven full-time, in December. Fuel Assistance is finalizing pending applications. Red Cross has experienced cuts, and the Council on Aging has lost staff. Budget cuts affect the same people in need.

Legislative Advocacy – Job Source, and hopefully others, will send letters to elected officials expressing feelings about budget cuts to health and human services. Legislative advocacy will be a regular part of the Coalition’s agenda. Relationships with elected officials and their staff are important to develop throughout the year, and not just at budget time.

Sustainability – Coalition budget stands at $987.54, and includes received dues for fiscal year 2004.

Multicultural Committee Project – Chairperson Ryan has youth expressions on their ethnic group, collected from a health fair. This material has been collected in order to create a diversity booklet.

Childhood/Family Obesity – The Child and Family Focus Committee is working on a Harvard Pilgrim grant for $5,000, due July 18, 2003, to begin a project to promote healthy lifestyles. This will be done with a nutrition/activity newsletter in English, Portuguese and Spanish, to be distributed with the Advocate, and placed at various venues frequented by each ethnic group.

Announcements:

·         AHS Fundraisers – Associates for Human Services is selling calendars with daily raffles. They will also hold a Chicken BBQ, 8/22/03, at the PACC (Portuguese American Civic Club) on School Street, 5:30-8:30. Tickets are $10.00 for a half Willow Tree Chicken with sides, and meals may be split between family members. Music, Magic and Cash Bar.

·         Celebration of Parenthood will be held by WIC 8/1/03, from 10:00-Noon, at Liberty Union Park, on Main St.

Next Meeting9/16/03, 9:00, A.H.S.

Contact Person – Richard McMahon, 508-979-7160, x3010

Child and Family Focus Committee. 6/17/03, 10:15, A.H.S.

Discussion Highlights:

Grant Writing – The Harvard Pilgrim grant draft is complete, and is due 7/18/03. The Committee will finalize details via email meetings.

Data Resources – MassChip, US Census, Morton Hospital & Medical Center, and Citizens for Citizens statistics were used in writing the grant. Information on evaluating effectiveness may be found at www.cdc.gov/cvh

Next Steps:

Finalize the grant and budget

Contact CCBC for fiscal management

Contact potential translators in Portuguese and Spanish

Next Meeting9/16/03, 10:15, A.H.S.

Contact Person – Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822

Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium. 7/9/03, 9:00, Morton Hospital Café Annex

Discussion Highlights:
Walk Meeting was held 7/2/03, 10:30, 59 Broadway.
 
Legislative Breakfast – Approximately 22 attended. It is important for respondents to notify the Consortium if they 
are unable to attend after signing up. Morton Hospital and North Woods conference room were suggested as future 
venues, and a Continental Breakfast was also suggested.
 
New Members are needed for both the Consortium and the Consumer Advisory Board.
 
Lead Agency Report:
·         The Needs Assessment Report must be submitted by 50 individuals
·         Other reports are due by 7/1/03
·         Questions of the consolidation of Consortia was given – Plymouth Consortium may be dissolved
·         More budget cuts to HIV services are likely
·         Want ads for Case Manager have produced four resumes, and applications will be screened for office and 
consortium administrative assistant.
 
Consumer Advisory Board – The Recruitment Dinner was held 6/19/03, 5:30, at St. Thomas Church Hall. 
 
Nominating Committee met on 7/2/03.
 
Next Meeting: 8/13/03, 9:00, Morton Cafe Annex.
 
Contact Person:
Damar Aponte, 508-884-8264.

Safe Neighborhood Initiative. 6/25/03, 8:00, Department of Youth Services (DYS).

Discussion Highlights:

Criminal Justice Committee – The fast track list has 14 adults and 5 juveniles. Random drug testing continues. The Gang meeting had good attendance. Cheryl has transferred to New Bedford, and will be missed. Chris Hoeth will be the new committee chairperson.

Treatment and Prevention – There was much discussion on budget reductions. MassHealth Basic has been restored in the budget, and now goes to the Governor.

Education – Taunton Police Department will continue canine searches on September at both public and private schools.

Taunton Cares Due to budget reductions, Donna’s last day was June 16. Hopes are to find funding to continue programs in the Fall.

Abandoned Buildings – The lottery has been tentatively scheduled for 8/21/03. Contact Pro-Home for more information.

Youth Committee – Due to budget cuts, Taunton Reaching Youth (TRY) programs were eliminated as of 6/30/03.

Community Crisis Intervention Team – A second training will be scheduled in the Fall for surrounding towns. Positive responses were received from the last training.

Program Update – Budget reductions were discussed. Follow-up meetings will be held with Col. Gavigan of the Sheriffs Office, the District Attorney’s Office and EOHHS.

Next Meetings:

9/24/03, 8:00, B-P High School

Contact Person:

Bob Cammarata, 508-821-1420

Taunton Emergency Task Force.  6/3/03, 9:30, 15 Summer St..

Discussion Highlights:

Homelessness – Bridge House, and Transition Apartments are full. The Samaritan House averages 16-18 individuals. There have been many calls from homeless individuals seeking shelter. Applications for School Street Apartments are now available.

Fuel Fund/Emergency Services  - DHS emergency assistance for utility shut-offs is by agency referral only. Fuel assistance ended 5/15/03, but they will continue to follow-up on pending applications, and are still taking applications. Utility shutoffs by TMLP continue to increase. DHS, Citizens for Citizens, St. Vincent de Paul and Church at the Crossroads are collaborating to provide combined assistance to clients.

New Business:

·         Two 3-bed apartments are open on School Street. Bridge House expects to have a male bed open at the end of June.

·         DHS lost six staff, and expects to lose three more full-time and seven         part-time staff due to severe budget cuts. They continue to advocate for funding for Prescription Advantage and Methadone Treatment. They  thank St. Vincent de Paul for assisting with supplies.

Agency Sharing:

·         Our Daily Bread thanks the Post Office for their Canned Goods drive. Last month 2,652 pies were distributed.

·         St. Vincent de Paul notes an increase in people seeking help. The food pantry averages about 100 people on Wednesdays, and there has been more demand for utility, fuel, and rent shut-off assistance.

·         Citizens for Citizens thanks St. Vincent de Paul for bread donations. SMART program serves 10-15 participants monthly. Family Planning has been reduced and is closed one day per week. Food vouchers are still available through FEMA. DTA food referral calls on Friday afternoons have increased. CFC has difficulty handling the increase with limited staff.

·         Early Head Start – Applications are being accepted. On 8/22/03, 5:30-8:30, PACC, Associates for Human Services will hold a fundraiser Chicken Barbecue. Tickets are $10.

·         GTHHSC – Letter writing efforts are underway to seek support of area business leaders in advocacy to the Governor, legislature, and newspapers for developing new revenue streams to devastating impacts of budget cuts.

·         American Red Cross is updating hurricane shelters. They are now only able to assist with two nights of shelter after a fire, and a partial clothing donation.

·         Samaritan House thanks St. Vincent de Paul and food pantry for donations and Mary Beth Forshaw for assistance with referrals to Bridge House.

·         TEMA is building a website. A hurricane drill was held in Taunton. The agency is recruiting volunteers and providing education/training.

·         Church at the Crossroads – The food drive has been helpful. The demand for assistance has increased.

Next Meeting:

9/9/03, 9:30, TEMA Office

Contact Person:

Charlene Sanger, 508-821-1420

Did You Know That…?

Home Again Housing Program seeks to assist in the recovery of persons struggling with serious mental illness and/or 
addiction through the provision of housing, supports, and integrated mental health/substance abuse treatment. Its three main 
components include Bridge House, Smith House and Transitions Program. For more information, please call Mary Beth, CCBC,   
 508-821-3937, x1507.
 
Fundraiser - Associates for Human Services is selling calendars with daily raffles. 
They will also hold a Chicken BBQ, 8/22/03, at the PACC (Portuguese American Civic 
Club) on School Street, 5:30-8:30. Tickets are $10.00 for a half Willow Tree Chicken 
with sides, and meals may be split between family members. Music, Magic and Cash Bar. 
For information, call 508-880-0202.
 
Celebration of Parenthood will be held by WIC 8/1/03, from 10:00-Noon, at Liberty 
Union Park, on Main St.

 3rd Annual New England School of Prevention Studies will be held 7/20/03-7/24/03, Salve Regina University, Newport, Rhode Island. For information, please call        207-621-2549, neias@neias.org, or www.neias.org.

Booster Seat Law – AAA Southern New England filed a bill in the 2001-2002 Massachusetts legislative session that would have required booster seats through age seven, or up to 4’9”, whichever comes first. Despite passage by the House of Representatives, the bill received initial approval in the Senate, but died as the clock ran out on the session. AAA will refile the bill for 2003. If you agree that Massachusetts needs a booster seat law, contact your state representative, senator, and the governor at www.aaa.com, click on the Public & Government Affairs home page, or call Arthur Kinsman, 617-723-0890.

CAR-SAFE Help-line is a toll-free number serving Massachusetts residents who have questions about passenger safety. Please call DPH Injury Prevention and Control Program, 1-800-227-7233.