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THE ADVOCATE

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

Volume XV, No.10                                                                                                                                                                              October 2005

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
 

   Ending violence must begin at home, and we are all responsible to break the silence and take a stand against violence. This is not about political parties, nor is it about race or religion, economic status, gender or age.  Violence is an equal opportunity problem and it’s only a matter of time before it touches each of us. This October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, events are planned around which we can all come together in unity to break the silence that violence in any form – verbal, emotional, physical, sexual – and toward any person, is unacceptable.

   “Gift of Hope” Action Kits are available upon request. These contain videos from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) related to abuse and violent crime (and solutions), informational materials about local resources, purple ribbons, the ribbon stickers, etc.   If you would like to order one, please contact Annemarie Matulis at 508-824-3227 & leave a voice message.

   Saturday, 10/22/05 is National Make a Difference Day.  This year's project is A Gift of Hope for All Ages. The entire community is invited to celebrate a Gift of Hope by moving on to Phase II of the landscaping beautification project at Triumph Head Start, Gordon Owen Riverway, off Dean St/Route 44, in Taunton.

   Phase I began on last year's Make a Difference Day with the planting of 1400 spring bulbs. Everyone is welcome and landscaping specialists are especially needed to guide us.

   Is your family, business, church group, school, organization, etc. interested in "adopting" a shrub, contributing landscape materials, labor, a section to clean up?  We challenge you to sign up, let us know what your contribution is and, if possible, come dressed with some identifying element (company tee-shirts, special hats, team shirts...be creative!).  Let's make a difference and have fun doing it!

   A secondary aspect of A Gift of Hope for All Ages will be to collect as many used cell phones as possible during Make a Difference Day to give to the Verizon Wireless HopeLine Fund.  The Hopeline Fund supports both direct service providers and grassroots groups who are dedicated to domestic violence awareness.

   For information or to volunteer, please contact Annemarie at 508-824-3227 or email matulisannie@msn.com.

 
October 30, 2005 – 2:00 am
Don’t forget to change your smoke detector batteries  
and your clock!
 
 

October GTHHSC Networking Meeting:

10/18/05, 9:00, Associates for Human Services, 68 Allison Rd.

 

 

Over 40 Individuals Attend GTHHSC/GATHER
Annual Meeting

   On Tuesday morning, September 20, 2005, 41 individuals from the Greater Taunton/Greater Attleboro area came together to celebrate the accomplishments of both the Greater Taunton Health & Human Services Coalition and the Greater Attleboro/Taunton Health & Education Response.

   Representatives from each committee presented the committee’s focus, accomplishments, future plans, and invitations to participate by attending meetings. (See page 5 for the first in a series of annual committee reports) The following were represented:

·         Domestic Violence/Violence Prevention -Reducing domestic, relationship and other violence, including family and partner violence, dating violence, bullying, other assault – Chairperson Annemarie Matulis

·         Substance Abuse Committee - Alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention & treatment, misuse of prescription medicines, Project YELL, Project Alert – Chairperson, Phil Shea

·         Child & Family Focus Committee - Accidental injury prevention, obesity prevention – Lorraine Rosa

·         Community Health & Wellness - Pregnancy prevention, cardiovascular disease, perinatal care, tobacco reduction/lung cancer – Dori Bingham

·         Steering CommitteeDPH Representative Donalda Silva and Deb Brown, Taunton Public Schools

   Keynote speaker Gary Marino of Generation Excel inspired attendees with encouragement to “Follow Your Dreams with Passion and Determination: The Million Calorie March”, because, according to Gary, “Life is NOT a box of chocolates!” In April of 2004, as healthcare experts called for a massive national campaign to battle America’s obesity epidemic, Gary headed out on a 1200 mile walk from Florida to Boston, walking 10-15 miles per day, to champion their cause. He arrived in Boston 80 days later.

   Attendees were inspired by Gary’s story of his 20-year addition to food. Before losing 150 pounds, his weight topped 397 pounds. He decided to fix what was broken rather than failing at a quick-fix solution to the problem, and hired a nutritionist, fitness trainer, sports medicine doctor and therapist. And Gary walked. And he walked. And he is keeping the weight off, enjoying his new life.

   Human service providers in the Greater Attleboro/Greater Taunton area also follow their dreams and visions with passion and determination, as they continue to pursue a healthier community for all residents through their hard work and dedication. Once such individual, Dan LeBrun, Development Director of New Hope, and co-chairperson of GATHER’s Domestic Violence/Violence Prevention Committee, (pictured with Deb Brown, Taunton Public Schools and Richard McMahon, New Center for Legal Advocacy and GTHHSC Chairperson) was honored with an award for his 25 years of leadership in human services.

   Would you like to become active in your Community Health Network Area (CHNA)? All you need to do is contact Lorraine Rosa, GATHER/GTHHSC Coordinator at 508-823-4822, for more information. See you at the next meeting!

     This month's Advocate was published by Lorraine Rosa, Coordinator, with funds from SAMHSA, GATHER MRI and GTHHSC dues. “The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and/or contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. To submit an article, announcement or other information, email mcaprosa@hotmail.com, or call 508-823-4822 by October 25, 2005. You may also access copies of The Advocate at www.oocities.org/gathercoalition.  ♫

 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
(From The American Cancer Society)

   Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer among American women, excluding skin cancer, and accounts for 30% of all cancers in women. In 2005, an estimated 211,240 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States and approximately 40,410 women will die from the disease. 

   Although there is currently no way to eliminate all risk of breast cancer, a woman can reduce certain modifiable risk factors by

v      Being physically active

v      Consuming a healthful diet

v      Reducing alcohol intake

v      Maintaining a healthy body weight

v      Not smoking

   The American Cancer Society’s guidelines for early detection of breast cancer are:

v      Yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. Women age 40 or older, with no health insurance or insurance that does not cover mammograms, may receive a free mammogram through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. For information on free mammograms, call      1-800-ACS-2345.

v      Clinical Breast Exam should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s, and every year for women 40 and older.

v      Breast Self Exam is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider.

v      Women at increased risk (e.g., family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests (i.e., breast ultrasound and MRI), or having more frequent exams.

   For more information about local resources and support programs regarding breast cancer, in multiple languages, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Did You Know That…?

Events

Local Media Relations to Promote Public Health (Intermediate Level) will be held 10/07/05, 9:30–3:45, at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel. $20, scholarships available. (Call Susan Downey, 617-451-0049 x516) For information or registration, log on to www.tmfnet.org/partnership or call 617-423-4337 x500.

The South Region MassHealth Technical Forum, highlighting Medicare Part D, will be held 10/12/05, 9-1, at the Taunton Holiday Inn. Preregister with Jessica Aviles at 508-856-4306.

Perinatal Connections: Strategy to Address Maternal Depression and Related Mental Health Issues will be held 10/20/05, 8am-4pm, at College of Holy Cross, Worcester. Contact Eileen at 617-624-5971.

Portuguese Community Health Fair will be held at PACC on School St., 10/20/05 from 4-6 p.m. for the Portuguese community. To set up a table, call Terri Sullivan at 508-828-7054.

Voices for Healthier Lifestyles, the Massachusetts health disparities summit, will be held 10/21/05, 9:30-3:30, at the Sheraton Hotel, Framingham. Contact Adcare to register at 508-752-7313.

 “A Night of Illusion II” – The Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium presents a theatrical performance premiering female impersonators on 10/22/05, 6:30pm-11:30pm at the Columbia Cultural Center in Taunton. $25 per person includes Italian buffet dinner and show. For tickets/information contact Monica at 508-884-8264.

School Wellness Policies Forum - Collaboration=Success! Communities and Schools Working Together for Wellness will be held on 10/25/05, 8:15 am, at the Crowne Plaza in Worcester. By MA Partnership for Healthy Weight and New England Coalition for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Register at 617-624-5492.

Developing Effective School Drug Policies & Examining the Issues of Student Drug Testing, sponsored by the Regional Centers for Healthy Communities, will be held 10/25/05, 9:30-3:30, at the Worcester Holiday Inn. $55: light breakfast and lunch included. Please register through the Northeast Center for Healthy Communities, 978-688-2323.

The GTHHSC/GATHER Community Health Education and Wellness Committee kick off meeting will be held in the Morton Hospital Cafeteria Annex, 10/26/05 at 8 a.m

 

Substance Abuse

Drug Courts Success - A new study reveals that only 17% of graduates of Georgia's drug treatment courts are convicted of further crimes, compared to the national recidivism rate of 48% among those who go through traditional courts. See www.jointogether.org/sa/action/dt/news/reader/0%2C2812%2C577623%2C00.html

2006 Drug Court Planning Initiative are being accepted by the Office of Justice Programs' Bureau of Justice Assistance and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention DCPI assists jurisdictions develop adult, juvenile, family, and tribal drug court programs. To participate in DCPI training sessions, each interested jurisdiction must submit an application by 10/16/05. http://www.dcpi.ncjrs.org/dcpi_online_appl.html

New Mexico Requires Ignition Locks for DUI Offenders - First-time drunk-driving offenders in New Mexico will be required to install ignition-interlock devices in their cars to prevent them from driving under the influence of alcohol again. Most other states only mandate the use of the devices -- which require drivers to blow into a breath-alcohol testing device in order to start their car -- for repeat offenders. Congress also is getting more involved, threatening to hold back federal highway funds from states that don't crack down on repeat drunk-driving offenders, including requiring ignition interlocks and license suspensions. Ignition interlocks are legal in 43 states and the District of Columbia, and more states are mandating their use. For more information, see www.jointogether.org/y/0,2521,577560,00.html?U=163901

Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator position is available for coordination of the daily operation of a SAMHSA funded Drug Free Communities Grant. Contact Karen Hall, 781-341-2252, or KHall@Stoughton-MA.gov

Physical Activity/Nutrition

A Nation at Risk: Obesity in the US Statistical Sourcebook shows how prevalent obesity has become and examines the factors that contribute to the patterns of unhealthy eating and insufficient physical activity that are at the heart of the epidemic. It is a collaborative effort of the American Heart Association and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and intended for use by media, policymakers, health professionals, school officials, and others in raising public awareness about obesity and getting information into the hands of those who will act on it. See www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1114880987205NationAtRisk.pdf

UMass ONE Source has online nutrition and food safety courses and workshops for K-12 Teachers, day care providers, nutritionists and dietitians, health educators, college students, foodservice staff, and other health and social service professionals. Learners can gain nutrition and food safety expertise at their own pace, at any time of day or night. Using the latest technology for group discussions, audiovisual streaming, and question/answer feedback, participants interact with their peers, the instructor, and a question/answer database for communication and feedback. Links to related Web sites are available for each course and seminar. See http://www.umassone.net/

Violence Prevention

Assistance to Rape Victims – “It Happened to Alexa Foundation” assists rape victims who reside in the U.S., and who are about to testify in the criminal trial with financial assistance 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). Financial assistance covers transportation to and from trial, meals (average of $30 per day) and lodging in the trial city. All expenses must be verified with receipts. Call 716-754-9105
or see www.ithappenedtoalexa.org/

Healthcare

Medical Interpreters Program  (54 hour course) provided by the Area Health Education Center of SE MA, in partnership with the UMass Medical School Health Access Program, and the Division of Medical Assistance, will be held 11/2/05-12/19/05 (Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 – 9 PM, and Saturdays 11/19, 12/3, and 12/10) You must attend the orientation session and pass the admission assessment to participate in the course on Wednesday, 10/26/05, 6:00PM–9:00PM, at Charlton Memorial Hospital, Mooney Conference Room A. $45 for materials. Languages: Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, Spanish, Khmer Contact Jane Dickey 
at 508-583-2250 ext. 211

 

Domestic violence/violence prevention committee

 

This Committee focuses on

·        Domestic violence prevention and awareness for all ages, infants to the elderly

·        Bullying issues & teen date violence

·        Sexual assault

 

Accomplishments:-

·        Welcomed a new partner – the all-volunteer Southeastern Massachusetts Voices Against Violence (SEMA-VAV)

·        Adopted a year-round events calendar to raise awareness about DV & available resources that created a closer partnership between GATHER DV, SEMA-VAV & New Hope, Inc.

·        Invested in online training for abuse & those with disabilities for 2 members

·        Annually participate in a candle light vigil to commemorate the NCADV.org’s National Day of Unity (3 years)

·        Annually participate in National Crime Victim’s Rights Week events, 2004/2005. (In 2004, SEMA-VAV was awarded a $3500 grant from the Office for Victims of Crime).

·        Purchased “campaign” style posters for use during events

·        Partner & support “A Gift of Hope” Action Kits (made possible, in part, by 2 Verizon Wireless HopeLine Grants awarded to SEMA-VAV, 2004/2005)

·        Partner & participate in violence awareness actions on National Make a Difference Day (4th Saturday in October), 2003, 2004 & 2005.

 

Where We’re Going

·        Continue to outreach designated communities

·        Host workshops on early intervention (violence prevention)

·        Address abuse & violence among the elderly

·        No Bullying project

·        Teen date violence workshops

·        Interact & collaborate with sister committees

 

Meetings: 3rd Thursday of the month, 3:30, New Hope, 10 Taunton Green

 

Chairperson: Annemarie Matulis, 508-824-3227 or 508-922-7278

 

 

 

UPCOMING AREA MEETINGS

Oct. 3

National Day of Unity (Domestic Violence). Clothesline Project at First Parish Church in the afternoon. Ceremony at 6pm on Taunton Green, followed by candle light vigil at sunset (6:45-7:30)

Oct 12, 9:00

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

Oct. 12, 3:30

GATHER/GTHHSC Substance Abuse Committee. 18 Broadway, 2nd Floor.

Oct. 14, 5:00

Associates for Human Services Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser. St. Joseph’s in Dighton. Seniors and children $5; Adults $7. For information or tickets, please call AHS at 508-880-0202.

Oct. 18, 9:00

GTHHSC Networking Meeting. Associates for Human Services, 68 Allison Rd.

Oct. 18, 10:15

GTHHSC Child & Family Focus Committee. A.H.S., 68 Allison Rd.

Oct. 19, 8:00

Substance Abuse Round Table XI. Holiday Inn, Taunton. By Invitation Only.

Oct. 20, 3:30

GATHER Domestic Violence Committee. New Hope Office, 39 Taunton Green

Oct. 20, 4:00

PACC (Portuguese American Civic Club) Health Fair. 175 School St., Taunton

Oct. 22, 6:30

A Night of Illusion II. Columbia Cultural Center. $25 for dinner and show

Oct. 26, 8:00

GTHHSC/GATHER Community Health Education and Wellness Committee. Morton Hospital Cafeteria Annex

Oct. 26, 8:00

Safe Neighborhood Initiative. Fairfax Gardens Community Center.

Nov. 1, 9:30

Taunton Emergency Task Force. 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall.

Nov. 18, 7:00pm

New Hope Gourmet Guys Fundraiser. Attleboro Elks Lodge, Route 152 in Attleboro.

 

COALITION/COMMITTEE MINUTES & REPORTS

 

GATHER Domestic Violence, Violence Prevention. 9/15/05, 3:30 New Hope, 39 Taunton Green

Announcements:

·         Dan LeBrun will finish his time at New Hope at the end of September. Jamie Crossman will assume his position. He has served the DV community at New Hope for 10 years. Best wishes and thank you, Dan. You will be greatly missed!

·         Associates for Human Services Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser will be held 10/14/05 at St. Joseph’s in Dighton. Seniors and children $5; Adults $7. For information or tickets, please call AHS at 508-880-0202.

·         New Hope Gourmet Guys Fundraiser will be held Friday, 11/18/05, 7:00 pm, at the Attleboro Elks Lodge, Route 152 in Attleboro.

·         GATHER Steering Committee met 9/14/05. So far, 41 have signed up for the Annual Meeting next Tuesday. The Committee also discussed the addition of Community Health and Wellness as a GATHER Committee, an updated coalition chart, the Attleboro / Taunton relationship, and committee marketing and outreach.

·         Videos Reviewed include “Breaking Peace: Babies Have Their Say About Domestic Violence” (an unborn child’s perspective) and “Through My Eyes” (Children who have witnessed violence)

Community Outreach - Norton and Middleboro Public libraries, Associates for Human Services and others are interested in receiving display materials to raise awareness of DV issues and the National Day of Unity on 10/3/05. Other possibilities include area media, Taunton High School Bridgewater State and Stonehill Colleges. Self-stick ribbons as well as purple ribbon stickers will be distributed throughout the vigil & other DV Awareness events in October.  The embroidered ribbons will also be offered to area business staff for wearing during DV Awareness month as well as in anticipation of the National Day of Unity.

Cell Phones – Old cell phones will be collected at the vigil and throughout October for DV victims emergency use.

National Day of Unity 10/3/05 Agenda

·         Clothesline Project3:00-6:00pm, First Parish Church, across from Taunton City Hall.

·         Candlelight Vigil of Hope – 6:00-7:15pm, Taunton Green. The fountain will be fitted with purple bulbs for the event. A tape of ringing church bells will be played every 15 seconds.

·         Church Bell Ringing – 7:15-7:30pm. All churches and congregations are asked to ring their bells for 15 minutes to honor all who have died in violence as well as to celebrate those who have survived. 

Mentors in Violence Prevention – Student skits address the issue of bystander involvement in diffusing potentially violent situations. The presentations will be offered for high school English classes, to enhance a literature unit, such as “Romeo and Juliet”, while giving the message of the empowered bystander’s role.

Next Steps:

Outreach community to generate support for & participation at the candle light vigil

Invite churches to ring bells for the vigil

Invite libraries to set up informational displays about DV, child abuse, etc. for the month of October

Next Meetings:

GATHER DV/VP: 10/20/05 (3rd Thursday of the Month), 3:30, New Hope, 39 Taunton Green

Contact Person: Annemarie Matulis, 508-824-3227 or     508-922-7278 cell

GATHER/GTHHSC Substance Abuse Committee.  9/21/05, 3:00, Probation

Discussion Highlights:

GATHER/GTHHSC Annual Meeting Update – See page 2.

Substance Abuse Round Table XI – Schools will send teams to be seated with other individuals from their geographic location. Panels composed of state and local agencies will present. The grant covers 125 participants. Peer leaders will do a resource table, handle microphones, collect team evaluations and notes.  

Project TEAMS is wrapping up Project Alert. The 5 week parent program consists of 2-3 hour sessions.

Project YELL fiscal year ends at the end of next week, before the change in funding agencies takes place.

Chairpersons – Two individuals volunteered to co-chair the committee: Arlene Dickinson and Lorraine Rosa.

Drug Testing Seminar – Avitar presented a panel discussion of the many pros and cons of student drug testing. It was presented as a nice tool that can’t exist in a vacuum. Also needed are staff and programs for youth, as well as addressing perception. It can only be used in the case of extracurricular activities.

Next Meeting: 10/12/05, 3:30, Probation, 18 Broadway.

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

Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium.  9/14/05, 9:00, Morton Hospital

Healthy Relationships Curriculum will be held 10/15 & 10/16 in Taunton

HIV/AIDS Service Coordination Collaborative meeting was held 9/21/05. Funding of local consortia was disbanded, with consortia now regional. Taunton is now included with Brockton, Plymouth and Quincy. Meetings are 4 times per year, Health Care of Southeastern MA is lead agency, and Marisa Howard-Karp is Program Director. Goals are as follows:

·         Improve referral networks and build referral capacity

·         Identify and address gaps and barriers, and improve delivery of services in the area HIV service system

·         Support consumers in moving from one service to another as needed

·         25% consumer involvement. Stipends will be available for attendance, transportation and childcare.

Case Managers attended a training September 27 & 28.

Embassy House Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Brockton will create an advisory board to help conceive the design of their new HIV/AIDS Unit.

“A Night of Illusion II” – The theatrical performance premiering female impersonators will be held on 10/22/05, 6:30pm-11:30pm at the Columbia Cultural Center in Taunton. $25 per person includes Italian buffet dinner and show. Tickets are selling quickly. For tickets/information contact Monica at 508-884-8264.

Drug Interactions – STATSCRIPT Pharmacy has provided information concerning drug interactions between HIV drugs and street drugs.

YMCA Passes fee is due. Cost for 2 is $402. All were in favor of paying the fee, as the pass is used often.

Department of Human Services is developing a fuel assistance information handout. HIV/AIDS clients were encouraged to speak with their case managers regarding submitting medical information to utility companies to avoid shut-off. FEMA allotment for emergency rental/mortgage assistance was received.

Next Meeting: 10/12/05, 9:00, Morton Hospital Café Annex.

Contact Person: Richard McMahon, 508-979-7160, 3010.

Safe Neighborhood Initiative.  9/28/05, 8:00, Fairfax Gardens Community Center

Discussion Highlights:

Criminal Justice Committee – The October meeting TBA.

Crisis Intervention Team - Taunton CIT trainers presented at the American Probation and Parole Summer Training in NYC on 7/25/05. About 30 attended. Next local training will be 11/1/05 – 11/3/05. There is still space available. 

Treatment and Prevention Committee

·         Substance Abuse Round Table (SART) XI will be held 10/19/05 as a follow-up to last meeting. 

·         Community Drug Education to be scheduled. 

·         Taunton SAMSHA grant was not refunded.  The coalition needs to expand to include representatives from business and parents.  Alternate funding is sought, with new application in 2006. Other communities have responded with the development of a new coalition 

Education Committee - Bristol Plymouth and THS will collaborate on crisis protocols.  BP will review and update Crisis Response Plan.  THS will conduct first lockdown and review evacuation plan. 

Program Update - Department of Human Services received an FY 06 Jobs for Youth grant and will rehire four youth from last year. Sites will include Fairfax Gardens, Boys & Girls Club and City Solicitor’s Office.  They also received a grant to hire an SNI Program Assistant who will work to resume Neighborhood Watch Programs.

Taunton Police Department (TPD) Computer System is now capable of producing statistical reports of individual areas.  High crime areas and the TPD response were also discussed, along with the upcoming homeless issue.

The Boys & Girls Club and the Taunton Housing Authority (THA) are proactive in involving youth in Club and site programming.  Bus passes are available to all middle school students as well as designated site.  THA informed the group that the Club was instrumental in decreasing youth issues in the summer. 

The Executive Office of Public Safety (EOPS) Youth Court grant was not funded.   

GTHHSC and GATHER held a joint annual meeting. Over 40 attended.  (See page 2 

The National Day of Unity will be held on 10/3/05. 

Next Meeting: 10/26/05, 8:00am, Fairfax Gardens.

Contact Person: Robert Cammarata, 508-821-1420

Taunton Emergency Task Force. 9/13/05, 9:30, TEMA Office, 15 Summer St.

Discussion Highlights:

Homeless is a growing problem, and needs are expected to increase this winter:

·         St. Vincent DePaul reports a 25% increase

·         Our Daily Bread soup kitchen serves on average 150, with many new faces.

Support includes

·         Mayor’s fundraiser donated $3,000 to the soup kitchen, $600 for Samaritan House

·         Winter outreach items were given to the soup kitchen for distribution

·         Clergy association will meet to discuss homelessness concerns.

Meeting increased needs:

·         Cape Cod’s reported shelter system of utilizing alternating church sites

·         Floating insurance policy to cover such churches

·         Fundraising to cover costs

Challenges:

·         Chronically homeless individuals often denied help offered

·         Committee members are unable to devote the necessary time to do outreac

Fuel Fund/Emergency Services – The program starts on 11/1/05. There are no increases in fuel assistance, and oil has increased at least $1 per gallon. More requests for assistance are expected in January & February. Recently there have been many requests for fuel and utility assistance. There is currently a hold on task force fuel requests. Citizens for Citizens has used up FEMA money, but has Project Bread money for food vouchers. Water shutoffs are expected to start soon. A letter will be sent to the United Way Community Impact Committee with recommendations about addressing emergency needs.

Family Self-Sufficiency Program will use the ETF as the supportive committee, and be a regular agenda item. Memoranda of understanding and agency information forms were distributed.

Taunton Career Center Job Fair is 10/6/05, 9am-3pm.

Agency Sharing:

·         Our Daily Bread is installing a chair lift

·         St. Vincent de Paul serves 10-15 new families per week, with 1700 served over the past month. Several agencies assisted with families affected by hurricane Katrina.

·         Citizens for Citizens is out of FEMA money in August, for the first time. New applications for fuel assistance are being taken.

·         Early Head Start/Associates for Human Services Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser will be held 10/14/05, 5:00, at St. Joseph’s in Dighton.

·         Triumph Head Start still has openings for income eligible children.

·         Department of Human Services has rent/FEMA money

·         American Red Cross and TEMA had a hurricane preparation training at Freedman School on 9/20/05, at 7pm.

Next Meeting: 11/1/05, 9:30, TEMA Office, 15 Summer St., City Hall

Contact Person: Millie Burrows, 508-880-0202