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December 2005

Attendees:  Annemarie Matulis (SEMA-VAV), Milly Burrows (AHS, Inc.), Jennifer Brown (New Hope), Deborah Brown (Taunton Schools), Barbara Clark (Kennedy-Donovan Center), Rosalie Kern (DSS); Regrets: Richard McMahon

Announcements:

Jen distributed New Hope’s “Save the Date” cards for their gala event, “Dancing for Our Stars,” Friday, March 31, 2006, Holiday Inn, Mansfield. Tickets are $75.00 each. On April 2nd, Big Brothers/Big Sisters is hosting a fundraiser, “Bowling for Kids’ Sake.” New Hope’s new Taunton transitional living director is Frances Houston. (Rosalie) DSS Roundtable is a learning opportunity for other agencies; recently lost the Regional Chair.

Old Business:

(1) Contact New Hope regarding returned emails (Lorraine). Jen stated that she’s not aware of any technical issues at NH but is aware that some have bounced back.

(2) Contact DPH regarding new Liaison for GATHER (Lorraine). Ongoing.

(3) Contact Rich McMahon regarding pros/cons of attaining 501c3 status for GATHER.

Annemarie & Rich made email contact & will try to get together in early Jan. before the next meeting.  As requested by her committee (SEMA-VAV), Annemarie did consult with an attorney & accountant about SEMA-VAV filing incorporation & 501c3 status & will move forward. The process is slow. The primary reason to make this change to allow SEMA-VAV to apply for more grants to support community outreach as well as provide clarity for tax returns.  SEMA-VAV remains a volunteer, grass roots committee, not a direct service provider.  The goal is to continue to support & partner with existing GATHER/GTHHS members.

(4) Theme for 2006.  “Early Intervention” was tossed around with the concern that it may be too restrictive. Everyone was encouraged to continue to discuss the theme via email/phone before the Jan. mtg. One suggestion was to hold a training session for GATHER/GTHHS members regarding the prenatal effects of DV.  Members stressed that we’re discussing community resources not direct services.

New Business:

(1) Increase in the GLBT violence, discrimination & lack of sensitivity.

School-based perspective is that, in fact, there is an increased participation & support at GSA, PFLAG. Need to identify places within the community where staff sensitivity training is needed, including municipal employees. Suggestions are welcome.

(2) The Stand & Serve Dating, Sexual and Family Violence Resource & Referral packet.

This is the resource handout from last month (Rosalie) that was available at the recent Jane Doe, Inc. training in Boston. Helpful information & stats.

(3) 2006 Taunton Health/Wellness Fair.

After 11 years, the THS Access Center will not host a wellness fair in March.  This has been an excellent opportunity to distribute information related to sexual assault awareness, domestic violence, bullying, etc.  The suggestion was made that GATHER DV step up & host a smaller version during that same time frame (last week in March), possibly at the high school.  The theme (for example, “Intervention & Prevention: A Gift of Hope”) could preview & focus on April’s events: National Sexual Assault Awareness Month & National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.  Participation from other GATHER/GTHHS members is welcome & encouraged. There are funds available from the DON grant money.

MVP trainings could be tied to the event, host the “Yellow Dress” play in the auditorium, have displays along the walls outside. Use HS resources to develop a video?  If we vote to do this, we need to move ahead immediately to secure the site, circulate flyers, set an agenda, etc.  Annemarie will coordinate but volunteers are welcome & needed.

Ongoing:

SEMA-VAV is planning to complete the Hope Garden at Triumph Head Start in the Spring. Volunteers & materials will be needed.  An invitation to participate will go out to businesses & organizations within the communities served by Head Start in late January.  SEMA-VAV is waiting to hear from the OVC regarding a grant request. Will submit another Verizon Wireless Hopeline Grant request in January to refill the Gift of Hope Action Kits.  Still collecting no-longer used cell phones as part of that project.

Other Business/Announcements:

(1) Dan LeBrun has reactivated his Pathways radio show as a public service to get the word out about local human services/community agencies.  If your committee/agency is interested in going on the show, contact Dan at 800-333-8000, 508-997-9353, or d.lebrun@easternbk.com.

(2) Annemarie received a request from Carmen Maldonado to help support an after-school program at the Boys & Girls Club (pencils, paper, books, etc.). SEMA-VAV has put funds aside to help.  Annemarie will get more details & also outreach the B&G Club regarding resource information/display for violence prevention.

(3) Annemarie would like to pursue ways to cooperate & interact more with the Substance Abuse Committee.

Save the date!

April – National Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April 23-29, 2006 – National Crime Victims’ Rights Week: “Victims’ Rights: Strength in Unity”

October 2nd, 2006 – National Day of Unity Candle Light Vigil/Clothesline Project Display

October 28th, 2006 – National Make a Difference Day

Next Steps:

Letter to THS requesting space for a 2006 Wellness Fair focused on DV/SA, etc. (Annemarie)

Confirm theme for 2006 (committee)

April’s events (committee)

Determine location of committee meetings for 2006 (committee)

Next Meeting:

GATHER DV/VP: 01/19/06 (3rd Thursday of the Month), 3:30 to 5:00 PM, Mass Info Tech, 9 Taunton Green, rear.

Contact Person:

Annemarie Matulis, 508-922-7278 cell

amatulis@tmlp.com or matulisannie@msn.com