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The David H. Mulligan Center for Health Promotion Spring 2004 Training Calendar is now available.

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Previous Issues of The Advocate:  | May 2004 | April 2004 | March 2004 | February 2004 | January 2004 | December 2003 | October 2003 | September 2003 | July/August 2003 | May/June 2003 | April 2003 | March 2003 | February 2003 | January 2003 | December 2002 | November 2002 | October 2002 | September 2002 | April 2002 | March 2002 | February 2002 | January 2002 | December 2001 | November 2001 | September 2001 | July/August 2001 | April 2001 |

Inside This Issue:

v      Articles, p.1, 2

v      Funding Resources, p.2

v      Did You Know That…, p. 3

v      Meeting Minutes, p. 4-7

v      Calendar, p. 7

 

THE ADVOCATE

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

Volume XIV, No.6                                                                                                                                                                           June 2004

2004 National Make a Difference Day Project:

A Gift of Hope

(An Invitation to Lead the Way)

   Southeastern Massachusetts Voices Against Violence (SEMA-VAV) believes that prevention through accurate information and early intervention must be a priority. Please help us share the message of hope – that violence in any form is unacceptable and that there is life beyond the violence.

   SEMA-VAV is hosting a Kick-Off Rally/Press Conference for October 2004’s National Domestic Violence Awareness Month/National Make a Difference Day (10/23/04) volunteer campaign - A Gift of Hope, on Monday, 6/21/04, 6:00 pm, at Mass Info Tech, 9 Taunton Green, Taunton, MA.

   Please join us to sign the 2004 Add My Voice! Register. Last year, we collected 900 signatures; this year, the sky’s the limit. Unlike 2003, the 2004 Add My Voice! action is only one of several volunteer projects SEMA-VAV will unveil on 6/21/04, and coordinate for 2004. In the spirit of National Make a Difference Day, our goal is to enlist and motivate residents of Taunton and throughout Bristol County to step up and help make a difference in someone else’s life.

   The recipients of these gifts of hope will be domestic violence and/or crime survivors, as well as others in need of support.  As in 2003, we anticipate participation and support from GATHER’s Domestic Violence Committee (SEMA-VAV is a member) and New Hope, Inc.  However, we also hope a much larger cross-section of the entire community, including GATHER/GTHHSC members, will “add their voices.”  Your participation at this kick-off rally will demonstrate unity and help us achieve this goal.

   SEMA-VAV has begun outreach to local and state officials, business and community leaders and others to better coordinate October’s events from the National Day of Unity candle light vigil on 10/4/04, to the volunteer projects and informational presentations throughout the month leading up to National Make a Difference Day, 10/23/04.  It would be awesome to see this work recognized among the top ten in the U.S. next April (which results in a $10,000 grant). 

   There are those who believe that ending violence begins at home. This is an equal opportunity problem and it’s growing.   One voice can make a difference, and many voices can bring about change in actions and attitudes. 

   Please…join us on June 21st.  To prepare press kits, we do ask for an R.S.V.P. via e-mail to matulisannie@msn.com, or call (508) 824-3227 voice mail.  -

GTHHSC June Meeting

6/15/04, 9:00, Associates for Human Services, 29 Broadway, 3rd Floor

Health and Human Service Providers Focus Group follows at 10:30-12:00

FINANCIAL HELP FOR SURVIVORS AND THEIR PARENTS

   The “It Happened to Alexa” Foundation helps support survivors and parents through the trauma of the criminal trial in the hopes that more women will go through with prosecution in order to put these perpetrators behind bars. Rape victims who reside in the U.S., and who are about to testify in the criminal trial are eligible to apply for financial assistance up to $3,000 to cover the expenses of a support person or persons who will accompany the rape/sexual assault victim to court. (The district attorney's office typically covers the cost for a rape survivor to return to the jurisdiction for a criminal trial).

   Qualified support persons are parents, guardians, other family members or close friends of the survivor. The trial venue must be over 60 miles from the residence of the support persons in order to qualify.

   Financial assistance covers: Transportation to and from trial, meals and lodging. Expenses are verified with receipts. Application should be submitted after an indictment is made and a trial date has been set. The victim should complete the application form, and have the district attorney fill out and sign their section. For information and an application form, see http://www.ithappenedtoalexa.org/, and click on Application.♣

 

FUNDING RESOURCES

Category

Amount

Deadline

Applicant

Contact

Technology

Purevisual Non-profit design resource

 

$10,000 value.

 

6/28/04

 

Free website design or redesign to New England direct service non-profits with 10 or fewer employees

 

http://purevisual.com/award

Women and Children

The WHO Foundation: Women Helping Others

Varies

9/14/04

Organizations serving women and/or children. Specific projects and programs addressing health, education and social service needs are their priority.

http://whofoundation.org/WHO_Funding.htm

Physical Activity/Youth

Finish Line Youth Foundation

Varies

Quarterly

Athletic and wellness for youth 18 and under. 

http://www.finishline.com/store/corporate_info

/youthfoundation.jsp

Housing

HUD

Individual awards vary. Estimated total is $50 million.

7/13/04

Governments undertaking programs for the identification and control of lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned rental and owner-occupied housing units.  

202-708-0667 ext4336

Criminal Justice

Soros Justice Fellowships

TBA

9/22/04

Reducing the nation's over-reliance on policies of punishment and incarceration, restoring discretion and fairness to the U.S. criminal justice system, and encouraging the successful reentry and reintegration of former prisoners.

www.soros.org/initiatives/justice/focus_areas/

justice_fellows/guidelines

HIV/Substance Abuse

Department of Health and Human Services

$100,000 anticipated per award

7/12/04

Family support services for grandparents and other relatives providing caregiving for children of substance abusing and/or HIV-Positive women.

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html

 

Did You Know That…?

Community Outreach Specialist positions have been posted by the Bureau of Family and Community Health, Women’s Health Network on www.mass.gov/dph. Click on the Employment link, non-contract (state) positions.

Charities May Not Engage In Political Campaign Activities – Organizations described in section 501 (C) (3) of the Code that are exempt from federal income tax are prohibited from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office. These cannot endorse any candidates, make donations to their campaigns, engage in fund raising, distribute statements, or become involved in any other activities that may be beneficial or detrimental to any candidate.

Nearly 9 Out of 10 Children Who Drowned Were Being Supervised, according to new research by the National SAFE KIDS Campaign and Johnson & Johnson. “Adults need to actively supervise children around water. This means watching and listening at all times and staying close enough to intervene in an emergency,” say Dr. Eichelberger, CEO of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign.

Arbour Fuller Hospital is offering Contemporary Treatments for Schizophrenia: Clubhouses, Social Skills Training and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy”, 6/23/04, 12:00-1:30, in the auditorium at 200 May St., S. Attleboro. For physicians, psychologists, social workers, nurse clinicians, mental health counselors and other healthcare providers. $15. Call Jeanette Austin at Pembroke Hospital, 781-762-7764, x162 to pre-register.

Exploring the Dynamics of Diversity in Working to End Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Conference is sponsored by Jane Doe, Inc., The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. It will be held 6/22/04, 8:30-4:30, at the Holiday Inn, 500 Lincoln St., Worcester. $70 per non-member. Preregistration. For information, call 617-557-1829.

Social Security Starter Kits make applying for disability easier. Call 800-772-1213 for a copy, or access it online at www.socialsecirity.gov/disability/

An Opportunity for Learning and Effecting Positive Change runs from September 2004 – June 2005. It includes monthly trainings and educational clinics, technical assistance, coaching, and mentoring opportunities. Community teams must apply by 7/15/04 at www.tmfnet.org/partnership, or call 617-451-0049. Teams: $3,500; Individuals: $750. Scholarships are available.

Conversations About Women’s Hearts and Minds will be held 6/24/04, 5:15-7:30 pm, at Dorothy Quincy Suite, John 
Hancock Hall, Boston. Registration at 781-235-3750.
 
Safety Tips to Prevent Window Falls include watching children closely, keeping all closed windows locked, moving all 
furniture including beds away from windows, opening windows from the top instead of the bottom, and putting quick-r
elease type window guards (found in most hardware stores) in your windows. Screens don’t protect children from falling 
out of windows; they just let the air in and keep bugs out.
 
Suicide is the fourth-leading cause of death among children aged 7-17, according to a new study by the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Justice. More information at 
http://www.jointogether.org/y/0,2521,570900,00.html?U=137307

Massachusetts Community Health Worker Network (MACHW) statewide meeting will be held 6/17/04, 10:00-12:00, at the Hoagland-Pincus Conference Center, 100 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury. For information, call 508-791-5893, or access their website at www.mphaweb.org/pol_comm.html

4th Annual New England School of Prevention Studies will be held July 25-29, at Salve Regina University in Newport. For information: www.neias.org  Or call 207-621-2547.

 

This month’s Advocate was published by Lorraine Rosa, Coordinator, with funds from GATHER MRI and GTHHSC dues. It is also funded by grant number #2003 NDFX0022, of the Office of the National The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and managed by The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) (SC#6). “The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ONDCP, OJJDP or the US Department of Justice” To submit an article, announcement or other information, please call  (508) 823-4822, fax 508-822-1388, or write to GTHHSC, P.O.Box 2894, Taunton, MA. 02780, by June 30, 2004. H

COALITION/COMMITTEE MINUTES 

GATHER Domestic Violence, Violence Prevention. 5/20/04, 3:30, A.H.S.

Discussion Highlights:

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week was April 18-24. Materials such as videos, trifolds, informational brochures and catalogues were shared with the Committee.

Hairdressers’ Project – The national hairdressers’ project, “Cut it Out”, conducts state wide domestic violence awareness trainings for hairdressers in collaboration with National Cosmetology and Clairol. The conveners commitment includes a guarantee of 6 venues, with 500 participants. They recommended that Jane Doe or GATHER coordinate and identify DV trainers for a statewide Training of Trainers (TOT), outline the process and responsibilities for the trainings, then have the trainings. Trainings could be a venue for the distribution of “Cut it Out” and GATHER information, and could be offered in the fall. “Cut it Out” handouts are found at www.cutitout.org. Centralizing activities such as these would be more appropriate for Jane Doe, as they do legislative advocacy, and help member agencies receive state funding. A commitment this large would take this Committee away from the population served and their needs.

June 21, 2004 Kick Off Event for Make a Difference Day/DV and Sexual Assault Prevention Awareness and Volunteerism campaign will be held at 9 Taunton Green. Mayors, District Attorneys, high school students, public officials and a filmmaker were invited. The Candlelight Vigil will be held in October.

DV/Violence Prevention Grant Ideas:

Ø      A “Turning Point” type pre-perpetrator prevention program at schools for potentially violent or self-violent individuals is needed. Data such as mediation and access center data may support this. A comprehensive proposal would include healthy relationships and a pre-victim portion. Possible funding sources include Target, Verizon, Office of Victims of Crime, United Way, Bernie and Phil’s and Marshall’s. Application to Faculty Jeans Day funding could supply transportation and food for the program.

Ø      A Parent/Child Fun Event in conjunction with the 9/25/04 Morton Hospital & Medical Center Galleria Mall Health Fair featuring entertainment such as the Toe Jam Puppet Band or a dance group can provide information from MSPCC, DSS, Healthy Families, Young Children’s Programs, Families 1st and Families Foreword. There may be groups that do violence prevention performances. “Kids on the Block” puppets and scripts may be used.

Ø      A play such as Carousel has a DV plot, and could be performed with a post play panel discussion. A grant could pay for tickets for adults who might benefit from the play and discussion, and to bus seniors to the performance. A local grocery store may provide refreshments or discounts on refreshments. Voices Against Violence’s “Gift of Hope” could provide childcare for people attending the play. Also, projects that tie in to National Make a Difference Day allow possible receipt of in kind donations.

Budget Cuts/Needs:

Ø      Rape Crisis Center

Ø      Child Abuse Prevention Programs

Ø      Family Support Services

Ø      Child Assault Prevention (CAP) trainings for classrooms

Ø      Training people to do programs in schools

Ø      Bullying prevention in grades 5 and 6

Next Steps:

Contact Jane Doe’s Toni Troop about GATHER’s Hairdresser Project and a statewide “Cut it Out”. (Lorraine)

Write a Target Grant to address DV issues. (Annemarie, Anne)

Contact the MSPCC to be part of a family event on 9/25/04. (Millie)

Next Meetings:

Domestic Violence/Violence Prevention Committee: 6/17/04, 3:30, A.H.S.

Bristol County Domestic Violence Round Table: 6/15/04, 2:30, SMLAC, 22 Bedford St., Fall River

Contact Person:

Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822

 

GATHER/GTHHSC Substance Abuse Committee. 5/19/04, 3:00, High Point.

Discussion Highlights:

Heroin RFR – The Committee will not apply for this funding, but wishes to look at the prevention science behind opiate addiction and develop a plan for the heroin problem in the community. Should a future grant be released, attendance at the bidders conference is essential. Heroin can become a gateway drug because of the cost reduction, and perception of harm when sniffed instead of injected. Primary prevention prevents the abuse from beginning, and relapse prevention involves prevention of future abuse.

Southcoast Drug Taskforce has joined Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton in the effort to prevent heroin and other drug abuse. A Taunton Police officer currently attends. Fall River and New Bedford have created a “White Paper”, and invited Taunton to join. The Taskforce provides a feel for what’s going on in Southeastern Massachusetts.

YELL has recently held a Youth In Action Training. Work continues on preparing for high school surveys this fall, coalition building and amendments to next year’s proposal.

Proposed Project: Juvenile Diversion – High Point has juvenile diversion projects in New Bedford and Plymouth, and Essex County does also. The Justice Resource Institute has contracts to provide these services to courts.

Community Drug Education – First Offenders classes will be held June 1, 8, and 15, 5:45-7:15 pm, at the Probation Department in Taunton.

Next Steps:

Invite Kevin Stanton to do a September presentation on heroin treatment, resources, strategies, best practices, data and trends. (Lorraine)

Continue to look for funding for Opiates prevention (Committee)

Contact the Southcoast Drug Taskforce for timelines and meeting notification (Lorraine)

Update the Southcoast Drug Taskforce “White Paper” with Taunton information, and send to Committee for input. (Lorraine)

Contact Mayor Nunes about the Southcoast Drug Taskforce, and our willingness to work with them. (Phil)

Attend Environmental Strategies Training on 6/7/04, at the Worcester Holiday Inn (Lorraine)

Set up a meeting with Taunton police officers who do a cable TV program (Kathy)

Next Meeting:

6/23/04, 3:00, High Point Treatment, 4 Court St., Taunton.

Contact Person: Phil Shea, 508-824-7224.

 

GTHHSC Monthly Meeting. 5/18/04, 9:00, A.H.S.

Discussion Highlights:

Friedman Project Correction & Update - The 14-week nutrition program for 7th and 8th graders has been funded by Morton Hospital and Medical Center and the YMCA, not by the Bristol County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, as previously reported. Surveys have been taken. Many students were found to be significantly overweight. Letters will be sent home. The program begins June 1st at the Friedman School, then at the YMCA for the summer. The program consists of an hour of physical activity, and an hour of hands on nutrition activities. Interns are needed to implement the nutrition portion for this 12-week pilot project.

Budget is up to $1947.49. Thank you for remitting your dues. GATHER will receive the last MRI check for $5,000. Determination of Need money will also become available.

Substance Abuse Committee is looking at partnership with Attleboro and Taunton for an adolescent 1st offenders program. The Committee has seen an increase in participation from Attleboro agencies. Youth Endorsing Legal Lifestyles (YELL) has applied for the next year of funding. Surveys will be taken in the Middleboro School system early next school year. MADD did a Youth in Action Training, and Taunton High School sent students to a Youth Summit. Students made recommendations at the state house. Deb Brown and 4 students have received the National MADD Scholarship to present a workshop and do “Drug Jeopardy” in St. Louis, July 16-19.

Presentation: Valerie Calais, Arbor-Fuller Hospital – is an 82-bed psychiatric facility located in South Attleboro. Services include

Ø      Adult Psychiatry Unit for patients 18 and over with psychiatric disorders.

Ø      Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program for psychiatric and substance abuse presentations. Also for 18+.

Ø      Adolescent Services for ages 10+. This very structured program is based on a rewards level system, and has an educational component.

Ø      Developmental Disabilities Program is very structured and is work oriented.

Ø      Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a cognitive-behavioral treatment that balances validation and acceptance with change, growth and empowerment. It teaches a new skill set.

A pediatric unit is located at Pembroke. Phone number for centralized intake is               800-652-5222. Their website is www.arborhealth.com.

Next Meeting: 6/15/04, 9:00, A.H.S., 29 Broadway, 3rd floor.

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

 

Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium. 5/12/04, 9:00 a.m., Morton Café Annex.

Discussion Highlights:

Boston EMA Ryan White Title I HIV Planning Council is looking for members.

Lead Agency Report:

Ø      Email Addresses will make sending minutes and information quicker.

Ø      Evaluation of Services Meeting – Attendees shared ideas at the April meeting.

Ø      Site Visit was done by the MDPH contract manager.

Elections:

Ø      Chair: Richard McMahon

Ø      Co-Chair: Sister Margaret Louise Ouellette

Ø      Treasurer: Bill Madden

Ø      Secretary: Monica Antunes

Fundraiser Ideas are being gathered. One suggestion was to have a dinner show in October.

Adult Family Care offers an alternative to persons with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers. The person must be under a physician’s care and need assistance with one or more activities of daily living. They must also be eligible to receive benefits under MassHealth. Service area is Greater Fall River, New Bedford, Attleboro, Taunton and all adjacent towns.

Next Meeting: 7/14/04, 9:00, Morton Hospital Café Annex.

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

 

Safe Neighborhood Initiative. 5/26/04, 8:00 a.m., Fairfax Gardens Community Center

Discussion Highlights:

Criminal Justice Committee – 13 individuals are on fast-track. The Committee discussed the recent attacks at Shaw’s Markets, gangs, juvenile issues, and restraining order violations.

Community Crisis Intervention Team held a training on May 4, 5 and 6, at the Galleria Mall. The Taunton Police Department was invited to conduct a workshop on crisis intervention at the New England Community Police Crime Prevention Partnership. Four CCIT members attended a national conference in Maine and presented CCIT.

Treatment and Prevention – The Community Drug Education series for first time offenders was held 6/1, 8 and 15. The OJJDP program continues, and concerns were raised about heroin use in the area.

Community Crisis Spiritual Response Team – Clergy are having IDs taken. A mock drill will be held in the fall.

Education Committee attended a Treatment Assessment Conference.

Program Update – The Attorney General’s Office presented the Department of Human Services with a Certificate of Recognition for the Jobs for Youth Program.

Discussions have occurred between DHS, Taunton Police Department (TPD) and Taunton Housing Authority (THA) about summer programming at THA sites. Chief O’Berg is attempting to provide more police presence at SNI neighborhood.

Next Meeting: 6/30/04, 8:00, Fairfax Gardens, Taunton.

Contact Person: Robert Cammarata, 508-821-1420

 

Taunton Emergency Task Force. 6/1/04, 9:30 a.m., TEMA Office

Discussion Highlights:

Fuel Fund/Emergency Services – Daily, approximately 40 people experience fuel shut-offs.  A recurrent problem is failure to stick with payment plans, and budgeting problems. www.visionappraisal.com lists ownership of all city properties.

Our Daily Bread is planning next year’s 20th anniversary.

St. Vincent de Paul saw a 20% increase in needs. A new resource was identified to assist  the battered women’s shelter.

Citizens for Citizens - FEMA food vouchers are still available.

Early Head Start/Associates for Human Services will move into their new building later this summer.

Department of Human Services budget is level-funded. A dental screening for elders grant has been written. Taunton Council on aging is now online. DHS received an award for their work in Jobs for Youth.

American Red Cross – Fire victims can obtain a gift certificate to replace glasses lost in a fire through the Vision Service Plan.

United Way is completing the first phase of the Community Needs Assessment Process. This summer, focus groups and direct client surveys will take place. Completion date is 10/15/04.

Next Meeting: 9/14/04, 9:30, TEMA Office.

Contact Person: Millie Burrows, 508-880-0202

 

UPCOMING AREA MEETINGS

 

June 14-20

National Men’s Health Week.

 

June 15, 9:00

GTHHSC Monthly Meeting. Associates for Human Services, 29 Broadway, 3rd floor.

 

June 15, 10:30

Health & Human Service Providers Focus Group. Associates for Human Services, 29 Broadway, 3rd floor.

 

June 16, 2:30

Domestic Violence Round Table. Southeastern MA Legal Assistance Corp, 22 Bedford St., FR

June 17, 1:30

GATRA Consumer Advisory Committee. ARC, 10 Cordage Park, Suite 208, Plymouth.

 

June 17, 3:30

GATHER Domestic Violence Committee. Associates for Human Services, 29 Broadway.

 

June 22, 8:30

Exploring the Dynamics of Diversity in Working to End Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. Holiday Inn, 500 Lincoln St., Worcester. $70 per non-member. Call 617-557-1829.

 

June 23, 3:00

GATHER/GTHHSC Substance Abuse Committee. High Point, 4 Court St.

 

June 30, 8:00

Safe Neighborhood Initiative. Fairfax Gardens Community Room.

 

July 14, 9:00

Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium. Morton Café Annex. CAB meeting follows.

 

Sept. 14, 9:30

Taunton Emergency Task Force. TEMA Office, City Hall.